Leuprolide - Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interaction - Rxharun

Leuprolide – Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interaction

Mechanism of Action

Like naturally occurring luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone, initial or intermittent administration of leuprolide stimulates the release of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone from the anterior pituitary.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is a naturally occurring decapeptide that modulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. GnRH binds to corresponding receptors (GnRHRs) on the anterior pituitary gonadotropes, which in turn release luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH); these, in turn, affect the downstream synthesis and release of the sex hormones testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, estrone, and estradiol.[rx]

Despite the variety of conditions indicated for treatment with leuprolide, the mechanism of action underlying efficacy is the same in all cases. As a GnRHR agonist, leuprolide binds to and initially activates downstream LH and FSH release; this initial spike in gonadotropin levels is responsible for some of the adverse effects associated with treatment. After 2-4 weeks of treatment, continuous stimulation of GnRHR results in feedback inhibition and significant downregulation of LH, FSH, and their corresponding downstream effects, producing a therapeutic benefit. These effects are reversible upon treatment discontinuation

Luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone release from the anterior pituitary transiently increase testosterone concentration in males. However, continuous administration of leuprolide in the treatment of prostatic carcinoma suppresses the secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, with a resultant fall in testosterone concentrations and a “medical castration”.

Initial stimulation of gonadotropins from the anterior pituitary is followed by prolonged suppression. Gonadotropin release from the anterior pituitary transiently increases estrone and estradiol concentrations in females. However, continuous administration of leuprolide in the treatment of endometriosis produces a fall in estrogens to postmenopausal levels. As a consequence of the suppression of ovarian function, both normal and ectopic endometrial tissues become inactive and atrophic. As a result, amenorrhea occurs.

Indications

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal; Fertility Agents, Female. Leuprolide is indicated for the palliative treatment of advanced prostatic cancer, especially as an alternative to orchiectomy or estrogen administration.
  • Leuprolide is a peptide-based GnRH receptor superagonist used for the palliative treatment of prostate cancer, uterine leiomyomata, endometriosis, and central precocious puberty.
  • Leuprolide is indicated for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer and as a palliative treatment of advanced prostate cancer. It is also used for the treatment of pediatric patients with central precocious puberty (CPP). In combination with oral norethisterone (also known as norethindrone), leuprolide is also indicated for the initial treatment of the symptoms of endometriosis.[rx] Finally, in combination with iron supplementation, leuprolide is indicated for the preoperative hematological improvement of anemic patients with uterine leiomyomata (uterine fibroids).[rx]
  • Advanced Prostate Cancer
  • Anemia
  • Central Precocious Puberty (CPP)
  • Endometriosis

Leuprolide is indicated for the management of endometriosis, including pain relief and reduction of endometriotic lesions. Leuprolide is about 30 times more active than natural gonadotropin-releasing hormone … and 100 times more active than gonadorelin.

Contraindications

  • spread of cancer to the spinal column
  • diabetes
  • high cholesterol
  • low amount of magnesium in the blood
  • low amount of potassium in the blood
  • overweight
  • depression
  • high blood pressure
  • a heart attack
  • prolonged QT interval on EKG
  • chronic heart failure
  • abnormal EKG with QT changes from birth
  • a stroke
  • liver problems
  • decreased calcification or density of bone
  • seizures
  • pregnancy
  • obstruction of any part of the urinary tract
  • tobacco smoking

Dosage

Strengths: 7.5 mg/month; 22.5 mg/3 months; 45 mg/6 months; 30 mg/4 months; 65 mg; 11.25 mg/month; 15 mg/month; 3.75 mg/month; 11.25 mg/3 months; 30 mg/3 months; 5 mg/mL; 1 mg/0.2 mL; 7.5 mg; 3.75 mg; 42 mg/6 months.

