Clinical data | |
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Trade names | Lupron, Eligard, Lucrin, Lupaneta, others |
Other names | leuprolide, leuprolidine, A-43818, Abbott-43818, DC-2-269, TAP-144 |
AHFS/Drugs.com | Monograph |
MedlinePlus | a685040 |
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Routes of administration | implant, subcutaneous, intramuscular |
Drug class | GnRH analogue; GnRH agonist; Antigonadotropin |
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Pharmacokinetic data | |
Elimination half-life | 3 hours |
Excretion | Kidney |
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CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | |
ECHA InfoCard | 100.161.466 |
Chemical and physical data | |
Formula | C59H84N16O12 |
Molar mass | 1209.421 g·mol−1 |
3D model (JSmol) | |
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Leuprorelin, also known as leuprolide, is a manufactured version of a hormone used to treat prostate cancer, breast cancer, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, for early puberty, or as part of transgender hormone therapy. [10] [11] It is given by injection into a muscle or under the skin. [10]
Leuprorelin is in the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogue family of medications. [10] It works by decreasing gonadotropins and therefore decreasing testosterone and estradiol. [10] Common side effects include hot flashes, unstable mood, trouble sleeping, headaches, and pain at the site of injection. [10] Other side effects may include high blood sugar, allergic reactions, and problems with the pituitary gland. [10] Use during pregnancy may harm foetal development. [10]
Leuprorelin was patented in 1973 and approved for medical use in the United States in 1985. [10] [12] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. [11] It is sold under the brand name Lupron among others. [10]
Leuprorelin may be used in the treatment of hormone-responsive cancers such as prostate cancer and breast cancer. It may also be used for estrogen-dependent conditions such as endometriosis [13] or uterine fibroids.
It may be used for precocious puberty in both males and females, [14] and to prevent premature ovulation in cycles of controlled ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization (IVF). This use is controversial since the Lupron label advises against using the drug when one is considering pregnancy, due to a risk of birth defects. [15]
It may be used to reduce the risk of premature ovarian failure in women receiving cyclophosphamide for chemotherapy. [16]
Along with triptorelin and goserelin, it has been used to delay puberty in transgender youth until they are old enough to begin hormone replacement therapy. [17] Researchers have recommended puberty blockers after age 12, when the person has developed to Tanner stages 2–3, and then cross-sex hormones treatment at age 16. This use of the drug is off-label, however, not having been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and without data on long-term effects of this use.[ needs update ] [18]
They are also sometimes used as alternatives to antiandrogens like spironolactone and cyproterone acetate for suppressing testosterone production in transgender women. [19] [20] [21] It also is used for suppressing estrogen production in transgender men. [22]
It is considered a possible treatment for paraphilias. [23] Leuprorelin has been tested as a treatment for reducing sexual urges in pedophiles and other cases of paraphilia. [24] [25]
Common side effects of leuprorelin injection include redness/burning/stinging/pain/bruising at the injection site, hot flashes (flushing), increased sweating, night sweats, tiredness, headache, upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, impotence, testicular shrinkage, [8] constipation, stomach pain, breast swelling or tenderness, acne, joint/muscle aches or pain, trouble sleeping (insomnia), reduced sexual interest, vaginal discomfort/dryness/itching/discharge, vaginal bleeding, swelling of the ankles/feet, increased urination at night, dizziness, breakthrough bleeding in a female child during the first two months of leuprorelin treatment, weakness, chills, clammy skin, skin redness, itching, or scaling, testicle pain, impotence, depression, or memory problems. [26] The rates of gynecomastia with leuprorelin have been found to range from 3 to 16%. [27]
A cohort of women that were prescribed leuprorelin to delay precocious puberty as children has developed osteoporosis and brittle teeth at an unexpected rate; However, the FDA has not established that these conditions were caused by leuprorelin. [28]
During the initial phase of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist therapy in individuals assigned male at birth, there is a notable phenomenon known as the "flare." This occurs when testosterone levels temporarily surge by approximately 50% within the first 1 to 2 weeks of therapy. This increase is a response to the initial stimulation of luteinizing hormone (LH) by the LHRH agonist, leading to a rise in testosterone levels before they begin to decrease as intended. For individuals receiving LHRH agonists as part of gender-affirming care, this temporary increase in testosterone can be particularly distressing, exacerbating gender dysphoria and discomfort. To manage and mitigate these effects, healthcare providers often prescribe antiandrogens during this phase to help block the unwanted increase in testosterone and alleviate the associated distress. [29]
Leuprorelin is a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogue acting as an agonist at pituitary GnRH receptors. GnRH receptor agonists initially increase the secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) by the anterior pituitary and increased serum estradiol and testosterone levels via the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis (HPG axis). However, normal functioning of this axis requires pulsatile release of GnRH from the hypothalamus. Continuous exposure to an agonist such as leuprorelin for several weeks causes pituitary GnRH receptors to become desensitised and no longer responsive. This desensitisation is the objective of leuprorelin therapy because it ultimately reduces LH and FSH secretion, leading to hypogonadism and a dramatic reduction in estradiol and testosterone levels regardless of sex. [30] [31]
Leuprorelin is available in the following forms, among others: [32] [33] [34] [35] [36]
The peptide sequence is Pyr-His-Trp-Ser-Tyr-D-Leu-Leu-Arg-Pro-NHEt (Pyr = L-pyroglutamyl).
