What Is Lupron?

Lupron (Leuprolide Acetate) is a GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone) agonist manufactured by AbbVie. It is used to treat advanced prostate cancer, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and central precocious puberty in children. Lupron works by suppressing the body's production of sex hormones — testosterone in men and estrogen in women. It is administered as an injection, either in a healthcare provider's office (Lupron Depot) or as a daily self-administered subcutaneous injection.

How does Lupron work?

Lupron is a synthetic GnRH receptor superagonist. After an initial brief stimulation of GnRH receptors, continuous administration causes downregulation and desensitization of GnRH receptors in the pituitary gland. This suppresses the secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which in turn dramatically decreases the production of testosterone in men and estrogen in women. This hormonal suppression is sometimes called medical castration and is the basis for its effectiveness in hormone-sensitive cancers and conditions like endometriosis.

What doses are available for Lupron?

• Lupron Depot 3.75 mg — 1-month injection for endometriosis and uterine fibroids
• Lupron Depot 7.5 mg — 1-month injection for prostate cancer
• Lupron Depot 11.25 mg — 3-month injection for endometriosis and uterine fibroids
• Lupron Depot 22.5 mg — 3-month injection for prostate cancer
• Lupron Depot 30 mg — 4-month injection for prostate cancer
• Lupron Depot 45 mg — 6-month injection for prostate cancer
• Lupron Depot-PED 7.5 mg, 11.25 mg, 15 mg — 1-month injection for central precocious puberty
• Lupron Depot-PED 11.25 mg, 30 mg — 3-month injection for central precocious puberty
• Leuprolide Acetate 1 mg/0.2 mL — daily subcutaneous injection

How hard is it to find Lupron in stock?

Lupron has a findability score of 40 out of 100, meaning it can be quite difficult to locate in stock. Lupron Depot has experienced recurring shortages since 2020 due to manufacturing and supply constraints at AbbVie. While supply has stabilized somewhat, intermittent availability issues persist for certain strengths depending on your region and distributor. Specialty pharmacies and provider offices are your best bet for finding current stock. Medfinder can help you locate Lupron availability near you.

Who Can Prescribe Lupron?

Lupron is typically prescribed by specialists including urologists, medical oncologists, gynecologists and OB-GYNs, reproductive endocrinologists, pediatric endocrinologists, and fertility specialists. Because Lupron Depot is usually administered in a clinical setting, your prescribing doctor's office often handles both the prescription and the injection.

Is Lupron a controlled substance?

No, Lupron is not a controlled substance and has no DEA scheduling. It is a prescription-only medication but does not carry the restrictions associated with controlled substances.

Common Side Effects of Lupron

• Hot flashes and flushes
• Headache
• Injection site reactions (pain, redness, bruising)
• Fatigue
• Mood changes and depression
• Decreased libido
• Joint and muscle pain
• Nausea
• Weight gain
• Insomnia
• Vaginal dryness (in women)
• Erectile dysfunction (in men)
• Bone pain during initial treatment (tumor flare)

Serious side effects can include cardiovascular events, QT prolongation, bone density loss with long-term use, seizures (rare), and anaphylaxis. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience chest pain, difficulty breathing, or severe allergic reactions.

Alternative Medications to Lupron

• Eligard (Leuprolide Acetate) — Same active ingredient delivered subcutaneously instead of intramuscularly, available in 1-, 3-, 4-, and 6-month formulations for prostate cancer.
• Zoladex (Goserelin Acetate) — GnRH agonist implant for prostate cancer, breast cancer, and endometriosis, available as 1-month and 3-month implants.
• Trelstar (Triptorelin Pamoate) — GnRH agonist injection for advanced prostate cancer in 1-, 3-, and 6-month formulations.
• Orgovyx (Relugolix) — The only oral GnRH antagonist for advanced prostate cancer, taken as a daily 120 mg tablet with faster testosterone recovery after stopping.

Drug Interactions with Lupron

• QT-prolonging drugs (antiarrhythmics, certain antibiotics, antipsychotics) — increased risk of dangerous heart rhythm changes when combined with Lupron.
• Diabetes medications (Metformin, insulin) — Lupron may increase blood glucose levels, requiring dose adjustments.
• Anticonvulsants — potential interaction affecting seizure threshold.
• Hormonal contraceptives — opposing mechanisms may reduce effectiveness of both medications.
• Drugs affecting pituitary gonadotropin secretion — may reduce Lupron's efficacy.

Always inform your healthcare provider of all medications you are taking before starting Lupron.

Final Thoughts on Lupron

Lupron is a widely used and effective GnRH agonist for treating prostate cancer, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and central precocious puberty. However, with a findability score of 40 out of 100, it can be challenging to locate in stock due to ongoing supply constraints. The high cash price of $1,850 to $5,500+ per injection makes insurance coverage or patient assistance programs essential for most patients. AbbVie offers savings cards for commercially insured patients (as low as $10 copay) and the myAbbVie Assist program for uninsured or underinsured patients. If you're having trouble finding Lupron, use Medfinder to check real-time availability at pharmacies near you.