Treatment with Lupron Depot
Preparing for surgery with Lupron Depot
Your doctor may recommend Lupron Depot along with an iron supplement for up to three months prior to surgery to help improve anemia that can result from excessive bleeding due to fibroids. The use of Lupron Depot may reduce or stop the bleeding by decreasing your body’s production of certain hormones. In this section, you’ll learn about Lupron Depot, why it’s used before fibroid surgery, and what you can expect during Lupron Depot therapy.
Please see Important Safety Information you should know about Lupron Depot and discuss it with your doctor.
Please see the full Prescribing Information for Lupron Depot.
Lupron Depot, what it is and why it is used
Lupron Depot belongs to a class of drugs called gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa). Lupron Depot is a synthetic version of naturally occurring GnRH. In combination with iron, Lupron Depot is used before surgery to help improve anemia that can result from excessive bleeding due to fibroids.
Lupron Depot is not a method of birth control. Even though you may not have periods, unprotected intercourse could result in pregnancy. You should use nonhormonal birth control such as condoms, a diaphragm with contraceptive jelly, or an IUD to prevent pregnancy. If you think you have become pregnant while on Lupron Depot, talk to your doctor immediately.
Lupron Depot, when used in combination with iron, may help improve some parts of your total blood count if you develop anemia due to uterine fibroids. Your doctor may give you Lupron Depot and an iron supplement for up to 3 months before fibroid surgery.
As an alternative, your doctor may decide to
treat you with iron therapy alone for one month
to manage your anemia
Lupron Depot clinical test results
In one clinical study of Lupron Depot with iron supplement, patients
had their anemia monitored for
Clinical tests of Lupron Depot –3 Month 11.25 mg with iron for 3 months have shown the following results:
- Excessive vaginal bleeding decreased in 80% of the patients at
3 months. Episodes of spotting and menstrual-like bleeding were noticed in 16% of the patients at their final visit.7 - In 60% of these patients, the volume of the uterus decreased by at least 25% by the end of the study.7
- In 54% of these patients, the volume of the fibroid decreased by at least 25% by the end of the study.7
- Relief from symptoms of bloating, pelvic pain and pressure were also reported at the end of the study.
Lupron Depot only has an effect while you are on therapy. Once your therapy ends, your menstrual cycle will resume, generally within
Use and Important Safety Information You Should Know About Lupron Depot® (leuprolide acetate for depot suspension)
Use
LUPRON DEPOT® (leuprolide acetate for depot suspension) 3.75 mg and
Important Safety Information
Do not take LUPRON DEPOT if you are or may become pregnant, are breast-feeding, have undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, or if you have experienced any type of allergic reaction to LUPRON DEPOT or similar drugs.
Thinning of the bones may occur during therapy with LUPRON DEPOT, which may not be completely reversible in some patients. Since some conditions may increase the possibility of bone thinning, you should tell your doctor if you smoke, use alcohol in excess, have a family history of osteoporosis (thinning of the bones with fractures), or are taking other medications that can cause thinning of the bones.
After beginning LUPRON DEPOT, your estrogen levels will increase for 1 or 2 weeks. During this time, you may notice an increase in your current symptoms. You should notify your doctor if you develop any new or worsened symptoms after beginning LUPRON DEPOT treatment.
LUPRON DEPOT is not a method of birth control. Even though you may not have periods, unprotected intercourse could result in pregnancy. You should use non-hormonal birth control such as condoms, a diaphragm with contraceptive jelly, or an IUD to prevent pregnancy. If you think you have become pregnant while on LUPRON DEPOT, talk to your doctor immediately.
There is a possibility of the development or worsening of depression and/or the occurrence of forgetfulness. Patients who have a history of depression should be carefully observed during treatment.
The most common side effects of LUPRON DEPOT include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, headaches, changes in mood, decreased interest in sex, depression, and/or the occurrence of forgetfulness.
LUPRON DEPOT must be administered in your doctor’s office.
This is the most important information to know about LUPRON DEPOT. For more information, talk with your health care provider.
201-338701
