Leuprolide

GnRH Agonist (long-acting)

Also known as: Lupron · Viadur · Eligard · Leuprorelin

A widely used long-acting GnRH agonist for prostate cancer, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, & precocious puberty. One of the most commercially important peptide drugs.

Typical Dose

1 mg/day SubQ (short-acting); 7.5 mg monthly depot

Route

Subcutaneous injection (daily) or IM depot

Cycle

Ongoing or defined by indication

Half-life

~3–4 hours (short-acting); months (depot)

Storage

Per manufacturer. Daily formulation: room temp.

Overview

Leuprolide is a synthetic nonapeptide GnRH analog (with D-leucine at position 6 & ethylamide C-terminus) available as daily injection, depot, or implant. Like triptorelin, it produces initial LH/FSH stimulation followed by receptor downregulation & sustained gonadal suppression.

It is one of the most widely prescribed drugs worldwide & has over 30 years of clinical data across multiple indications. In research peptide contexts it is occasionally used for post-cycle HPTA interventions, though its long duration of action makes it difficult to use without physician guidance.

Quick Start Guide

Clinical administration only. Available as 1 mg/day SubQ injection or monthly/quarterly depot formulations.

Research Indications

Prostate cancer

Most Effective

FDA approved first-line ADT. Equivalent efficacy to orchiectomy in testosterone suppression.

Endometriosis

Most Effective

Reduces endometrial implant size & pain with 3–6 month courses.

Precocious puberty

Most Effective

Standard of care for central precocious puberty.

Research Protocols

Prostate cancer (standard depot)

Ongoing

Dose

7.5 mg depot

Frequency

Monthly IM

Route

Side Effects & Safety

Common

Hot flashes
Osteoporosis (long-term)
Sexual dysfunction
Testosterone flare on first dose

Uncommon

Depression
Injection site reactions (abscess with implants)

When to Stop

Spinal cord compression (flare risk)
Signs of allergic reaction

How to Reconstitute

Commercial product only. Reconstitute per manufacturer instructions.

Dosing math: Not typically self-administered. Clinical use only.

Quality Indicators

Good — use as normal

Manufacturer-stated appearance

Discard immediately

Any deviation from manufacturer specification

What to Expect

Week 1 (flare)

Testosterone surge. Oncology patients may need anti-androgen cover.

Week 2–4

Testosterone suppresses to castrate levels.

Community Insights

Self-reported. Reflects user experience, not clinical outcomes.

Research References

Leuprolide versus diethylstilbestrol for metastatic prostate cancer

New England Journal of Medicine · 1984

Landmark trial establishing leuprolide as equivalent to estrogen therapy for prostate cancer with improved tolerability.

Verify what you have

Information on this page applies to pharmaceutical-grade peptides. Purity & identity of research-grade products vary. Certipep provides independent ESI-TOF-MS & HPLC analysis with a signed analytical report.

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