Lupron Depot (leuprolide acetate) is a prescription drug used to treat advanced prostate cancer and other conditions. The drug is given as an injection into a muscle. The dosage you’re prescribed will depend on certain factors.
Lupron Depot is used to treat:
- advanced prostate cancer in adults
- endometriosis in adults and certain children
- anemia caused by uterine fibroids in adults and certain children
Lupron Depot-Ped is used to treat central precocious puberty in certain children.
The active ingredient in Lupron Depot is leuprolide acetate. It belongs to a group of drugs called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists.
This article describes the dosages of Lupron Depot, as well as its strengths and how it’s given. To learn more about the drug, see this in-depth Lupron Depot article.
This section describes the usual dosages of Lupron Depot. Keep reading to learn more.
What is Lupron Depot’s form?
Lupron Depot comes as a prefilled syringe with two chambers. One chamber contains the active ingredient (leuprolide acetate) in powder form and the other chamber contains a liquid solution. They’re mixed just before your doctor or another healthcare professional gives the drug as an injection into a muscle.
What strengths does Lupron Depot come in?
Lupron Depot comes in the following strengths: 3.75 milligrams (mg), 7.5 mg, 11.25 mg, 22.5 mg, 30 mg, and 45 mg.
Lupron Depot-Ped comes in strengths of: 7.5 mg, 11.25 mg, 15 mg, 30 mg, and 45 mg.
What are the usual dosages of Lupron Depot for adults?
Your doctor will likely start you on the recommended dosage of Lupron Depot based on factors such as the condition it’s being used to treat.
The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. In some cases, your doctor may adjust your dosage from those shown below.
Dosage for advanced prostate cancer
Lupron Depot is used to treat advanced prostate cancer in adults. Your dosage depends on the strength and dosing schedule your doctor recommends for you.
Recommend Lupron Depot dosages include:
| Lupron Depot dose | 7.5 mg | 22.5 mg | 30 mg | 45 mg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recommended dosing schedule | once every 4 weeks | once every 12 weeks | once every 16 weeks | once every 24 weeks |
If you have questions about your dosage or dosing schedule, talk with your doctor.
Dosage for endometriosis
For the treatment of endometriosis, your Lupron Depot dosage will either be 3.75 mg or 11.25 mg.
If your doctor prescribes a strength of 3.75 mg, you’ll receive doses once per month for up to 6 months. If your doctor prescribes the 11.25-mg strength, you’ll receive doses every 3 months for up to 6 months.
For this initial round of treatment, your doctor may prescribe Lupron Depot alone or with norethindrone (a progestin hormone). Combining norethindrone and Lupron Depot can lower the risk of certain side effects that can occur when receiving Lupron Depot for endometriosis.
If your endometriosis symptoms come back after initial treatment with either strength of Lupron Depot, your doctor may prescribe the drug for up to 6 more months. For this second round of treatment, Lupron Depot is always prescribed along with norethindrone.
For more information about Lupron Depot’s use for endometriosis, talk with your doctor.
Dosage for uterine fibroids
Lupron Depot is used to treat anemia caused by uterine fibroids. For this use, Lupron Depot is prescribed in a strength of either 3.75 or 11.25. It’s used along with iron therapy.
If your doctor prescribes a strength of 3.75 mg, you’ll receive one dose once per month for up to 3 months.
If your doctor prescribes a strength of 11.25 mg, you’ll receive a single dose of Lupron Depot, which provides 3 months of treatment.
If you have questions about your dosage of Lupron Depot for uterine fibroids, talk with your doctor.
What’s the dosage of Lupron Depot for children?
Lupron Depot-Ped is used to help treat central precocious puberty in children ages 1 year and older. For this use, the drug may be given every 1, 3, or 6 months. Your child’s doctor will determine the dosage and dosing schedule that’s right for your child.
The dosing schedules for Lupron Depot-Ped is as follows:
Once-monthly dosage: If your child receives Lupron Depot-Ped once per month, the starting dosage is based on their body weight in kilograms (kg). One kg equals about 2.2 pounds (lb).
| Body weight in kg | Once-monthly dosage |
|---|---|
| 25 kg or less | 7.5 mg |
| more than 25 kg up to 37.5 kg | 11.25 mg |
| more than 37.5 kg | 15 mg |
Your child’s dosage may be adjusted during their treatment based on any changes in body weight. Their doctor may also increase their dosage if the starting dosage isn’t working to treat their condition.
3-month dosage: If your child’s doctor recommends a 3-month dosing schedule, the dosage is either 11.25 mg or 30 mg given once every 3 months. The dosage isn’t based on weight.
6-month dosage: If you child’s doctor recommends a 6-month dosing schedule, the dosage is 45 mg given once every 6 months. The dosage isn’t based on weight.
Your child’s doctor will monitor their height and bone age (the degree of skeletal development) every 6 to 12 months while they’re receiving Lupron Depot-Ped treatment. The doctor will also monitor other hormone levels and adjust their dosage if needed.
Dosage for endometriosis in children
To treat endometriosis, a Lupron Depot strength of either 3.75 mg or 11.25 mg may be prescribed in females of reproductive age. (Note: This article uses the term “female” to refer to someone’s sex assigned at birth. To learn more, see this article about sex vs. gender.)
The dosage for children with endometriosis is the same as adults. For more information, see the “What are the usual dosages of Lupron Depot for adults?” section.
Children’s dosage for anemia caused by uterine fibroids
Lupron Depot is approved to treat anemia caused by uterine fibroids in females of reproductive age. For this use, a strength of either 3.75 mg or 11.25 mg is prescribed.
The dosage for children to treat anemia from uterine fibroids is the same as adults. For more details, see the “What are the usual dosages of Lupron Depot for adults?” section.
If you have questions about Lupron Depot’s dosages for children, talk with your child’s doctor.
Lupron Depot and Lupron Depot-Ped are both given as an intramuscular injection by your doctor or another healthcare professional. You’ll receive doses in your doctor’s office, a clinic, or in the hospital.
Lupron Depot can be injected into the:
- muscle of your buttocks
- outside of your thigh
- upper arm
If you have questions about your dosage or dosing schedule, talk with your doctor.
Is Lupron Depot used long term?
How long you’ll receive Lupron Depot injections will depend on the condition it’s being used to treat and other factors. Talk with your doctor to learn more about how long your treatment is likely to last.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.