Leuprorelin was discovered and first patented in 1973 and was introduced for medical use in 1985. [43] [44] It was initially marketed only for daily injection, but a depot injection formulation was introduced in 1989. [44]
On 24 March 2022, the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) adopted a positive opinion, recommending the granting of a marketing authorization for the medicinal product Camcevi, intended for the treatment of the cancer of the prostate in adult men when the cancer is "hormone-dependent", which means that it responds to treatments that reduce the levels of the hormone testosterone. [47] The applicant for this medicinal product is Accord Healthcare S.L.U. [47] Leuprorelin was approved for medical use in the European Union in May 2022. [9] [48]
Leuprorelin is the generic name of the drug and its INN and BAN , while leuprorelin acetate is its BANM and JAN , leuprolide acetate is its USAN and USP , leuprorelina is its DCIT , and leuproréline is its DCF . [49] [50] [51] [52] It is also known by its developmental code names A-43818, Abbott-43818, DC-2-269, and TAP-144. [49] [50] [51] [52]
Leuprorelin is marketed by Bayer AG under the brand name Viadur, [7] by Tolmar under the brand names Eligard and Fensolvi, [5] [6] and by TAP Pharmaceuticals (1985–2008), by Varian Pharmed( Previously named Varian Darou Pajooh) under the brand name Leupromer and Abbott Laboratories (2008–present) under the brand name Lupron.
In October 2001, the US Department of Justice, states attorneys general, and TAP Pharmaceutical Products, a subsidiary of Abbott Laboratories, settled criminal and civil charges against TAP related to federal and state medicare fraud and illegal marketing of the drug leuprorelin. [53] TAP paid a total of $875 million, which was a record high at the time. [54] [55] The $875 million settlement broke down to $290 million for violating the Prescription Drug Marketing Act, $559.5 million to settle federal fraud charges for overcharging Medicare, and $25.5 million reimbursement to 50 states and Washington, D.C., for filing false claims with the states' Medicaid programs. [55] The case arose under the False Claims Act with claims filed by Douglas Durand, a former TAP vice president of sales, and Joseph Gerstein, a doctor at Tufts University's HMO practice. [54] Durand, Gerstein, and Tufts shared $95 million of the settlement. [54]
There have since been various suits concerning leuprorelin use, none successful. [56] [57] They either concern the oversubscription of the drug or undue warning about the side effects. Between 2010 and 2013, the FDA updated the Lupron drug label to include new safety information on the risk of thromboembolism, loss of bone density and convulsions. [58] The FDA then asserted that the benefits of leuprorelin outweigh its risks when used according to its approved labeling. Since 2017, the FDA has been evaluating leuprorelin's connection to pain and discomfort in musculoskeletal and connective tissue. [59]
As of 2006 [update] , leuprorelin was under investigation for possible use in the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. [60] [ needs update ]
A by mouth formulation of leuprorelin is under development for the treatment of endometriosis. [61] It was also under development for the treatment of precocious puberty, prostate cancer, and uterine fibroids, but development for these uses was discontinued. [61] The formulation has the tentative brand name Ovarest. [61] As of July 2018, it is in phase II clinical trials for endometriosis. [61] [ needs update ]
Leuprorelin is frequently used in ferrets for the treatment of adrenal disease. Its use has been reported in a ferret with concurrent primary hyperaldosteronism, [62] and one with concurrent diabetes mellitus. [63] It is also used to treat pet parrots with chronic egg laying behavior. [64]
Diethylstilbestrol (DES), also known as stilbestrol or stilboestrol, is a nonsteroidal estrogen medication, which is presently rarely used. In the past, it was widely used for a variety of indications, including pregnancy support for those with a history of recurrent miscarriage, hormone therapy for menopausal symptoms and estrogen deficiency, treatment of prostate cancer and breast cancer, and other uses. By 2007, it was only used in the treatment of prostate cancer and breast cancer. In 2011, Hoover and colleagues reported on adverse health outcomes linked to DES including infertility, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, preeclampsia, preterm birth, stillbirth, infant death, menopause prior to age 45, breast cancer, cervical cancer, and vaginal cancer. While most commonly taken by mouth, DES was available for use by other routes as well, for instance, vaginal, topical, and by injection.
