Leuprolide: Uses, Side Effects, and How It Is Given
Leuprolide is a hormone medicine that reduces the production of sex hormones. Depending on the formulation, it is used to treat prostate cancer, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, precocious puberty, or to support fertility treatment.
Leuprolide is given by injection or as a slow-release implant on a product-specific schedule. Use it exactly as prescribed and ask your doctor or pharmacist about side effects, interactions, and the correct formulation for you.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- L02AE02
- RxNorm
- 42375
- Generic
- Leuprolide
- Class
- atc-l02
- Brands
- Lupron, Fensolvi, Camcevi, Lutrate, Vabrinty, Eligard
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- prefilled syringe, suspension, injection, solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
6 groupspregnancy
all trimestersavoid use
contraindicated in pregnancy due to potential for fetal harm and loss of pregnancy
discontinue immediately if pregnancy occurs
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingdiscontinue breastfeeding
not recommended during breastfeeding; drug suppresses lactation and may be excreted in breast milk
monitor infant for any adverse effects
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlyno specific adjustment
use standard dosing; monitor for cardiovascular and metabolic effects commonly seen in elderly
regular cardiovascular monitoring, bone density assessment, blood glucose monitoring
pediatric_age
prepubertal childrenweight-based dosing
indicated for central precocious puberty; use under specialist supervision only
monitor growth velocity, bone age, pubertal progression, and endocrine function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno dose adjustment required
no dose adjustment needed for mild to moderate renal impairment; use standard dosing
standard monitoring appropriate
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateuse with caution
limited clinical data; use with caution in hepatic impairment
monitor liver function tests periodically
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
Original FDA approval year for Leuprolide acetate
Drug class
GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone) agonist classification
Common uses
Primary therapeutic indications for Leuprolide
Mechanism of action
Pharmacological mechanism of action
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy