Can you get pregnant on Lupron Depot?
Key Points
- Yes, you may still become pregnant if you are using Lupron Depot. Lupron Depot is not a method of birth control. Even though you may not have a period, unprotected intercourse could result in pregnancy.
- You should use non-hormonal birth control such as condoms, a diaphragm with contraceptive jelly, or a copper IUD to prevent pregnancy while you are using Lupron Depot. Talk to your doctor about use of birth control before you start treatment.
- Lupron Depot may also cause harm to an unborn child. Do not take Lupron Depot 3.75 mg and 11.25 mg if you think you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, or if you have undiagnosed uterine bleeding. Talk your doctor immediately if you think you may be pregnant.
Your doctor will give you a pregnancy test before you start treatment if one is needed.
Lupron (leuprolide) Depot is a prescription medicine used to reduce pain and lesions associated with endometriosis. It is also approved to treat the symptoms of prostate cancer in men, to treat uterine fibroids in women, and to treat precocious (early-onset) puberty in both male and female children at least 2 years old.
It is classified as a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and works by lowering the amount of estrogen in women and testosterone in men.
Related questions
- How long should you take Lupron for prostate cancer?
- Will I get my period while on Lupron?
- What does Lupron do for IVF?
When will my period return after stopping Lupron?
Your normal menstrual cycle should return after you stop Lupron Depot, but the amount of time that it returns can vary between women.
In a study, 166 patients were treated with monthly Lupron (leuprolide) Depot 3.75 mg injections for 6 months total. In this group, 95% (95 out of every 100 women) started their cycle within 3 month after stopping treatment.
Over, in studies, 7% of women started their menstrual cycle in the first month after treatment ended with Lupron Depot 3.75 mg. By the second month after treatment ended, 71% had started their period and by the third month after treatment ended, 95% of women had started their normal cycle.
Related: Medications for Endometriosis
This is not all the information you need to know about Lupron Depot for safe and effective use and does not take the place of talking to your doctor about your treatment. Review the full Lupron (leuprolide) Depot information here, and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.
References
- Lupron Depot 11.25 mg (leuprolide acetate for depot suspension) for
injection, for intramuscular use. Product information. AbbVie. Accessed April 8, 2021 at https://www.rxabbvie.com/pdf/lupron3month11_25mg.pdf - Lupron Depot 3.75 mg (leuprolide acetate for depot suspension) for
injection, for intramuscular use. https://www.rxabbvie.com/pdf/lupron3_75mg.pdf - LupronGYN.com. Patient Brochure. Lupron Depot for Endometriosis. Accessed April 8, 2021 at https://www.luprongyn.com/lupron-for-endometriosis#patient-brochure
- LupronGYN. Safety Update. February 2021. Accessed April 8, 2021 https://www.luprongyn.com/content/pdf/safety.pdf
Read next
Are Lupron Depot and Eligard the same drug?
Lupron Depot and Eligard are brand name medicines that both contain the active ingredient leuprolide acetate. Both Lupron Depot and Eligard are prescribed to treat the symptoms of advanced prostate cancer. Lupron Depot is also approved to treat endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or central precocious puberty (CPP) in children (early puberty). Continue reading
Does Lupron Depot need to be refrigerated?
Before reconstitution, Lupron Depot for treatment of prostate cancer can be stored in its original container at room temperature (77°F [25°C]), with a range between 59°F to 86°F [15°C to 30°C]). Once Lupron Depot is reconstituted, inject the suspension immediately. Discard if not used within two hours, because Lupron Depot does not contain a preservative. Continue reading
Is Firmagon (degarelix) the same as Lupron?
No, Firmagon (degarelix) is not the same as Lupron but they are both hormone deprivation treatments that may be used for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer. Firmagon takes a more direct path to testosterone suppression than Lupron. Firmagon is an antagonist that immediately stops testosterone production, preventing a testosterone surge and eliminating the need for any additional therapies. Lupron is an agonist that desensitizes the GnRH receptor but causes an initial surge in testosterone and may require additional medication. Continue reading
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