Prostate Cancer

IM: LUPRON DEPOT:

  • 7.5 mg IM once a month OR
  • 22.5 mg IM every 3 months OR
  • 30 mg IM every 4 months OR
  • 30 mg IM every 6 months

IMPLANT:
VIADUR IMPLANT:

  • 65 mg inserted subcutaneously in the inner aspect of the upper arm every 12 months

SUBCUTANEOUS:
CAMCEVI:

  • 42 mg subcutaneously every 6 months

ELIGARD:

  • 7.5 mg subcutaneously once a month OR
  • 22.5 mg subcutaneously every 3 months OR
  • 30 mg subcutaneously every 4 months OR
  • 45 mg subcutaneously every 6 months
  • Treatment is usually continued in patients who are treated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogs and who develop non-metastatic and metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.
  • Implant: The manufacturer’s product information should be consulted regarding insertion and removal techniques.
  • Palliative treatment of advanced prostate cancer
  • Treatment of advanced prostate cancer

Endometriosis

IM: Endometriosis:
LUPRON DEPOT 3.75 mg:

  • Initial treatment: 3.75 mg IM once a month for up to 6 months
  • Retreatment: 3.75 mg IM once a month for 1 to 6 months
  • Duration of treatment: Up to 12 months

OR

  • LUPRON DEPOT 11.25 mg: 11.25 mg IM every 3 months
  • Duration of treatment: Up to 12 months

Uterine Leiomyomata

  • 3.75 mg IM once a month OR
  • 11.25 mg IM once
  • Limitation of use: In women receiving this drug for endometriosis, the total duration of treatment with this drug and add-back hormone replacement therapy (norethindrone 5 mg) should be limited to 12 months to reduce bone mineral density loss and vasomotor symptoms.
  • Limitation of use: This drug has not been approved for use with norethindrone for the preoperative improvement of patients with anemia caused by heavy bleeding due to fibroids.
  • Management of endometriosis (including pain relief and reduction of endometriotic lesions)
  • With norethindrone for the initial management of endometriosis symptoms and for the management of recurrent symptoms
  • Preoperative hematologic improvement of patients with anemia caused by uterine leiomyomata/fibroids

Uterine Leiomyomata

IM: Endometriosis
LUPRON DEPOT 3.75 mg

  • Initial treatment: 3.75 mg IM once a month for up to 6 months
  • Retreatment: 3.75 mg IM once a month for 1 to 6 months
  • Duration of treatment: Up to 12 months OR LUPRON DEPOT 11.25 mg: 11.25 mg IM every 3 months
  • Duration of treatment: Up to 12 months

Uterine Leiomyomata

  • 3.75 mg IM once a month OR 11.25 mg IM once
  • Limitation of use: In women receiving this drug for endometriosis, the total duration of treatment with this drug and add-back hormone replacement therapy (norethindrone 5 mg) should be limited to 12 months to reduce bone mineral density loss and vasomotor symptoms.
  • Limitation of use: This drug has not been approved for use with norethindrone for the preoperative improvement of patients with anemia caused by heavy bleeding due to fibroids.
  • Management of endometriosis (including pain relief and reduction of endometriotic lesions)
  • With norethindrone for the initial management of endometriosis symptoms and for the management of recurrent symptoms
  • Preoperative hematologic improvement of patients with anemia caused by uterine leiomyomata/fibroids

Pediatric Dose for Precocious Puberty

2 years and older:
IM INJECTION: 1-MONTH DEPOT INJECTION:

  • 25 kg or less: 7.5 mg IM once a month
  • Greater than 25 kg to 37.5 kg: 11.25 mg IM once a month
  • Greater than 37.5 kg: 15 mg IM once a month

3-MONTH DEPOT INJECTION

  • 11.25 or 30 mg IM every 3 months
  • Doses should be titrated to the individual.
  • Hormone levels should be tested after 1 to 2 months (for 1-month injections) OR after 2 to 3 months (for 3-month injections) of therapy and with each dose change to ensure adequate pituitary gonadotropin suppression.
  • Once a dose that results in adequate hormonal suppression has been determined, it can often be maintained for the duration of therapy in most children; however, hormonal suppression should be verified as weight can increase significantly while on therapy.
  • Therapy should be discontinued at the appropriate age of onset of puberty at the discretion of the physician.

SUBCUTANEOUS INJECTION:

  • Fensolvi: 45 mg subcutaneously every 6 months
  • NOTE: The short-acting formulation has been replaced with long-acting formulations.
  • The dosage should be adjusted for weight changes.
  • Discontinuation of therapy should be considered at the appropriate age for the onset of puberty.
  • Central precocious puberty (CPP) is defined as the early onset of secondary sexual characteristics (generally earlier than 8 years in girls and 9 years in boys) associated with pubertal pituitary gonadotropin activation; it may show a significantly advanced bone age that can result in diminished adult height.

Dose Adjustments

  • Pediatric patients: If adequate hormonal and clinical suppression is not reached with the starting dose, it should be increased to the next available higher dose (e.g., 11.25 mg or 15 mg at the next monthly injection).

