Lupron Depot (leuprolide acetate) is a brand-name injection prescribed for prostate cancer and other hormone-related conditions. Lupron Depot’s side effects can vary depending on how it’s used.

Lupron Depot is available in several dosage forms that are used for certain conditions. Some side effects vary depending on how the drug is used. If you’d like additional side effect details about the form your doctor prescribes, see its prescribing information:

Unless noted otherwise, the term “Lupron Depot” in this article refers to any dosage form. For a comprehensive look at Lupron Depot, including details about its uses, see this article.

Lupron Depot can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

More common side effects of Lupron Depot vary depending on how the drug is used.

More common side effects reported in Lupron Depot clinical trials for advanced prostate cancer include:

More common side effects reported in clinical trials of Lupron Depot 3.75 mg and Lupron Depot 11.25 mg for endometriosis or uterine fibroids include:

  • pain, including headaches
  • depression or emotional changes, such as irritability
  • weight gain or loss
  • digestive problems
  • hot flashes

More common side effects reported in Lupron Depot-Ped clinical trials for early puberty include:

  • pain, including headaches
  • emotional changes, such as irritability
  • acne and seborrhea (oily skin)
  • skin rash
  • vaginal swelling, vaginal bleeding, or vaginal discharge in females

Note: Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the terms “female” and “male” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

Mild side effects can occur with Lupron Depot use. This list doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to the prescribing information for the form of Lupron Depot your doctor prescribes.

Mild side effects that have been reported with Lupron Depot include:

  • pain, including headaches
  • digestive problems
  • emotional changes, such as irritability
  • injection site pain or irritation
  • urinary problems
  • weight gain or loss
  • skin changes, including rash, acne, and oily skin
  • swelling due to fluid retention
  • hot flashes (see “Side effect specifics” for details)

These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while receiving Lupron Depot injections and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch. (Lupron Depot is given by intramuscular injection.)

Lupron Depot may cause serious side effects. The list below may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, talk with your doctor.

If you develop serious side effects while receiving Lupron Depot, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects that have been reported and their symptoms include:

  • cardiovascular conditions (including heart attack and stroke, especially in males), which may include symptoms such as:
    • chest pain, pressure, or tightness
    • dizziness or lightheadedness
    • shortness of breath
    • sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or understanding speech
    • sudden problems walking or moving part of your body
    • sudden weakness or numbness on one side of your body or face
  • depression, which may include symptoms such as:
    • loss of interest in activities
    • persistent feelings of hopelessness, sadness, or worthlessness
    • sleep difficulties, including sleeping too much or not being able to sleep
    • suicidal thoughts or behaviors (see “Note” below)
  • metabolic syndrome, which is characterized by signs and symptoms including:
    • high cholesterol
    • high blood sugar
    • increased waist size due to abdominal obesity
  • severe skin reactions (including Stevens-Johnson syndrome), which may include symptoms such as:
    • blistering or peeling skin
    • fever
    • flu-like symptoms
    • rash that worsens
  • convulsions
  • loss of bone density
  • sexual side effects (see “Side effect specifics” for details)

Note: There have been reports of this side effect after Lupron Depot was approved.

Serious side effects by use

Some of Lupron Depot’s serious side effects can vary depending on how exactly it’s used.

In males receiving Lupron Depot for prostate cancer, there have been reports of:

In females, there have been reports of increased sex hormones when first starting treatment for endometriosis or uterine fibroids. Increased levels can temporarily worsen symptoms of these conditions.

This rise in sex hormones at the beginning of treatment can also occur in children taking Lupron Depot-Ped to treat precocious puberty.

ALLERGIC REACTION

For some people, Lupron Depot injection can cause an allergic reaction. In general, symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild or serious.

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep receiving Lupron Depot injections.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Lupron Depot, your doctor may recommend a different medication instead.

Suicide prevention

If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:

  • Ask the tough question: “Are you considering suicide?”
  • Listen to the person without judgment.
  • Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.
  • Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
  • Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects if it’s safe to do so.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.

Find more links and local resources.

Lupron Depot may cause several side effects. Here are some frequently asked questions about the drug’s side effects and their answers.

How do side effects of Lupron Depot in children compare with side effects seen in adults?

In general, the side effects of Lupron Depot in children are similar to those seen in adults. This includes mild side effects, such as general pain, headache, and injection site reactions. (Lupron Depot is given by intramuscular injection.)

Some of the serious side effects are similar too, such as convulsions and a rise in sex hormone levels when treatment first starts. (Lupron Depot-Ped is FDA-approved to treat early puberty in children.)

Some additional serious side effects in children may include:

If you have questions or concerns about side effects in children, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Are there long-term side effects of Lupron Depot in males and females?

Yes, there may be long-term side effects in males receiving the drug for prostate cancer. (Lupron Depot is usually used long term for this purpose.) In males who receive Lupron Depot long term, loss of bone density has been reported after the drug was approved.

Females receiving Lupron Depot also have a risk of losing bone density if they receive the drug long term. Due to this risk, doctors usually limit its use to a maximum of 12 months. For details about this side effect, you can view the prescribing information for Lupron Depot 3.75 mg or Lupron Depot 11.25 mg.

Children receiving Lupron Depot-Ped may have temporary decreases in bone density. However, once children stop receiving injections, they can still reach their maximum bone mass that occurs during adolescence.

Loss of bone density increases the risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures. Your doctor may recommend medications to help your bones during treatment.

You can learn more about what to expect with long-term use of Lupron Depot by talking with your doctor or pharmacist.

How can you reverse Lupron Depot side effects?

Many of the side effects of Lupron Depot will get better with continued treatment. For example, the increase in symptoms that may happen when first starting treatment should improve as you continue the injections. Your doctor may prescribe other medications to help this flare.

Some side effects, such as nausea, may also improve as your body gets used to the drug.

If you have side effects that aren’t going away or that bother you, tell your doctor. They may be able to recommend ways to manage the side effects.

Learn more about some of the side effects that Lupron Depot may cause.

Keep in mind that different versions of Lupron Depot are prescribed for specific uses. To find out how often side effects occurred in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for:

Hot flashes

Hot flashes were the most common side effect in Lupron Depot clinical trials in adults. They occur due to the hormonal changes the drug causes.

Hot flashes feel like a sudden wave of body heat that can cause sweating and discomfort. They usually only last for a few minutes. Some people get them several times in a day or even an hour, while others get them occasionally.

What you can do

Lifestyle changes are the main way to relieve hot flashes. If you can identify a trigger, such as alcohol, avoiding it can help prevent hot flashes. These steps may help ease hot flashes:

  • dress in layers so you can adjust how much clothing you’re wearing
  • sip ice water
  • apply a cold pack
  • use a fan

If your hot flashes bother you, tell your doctor. They may be able to recommend ways to help.

Sexual side effects

Sexual side effects were common in adults and children receiving Lupron Depot. In males receiving Lupron Depot for prostate cancer or Lupron Depot-Ped for precocious puberty, these side effects included:

Decreased sex drive was also reported in females of reproductive age who received Lupron Depot 3.75 mg, Lupron Depot 11.25 mg, or Lupron Depot-Ped. These side effects also included decreased sex drive. Other sexual side effects in females may include:

What you can do

If you experience sexual side effects with Lupron Depot, tell your doctor. They can suggest ways to help manage these side effects.

Learn more about what to expect with Lupron Depot treatment for advanced prostate cancer and endometriosis.

Before starting Lupron Depot, discuss your health history with your doctor. Lupron Depot may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Be sure to talk with your doctor if any of the following apply to you:

Disclaimer: Medical News Today 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.