What to expect during Lupron Depot therapy

Lupron Depot^® works by decreasing the amount of estrogen that your ovaries produce. Estrogen produced in the ovaries affects a woman's menstrual cycle. When menstruation starts, fibroids may also bleed, which, if excessive, can lead to anemia. Lupron Depot lowers levels of estrogen, which may help stop fibroids from bleeding.

As a result of lower estrogen levels, during Lupon Depot therapy you may experience symptoms such as hot flashes, headaches, and vaginal dryness. These side effects should disappear and your estrogen level should gradually return to normal after you have finished your course of treatment with Lupron Depot.

It's important to let your doctor know about any symptoms that you have during your treatment with Lupron Depot. This will help your doctor better monitor your progress.

Other side effects

A small amount of bone mineral density loss (average 2.7% at month 3) may also occur during therapy, but this may be partially or completely recovered after you stop taking Lupron Depot.

Some women may have a light period or spotting during Lupron Depot therapy, but most will stop menstruating after the second month of treatment. Periods usually return two months after the treatment stops. If you don't get your period within three months after stopping Lupron Depot therapy, talk to your doctor.

Pregnancy while on Lupron Depot

It is possible for you to become pregnant while on Lupron Depot, and pregnancy during treatment is not advised. If you are sexually active, it is important that you use a nonhormonal contraceptive (such as a diaphragm or condom) as a preventative measure. If you think you are pregnant during your Lupron Depot therapy, tell your doctor immediately.

Sticking to your appointment schedule

You'll get Lupron Depot injections at your doctor's office, so the dosage form selected will determine how many visits you'll need to make. At those appointments, your doctor can monitor your progress and discuss your questions and concerns.

If you receive monthly injections, it is very important that you keep up with your Lupron Depot injection schedule. Missing the next injection by a couple of days shouldn't disrupt the overall benefits of the treatment, but sticking to the schedule is a key part of your therapy. Patients missing successive doses may experience breakthrough bleeding or ovulation.

Use our email Appointment Reminder, designed to support you during your treatment by helping you remember each of your doctor visits.

For further information on Lupron Depot therapy, please visit our Product Information page to read Patient Product Information, as well as complete Prescribing Information. If you have further questions, please talk to your doctor.