Administration advice:

  • The injection site should be varied periodically.
  • Avoid areas with brawny or fibrous subcutaneous tissue or locations that could be rubbed or compressed (e.g., with a belt or clothing waistband)
  • The manufacturer’s product information should be consulted.

Side Effects

The Most Common

  • tiredness
  • hot flashes (a sudden wave of mild or intense body heat), sweating, or clamminess
  • breast tenderness, pain, or change in breast size in both men and women
  • vaginal discharge, dryness, or itching in women
  • spotting (light vaginal bleeding) or menstruation (periods)
  • decrease in the size of testicles
  • decrease in sexual ability or desire
  • swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
  • pain, burning, or tingling in the hands or feet
  • pain, burning, bruising, redness, or hardening at the place where the injection was given
  • change in weight
  • muscle or joint pain
  • runny nose, cough, sore throat, or flu-like symptoms
  • fever
  • stomach pain
  • constipation
  • headache
  • acne
  • depression
  • unable to control emotions and frequent mood changes
  • nervousness
  • a general feeling of discomfort or uneasiness
  • difficulty with memory
  • itching, rash, or hives
  • difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • pain in the arms, back, chest, neck, or jaw
  • slow or difficult speech
  • dizziness or fainting
  • weakness, numbness, or inability to move an arm or leg
  • bone pain
  • painful, frequent, or difficult urination
  • blood in urine
  • extreme thirst
  • weakness
  • dry mouth
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • breath that smells fruity
  • decreased consciousness
  • sudden headache
  • blurred vision
  • vision changes
  • difficulty moving eyes
  • drooping eyelids
  • confusion
  • seizures

MORE COMMON

  • Arm, back, or jaw pain
  • bloody or cloudy urine
  • blurred vision
  • bone pain
  • chest pain or discomfort
  • difficult, burning, or painful urination
  • difficulty with moving
  • dizziness
  • frequent urge to urinate
  • headache
  • increased urge to urinate during the night
  • muscle pain or stiffness
  • nausea
  • nervousness
  • pain in the arms or legs
  • pain in the joints
  • pale skin
  • pounding in the ears
  • slow or fast heartbeat
  • sweating
  • unusual bleeding or bruising
  • unusual tiredness or weakness
  • waking to urinate at night
  • burning, numbness, tingling, or painful sensations
  • chest pain
  • cold, clammy, pale skin
  • confusion
  • dizziness or lightheadedness
  • double vision
  • dry mouth
  • flushed, dry skin
  • fruit-like breath odor
  • increased hunger
  • increased thirst
  • increased urination
  • irregular heartbeat
  • loss of consciousness
  • seizures
  • thoughts or attempts at killing oneself
  • unexplained weight loss
  • unsteadiness or awkwardness
  • visual changes
  • weakness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet
  • Anxiety

RARE

  • Pain in the groin or legs (especially in the calves)
  • Altered mental status
  • anxiety
  • blurred vision
  • deepening of voice
  • increased hair growth
  • mental depression
  • mood changes
  • Body aches or pain
  • chest tightness
  • chills
  • cough
  • cough producing mucus
  • difficulty in breathing
  • ear congestion
  • fever
  • headache
  • loss of voice
  • muscle aches
  • noisy breathing
  • pain or redness at the injection site
  • runny or stuffy nose
  • sneezing
  • sore throat
  • unusual tiredness or weakness
  • Irritability
  • mood or mental changes
  • Burning, itching, or swelling at the injection site
  • Blurred vision
  • change in ability to see colors, especially blue or yellow
  • nausea and vomiting
  • seizures
  • severe headache

Drug Interaction

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Pregnancy and Lactation

US FDA pregnancy category: Not assigned.

Pregnancy

The effects on fetal mortality are expected consequences of the alterations in hormonal levels brought about by this drug. Therefore, the possibility exists that spontaneous abortion may occur if the drug is administered during pregnancy. If this drug is administered during pregnancy or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking any formulation of leuprolide acetate, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus

