Uses
Lupron is prescribed for women with acute endometriosis or severe menorrhagia (abnormally heavy bleeding during menstruation). It is not a cure for endometriosis but can provide pain relief that lasts for several years. It also may be administered before assisted reproduction, or be used in children who are diagnosed with central precocious puberty (early puberty).
Side Effects
Side effects that have been associated with the use of Lupron Depot include hot flashes and night sweats and, less frequently, palpitations, syncope, and tachycardia.
Other side effects include:
generalized pain headaches vaginitis nausea/vomiting fluid retention weight gain acne hirsutism joint pain loss of sexual desire depression dizziness nervousness breast tenderness or pain
What Treatment Is Like
For the first week or two after the first injection of Lupron, reproductive hormones increase, causing an increase in symptoms. However, after the first few weeks, these hormones decrease to levels seen in menopausal women. Most women stop having menstrual periods during Lupron therapy.
Lupron is not a contraceptive, however, and it is possible for pregnancy to occur during the first few weeks of therapy. Non-hormonal birth control should be used to prevent pregnancy. Suitable forms of contraceptives include condoms, diaphragms with contraceptive jelly, and non-hormonal IUDs. You should contact your clinician immediately if you suspect that you may be pregnant while using Lupron.
Lupron treatments are limited to six months.
