What Is Lupron?

Lupron (Leuprolide Acetate) is a prescription injectable medication that belongs to a class of drugs called GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone) agonists. It works by suppressing the body's production of sex hormones — testosterone in men and estrogen in women.

Lupron is manufactured by AbbVie Inc. and is most commonly available as Lupron Depot, a long-acting injection given in a doctor's office. It is one of the most widely prescribed hormone-suppressing medications in the United States, used for conditions ranging from prostate cancer to endometriosis.

For a detailed explanation of how this medication works at the biological level, see our guide on how Lupron works.

What Is Lupron Used For?

Lupron is FDA-approved for four main conditions:

1. Advanced Prostate Cancer

This is the most common use. Lupron Depot suppresses testosterone to very low levels ("castrate levels"), which slows the growth of testosterone-sensitive prostate cancer. It is used as palliative treatment for advanced disease and is available in 1-month, 3-month, 4-month, and 6-month injection formulations.

2. Endometriosis

For women with endometriosis, Lupron Depot (3.75 mg monthly or 11.25 mg every 3 months) suppresses estrogen, which shrinks endometrial tissue and reduces pain. Treatment is typically limited to 6 months due to bone density concerns, though "add-back" therapy with low-dose hormones can allow extended use.

3. Uterine Fibroids

Lupron can shrink uterine fibroids before surgery by lowering estrogen levels. It's used as a preoperative treatment to reduce fibroid size and improve anemia caused by heavy bleeding. Treatment usually lasts 3-6 months.

4. Central Precocious Puberty (CPP)

Lupron Depot-PED is approved for children who begin puberty too early (before age 8 in girls, age 9 in boys). It pauses puberty by suppressing the hormones that trigger it, allowing the child to grow at a normal pace.

Off-Label Uses

Lupron is also used off-label for IVF protocols (daily subcutaneous injection), gender-affirming puberty suppression, premenopausal breast cancer, and certain ovarian conditions.

How Is Lupron Taken?

Lupron is not a pill — it must be injected. There are two main forms:

Lupron Depot (Long-Acting Injection)

This is the most common form. A healthcare provider gives you an intramuscular (IM) injection in their office on a set schedule:

• 3.75 mg — every month (endometriosis, fibroids)
• 7.5 mg — every month (prostate cancer)
• 11.25 mg — every 3 months (endometriosis, fibroids)
• 22.5 mg — every 3 months (prostate cancer)
• 30 mg — every 4 months (prostate cancer)
• 45 mg — every 6 months (prostate cancer)

Lupron Depot-PED for children comes in 7.5 mg, 11.25 mg, 15 mg (monthly) and 11.25 mg, 30 mg (3-month) options.

Daily Lupron (Subcutaneous Injection)

A 1 mg/day subcutaneous injection is used in IVF and fertility protocols. This version can be self-administered at home and is available in generic form.

Who Should Not Take Lupron?

Lupron is not safe for everyone. You should not use it if you:

• Are pregnant or may become pregnant — Lupron is Category X and can cause fetal harm or miscarriage.
• Are breastfeeding
• Have a known allergy to GnRH agonists or any ingredient in Lupron
• Have undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding

Use with caution if you have a history of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, seizures, or osteoporosis. Your doctor should review your full medical history before prescribing Lupron. Learn more about Lupron side effects and risks.

How Much Does Lupron Cost?

Lupron Depot is one of the most expensive commonly prescribed injectable medications:

• Lupron Depot 3.75 mg (1-month) — approximately $2,200-$2,400
• Lupron Depot 7.5 mg (1-month) — approximately $2,200
• Lupron Depot 22.5 mg (3-month) — approximately $4,500-$5,000
• Lupron Depot 45 mg (6-month) — approximately $5,500+

These are cash prices. Most patients don't pay the full amount because insurance typically covers Lupron, though prior authorization is usually required.

Ways to save:

• AbbVie Savings Card — Commercially insured patients may pay as little as $10 per injection. Call 1-855-587-7663 or visit luprongyn.com.
• myAbbVie Assist — Free Lupron for qualifying uninsured patients. Call 1-800-222-6885.
• Generic daily Lupron — The daily SC injection is available in generic form starting around $89 per vial.

For a full breakdown of savings options, read our guide on how to save money on Lupron.

Final Thoughts

Lupron is a well-established medication that has been used for decades to treat hormone-sensitive conditions. It's highly effective but comes with notable side effects and a high price tag. If you've been prescribed Lupron, make sure you understand your treatment plan, insurance coverage, and available savings programs.

If you're having trouble finding Lupron in stock, MedFinder can help you locate a pharmacy near you that has it available. And if you need help finding a prescribing doctor, check out our provider-finding guide.