🔹 1. Basic Information
Generic name: Leuprolide acetate
Brand name: Lucrin Depot 11.25
Drug class: Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) agonist
Formulation: Lyophilised microspheres for injection (with sterile diluent)
Strength: 11.25 mg leuprolide acetate per vial (given every 3 months)
Mechanism of Action:
Acts as a GnRH agonist → initially stimulates, then suppresses pituitary gonadotropin secretion → reduces sex hormone levels (testosterone in men, estrogen in women).
🔹 2. Indications
Men:
Prostate cancer
Women:
Endometriosis.
Uterine fibroids.
Breast cancer (hormone-sensitive).
🔹 3. Dosing & Administration
Dose: 11.25 mg every 3 months (IM or subcutaneous injection).
Route: Intramuscular or subcutaneous (administered by qualified healthcare professional).
Duration: Continue as prescribed; therapy effects are reversible upon discontinuation.
Duration varies as per risk: Typically, low risk doesn't get Lucrin, while intermediate and high risk patients can get 4 to 8 cycles (this may vary)
Note: Not self-administered.
Overdose: Managed by healthcare professional.
🔹 4. Dose Modifications
No dose reductions specified.
Temporary discontinuation may be considered for significant adverse effects.
Therapy effects reverse after withdrawal.
🔹 5. Co-medications / Interactions
No significant drug interactions expected.
Always inform healthcare provider of all other medications (including complementary or traditional).
Caution with drugs that prolong QT interval.
🔹 6. Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to GnRH, GnRH analogues, or any component.
Undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
🔹 7. Monitoring Requirements
Pregnancy status: Exclude before use.
Cardiac: Monitor in patients with risk factors or on QT-prolonging drugs.
Psychiatric: Monitor for mood changes or depression.
General: Observe for allergic reactions or unusual bleeding.
🔹 8. Side Effects & Management
Serious (seek immediate care):
Swelling of face/lips/throat, difficulty breathing, rash, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, jaundice, fainting, severe weakness, heavy bleeding.
Common / Frequent:
Hot flushes, mood swings, depression, headache, dizziness, nausea, joint/back pain, fatigue, injection site pain, increased sweating, weight changes, decreased libido.
Less Frequent:
Appetite changes, diarrhoea, vomiting, rash, insomnia, muscle pain, anxiety, urinary problems, pelvic pain, skin reactions.
Psychiatric:
Possible emotional disturbances — irritability, restlessness, aggression, crying.
Note: Some symptoms (e.g., hot flushes, decreased libido) are due to hormonal suppression.
🔹 9. Use in Special Populations
Pregnancy: Contraindicated.
Breastfeeding: Contraindicated.
Fertility: Reversible hormone suppression post-treatment.
Driving/Machinery: May cause drowsiness; caution advised.
Elderly: Commonly used for prostate cancer; no dose adjustment required.
Paediatrics: Not established.
| Generic Name | Leuprolide Acetate |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | GnRH Agonist |
| Cost | |
| Company | |
|---|---|
| Drug Rep | Admin |
| Indications | Prostate Cancer |
| Dosage |