Lactation

Nursing Mothers: It is not known whether leuprolide acetate is excreted in human milk. Leuprolide acetate should not be used by nursing mothers.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Leuprolide injection (Eligard, Lupron Depot) is used to treat the symptoms associated with advanced prostate cancer. Leuprolide injection (Lupron Depot-PED, Fensolvi) is used in children 2 years of age or older to treat central precocious puberty (CPP; a condition causing girls [usually younger than 8 years of age] and boys [usually younger than 9 years of age] to enter puberty too soon, resulting in faster than normal bone growth and development of sexual characteristics). Leuprolide injection (Lupron Depot) is used alone or with another medication (norethindrone) to treat endometriosis (a condition in which the type of tissue that lines the uterus [womb] grows in other areas of the body and causes pain, heavy or irregular menstruation [periods], and other symptoms). Leuprolide injection (Lupron Depot) is also used with other medication to treat anemia (a lower-than-normal number of red blood cells) caused by uterine fibroids (noncancerous growths in the uterus). Leuprolide injection is in a class of medications called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists. It works by decreasing the number of certain hormones in the body.

How should this medicine be used?

Leuprolide injection comes as a long-acting suspension (Lupron) that is injected intramuscularly (into a muscle) by a doctor or nurse in a medical office or clinic and is usually given once a month (Lupron Depot, Lupron Depot-PED) or every 3, 4, or 6 months (Lupron Depot-3 month, Lupron Depot-PED-3 month, Lupron Depot-4 month, Lupron Depot-6 Month). Leuprolide injection also comes as a long-acting suspension (Eligard) that is injected subcutaneously (just under the skin) by a doctor or nurse in a medical office or clinic and is usually given every 1, 3, 4, or 6 months. Leuprolide injection also comes as a long-acting suspension (Fensolvi) that is injected subcutaneously (just under the skin) by a doctor or nurse in a medical office or clinic and is usually given every 6 months. Your doctor will tell you how long your treatment with leuprolide injection will last. When used in children with precocious puberty, leuprolide injection (Lupron Depot-PED, Lupron Depot-PED-3 month, Fensolvi) will likely be stopped by your child’s doctor before 11 years of age in girls and 12 years of age in boys.

If you receive leuprolide long-acting suspension (Eligard) as a subcutaneous injection, you may notice a small bump at the place where the injection was given when you first receive the medication. This bump should eventually go away.

Leuprolide may cause an increase in certain hormones in the first few weeks after injection. Your doctor will monitor you carefully for any new or worsening symptoms during this time. Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient. This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before receiving a leuprolide injection,

  • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to leuprolide, goserelin (Zoladex), histrelin (Supprelin LA, Vantas), nafarelin (Synarel), triptorelin (Triptodur, Trelstar), any other medications, or any of the ingredients in leuprolide injection. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: certain medications for irregular heartbeat such as amiodarone (Cordarone), disopyramide (Norpace), procainamide (Procanbid), quinidine, and sotalol (Betapace, Betapace AF, Sorine); bupropion (Aplenzin, Forfivo, Wellbutrin, in Contrave); medications for seizures; oral steroids such as dexamethasone (Hemady), methylprednisolone (Medrol), and prednisone (Rayos); and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem, in Symbyax), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Brisdelle, Paxil), and sertraline (Zoloft). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. Many other medications may also interact with leuprolide, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, even those that do not appear on this list.
  • tell your doctor if you have unusual vaginal bleeding. Your doctor may tell you not to use leuprolide injection.
  • tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family has or has ever had osteoporosis (a condition where bones are thin and more likely to break); if you have a history of drinking alcohol or using tobacco products for a long period of time; or if you have or have ever had depression, seizures, brain tumors, cancer that has spread to the spine (backbone), diabetes, urinary obstruction (blockage that causes difficulty urinating), blood in your urine, a prolonged QT interval (a rare heart problem that may cause irregular heartbeat, fainting, or sudden death), cerebrovascular disease (clogging or weakening of the blood vessels within the brain or leading to the brain), heart disease, or a low level of potassium, calcium, or magnesium in your blood.
  • you should know that leuprolide is not to be used in women who are pregnant, can become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Your doctor may perform a pregnancy test to be sure that you are not pregnant when you begin receiving leuprolide injections. You will need to use a reliable nonhormonal method of birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are receiving a leuprolide injection. Talk to your doctor about the types of birth control that are right for you, and continue to use birth control even though you should not have regular menstrual periods during your treatment. If you think you have become pregnant while receiving a leuprolide injection, call your doctor immediately. Leuprolide injection can harm the fetus.
References
Consumer Information – TrustArc The Leader in Privacy Management SoftwareLooking online for info on your child's health? Here are some tipsJanja Kristan - Chief Administrative Officer - AACI | LinkedIn
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