Lutrate Depot (leuprolide acetate)

LHrH(GNrH) Agonist Analog Pituitary Suppressants Intramuscular Vial (EA)

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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data

Overview

Leuprolide, a synthetic nonapeptide analog of naturally occurring porcine or ovine gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH, luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone, gonadorelin), is used as an antineoplastic agent and for its endocrine effects.

Leuprolide is a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analog that shares the action of the naturally occurring hormone.

Leuprolide differs structurally from naturally occurringGnRH by the presence of the d-isomer of leucine at position 6 and an ethylamide group replacing glycine at position 10. These structural modifications result in increased potency of leuprolide (in terms of luteinizing hormone release) compared with naturalGnRH. The drug does not appear to affect receptor affinity for gonadotropins.

The pharmacology of leuprolide is complex and several mechanisms of action may be involved. Repeated dosing of leuprolide results in suppression of the pituitary-gonadal system and decreased secretion of gonadotropins (e.g., follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH)), which suppresses ovarian and testicular steroidogenesis. This inhibitory effect is reversible upon discontinuance of therapy.

The drug does not appear to affect receptor affinity for gonadotropins.

Leuprolide is a peptide that is primarily metabolized by peptidase into smaller inactive peptides. Because of its polypeptide nature, leuprolide acetate is destroyed in the GI tract and, therefore, usually is administered parenterally. Following subcutaneous administration, leuprolide acetate is rapidly and almost completely absorbed.

In adults, bioavailability of leuprolide acetate following subcutaneous administration is comparable to that following IV+ administration. Bioavailability of the drug reportedly is about 94% in rats following subcutaneous administration. Following IM administration of the long-acting depot suspension (Lupron Depot(R)) or subcutaneous administration of the long-acting injectable suspension (Eligard(R), Fensolvi(R)), or emulsion (Camcevi(R)), the drug is released slowly and gradually from its biodegradable copolymer-containing vehicle (after an initial, rapid absorption of immediately available drug), thus providing a prolonged duration of action.

Plasma protein binding of leuprolide has been reported to range from 43-49%. In healthy male volunteers, the terminal elimination half-life of leuprolide following IV administration was approximately 3 hours (based on a 2-compartment model). The pharmacokinetics of leuprolide in patients with impaired renal or hepatic function have not been determined to date.

USES: Leuprolide is used to treat advanced prostate cancer. It is not a cure. Most types of prostate cancer need the hormone testosterone to grow and spread.

Leuprolide works by reducing the amount of testosterone that the body makes. This helps slow or stop the growth of cancer cells and helps relieve symptoms such as painful/difficult urination. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of treatment.

Generic name: leuprolide acetate
Pronunciation: (LOO-proe-lide)
Drug class: LHrH(GNrH) Agonist Analog Pituitary Suppressants
Therapeutic class: Antineoplastics

Reference product & biosimilars

No reference, biosimilar or interchangeable associated with this drug.

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Indications

The following indications are listed for Lutrate Depot:

  • Advanced Prostatic Carcinoma

Also known as: Advanced Cancer Of Prostate Gland, Advanced Malignant Neoplasm Of Prostate, Advanced Prostate Cancer, Advanced Prostate Malignancy, Advanced Prostatic Cancer.

Dosing

No dosing information is available for this tab.

Drug interactions

No formal drug interaction studies have been performed to date with leuprolide.

Metabolism of leuprolide does not involve cytochrome P-450 (CYP) isoenzymes; pharmacokinetic interactionsassociated with CYP isoenzymesare therefore unlikely to occurwith leuprolide.

Contraindications

*Known hypersensitivity to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), GnRH analogs, or any ingredient in the respective leuprolide formulation.

*Pregnancy.

*Women with abnormal vaginal bleeding of unknown etiology.

Adverse reactions

Common adverse reactions occurring in >10% of males receiving leuprolide for the treatment of prostate cancer include hot flashes/sweats, general pain, hypertension, testicular atrophy, injection site reaction, GI disorders, joint disorders, musculoskeletal pain, urinary disorder, and lethargy/fatigue.

Common adverse reactions occurring in >10% of females receiving leuprolide for the treatment of endometriosis and uterine leiomyomata include hot flashes/sweats, headache, vaginitis, depression/emotional lability, general pain, asthenia, weight gain/loss, nausea/vomiting, decreased libido, dizziness, constipation, diarrhea, acne, and skin reactions.

Common adverse reactions occurring in >=10% or more of pediatric patients receiving leuprolide for the treatment of centralprecocious pubertyinclude injection site reactions (includingpain), nasopharyngitis, pyrexia, headache, psychiatric events,and cough.

Precautions

No enhanced messaging available.

ICD codes

CodeTypeDescription
Advanced prostatic carcinoma
C61ICD10CMMalignant neoplasm of prostate

ICD code information from First Databank (FDB).

Formulary status

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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data