Lupride Depot, Leuprolide Acetate 11.25 mg

Lupride Depot 11.25 mg contains Leuprolide Acetate, a synthetic analog of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). It is a long-acting formulation designed to suppress the production of sex hormones—testosterone in men and estrogen in women—by desensitizing the pituitary gland.

Uses / Indications

Lupride Depot is indicated for:

• Prostate Cancer: Palliative treatment of advanced or metastatic prostate cancer.

• Endometriosis: Management of pain and reduction of endometriotic lesions.

• Uterine Fibroids: Preoperative improvement of anemia caused by uterine fibroids.

• Central Precocious Puberty (CPP): Treatment of children with early-onset puberty.

• Breast Cancer: Used in women with hormone-responsive breast cancer.

Mechanism of Action

• Initial Stimulation: Causes an initial transient increase in luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).

• Hormonal Suppression: Continuous administration leads to down-regulation of GnRH receptors.

• Result: This reduces testosterone to castrate levels in males and estrogen to postmenopausal levels in females.

Dosage & Administration

• Typical Dose: One 11.25 mg injection every 3 months (12 weeks).

• Administration: Must be administered by a healthcare professional.

• Site: Injected into the muscle (gluteal, thigh, or shoulder) or under the skin.

• ⚠️ Strict adherence to the 12-week schedule is critical for maintaining therapeutic hormone suppression.

Side Effects

• Common: Hot flashes, increased sweating, fatigue, headache, and injection site pain.

• Men: Decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and testicular shrinkage.

• Women: Vaginal dryness, mood swings, and temporary cessation of menstrual periods (amenorrhea).

• Serious: Risk of bone mineral density loss (osteoporosis) with long-term use and potential for tumor flare during the initial weeks of treatment.

Precautions & Warnings

• Pregnancy: Highly unsafe; it can cause fetal harm or pregnancy loss.

• Bone Health: Long-term use may weaken bones; calcium and Vitamin D supplements are often recommended.

• Mental Health: May worsen depression or cause mood changes; inform your doctor of any history of mental illness.

• Heart Health: May cause QT interval prolongation or increase the risk of heart-related issues.

Drug Interactions

• Diabetes Medications: May require adjustment as leuprolide can increase blood sugar levels.

• QT-Prolonging Drugs: Caution is advised when used with other drugs that affect heart rhythm.

• Birth Control: It may reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives; use non-hormonal methods.

Storage Instructions

• Temperature: Store at controlled room temperature below 25°C or as specified (some versions require refrigeration).

• Shelf Life: Typically 24 months.

• Post-Reconstitution: Should be injected immediately; discard if not used within 2 hours.

Key Highlights

• 3-Month Dosing: Provides extended hormonal suppression with fewer injections.

• Hormone Control: Proven to lower testosterone/estrogen to target therapeutic levels.

• Trusted Manufacturer: Produced by Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.

• Reversible: Effects on the hormonal axis are typically reversible upon discontinuation.