Goserelin, sold under the brand name Zoladex among others, is a medication which is used to suppress production of the sex hormones, particularly in the treatment of breast cancer and prostate cancer. It is an injectable gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist.
Bicalutamide, sold under the brand name Casodex among others, is an antiandrogen medication that is primarily used to treat prostate cancer. It is typically used together with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogue or surgical removal of the testicles to treat metastatic prostate cancer (mPC). To a lesser extent, it is used at high doses for locally advanced prostate cancer (LAPC) as a monotherapy without castration. Bicalutamide was also previously used as monotherapy to treat localized prostate cancer (LPC), but authorization for this use was withdrawn following unfavorable trial findings. Besides prostate cancer, bicalutamide is limitedly used in the treatment of excessive hair growth and scalp hair loss in women, as a puberty blocker and component of feminizing hormone therapy for transgender girls and women, to treat gonadotropin-independent early puberty in boys, and to prevent overly long-lasting erections in men. It is taken by mouth.
Nafarelin, sold under the brand name Synarel among others, is a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist medication which is used in the treatment of endometriosis and early puberty. It is also used to treat uterine fibroids, to control ovarian stimulation in in vitro fertilization (IVF), and as part of transgender hormone therapy. The medication is used as a nasal spray two to three times per day.
Buserelin, sold under the brand name Suprefact among others, is a medication which is used primarily in the treatment of prostate cancer and endometriosis. It is also used for other indications such as the treatment of premenopausal breast cancer, uterine fibroids, and early puberty, in assisted reproduction for female infertility, and as a part of transgender hormone therapy. In addition, buserelin is used in veterinary medicine. The medication is typically used as a nasal spray three times per day, but is also available for use as a solution or implant for injection into fat.
Triptorelin, sold under the brand name Decapeptyl among others, is a medication that acts as an agonist analog of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, repressing expression of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
A gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist is a type of medication which affects gonadotropins and sex hormones. They are used for a variety of indications including in fertility medicine and to lower sex hormone levels in the treatment of hormone-sensitive cancers such as prostate cancer and breast cancer, certain gynecological disorders like heavy periods and endometriosis, high testosterone levels in women, early puberty in children, as a part of transgender hormone therapy, and to delay puberty in transgender youth among other uses. It is also used in the suppression of spontaneous ovulation as part of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, an essential component in IVF. GnRH agonists are given by injections into fat, as implants placed into fat, and as nasal sprays.
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonists are a class of medications that antagonize the gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor and thus the action of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). They are used in the treatment of prostate cancer, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, female infertility in assisted reproduction, and for other indications.
Histrelin acetate, sold under the brand name Supprelin among others, is a nonapeptide analogue of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) with added potency. When present in the bloodstream, it acts on particular cells of the pituitary gland called gonadotropes. Histrelin stimulates these cells to release luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone. Thus it is considered a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist or GnRH agonist.
Cetrorelix, or cetrorelix acetate, sold under the brand name Cetrotide, is an injectable gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist. A synthetic decapeptide, it is used in assisted reproduction to inhibit premature luteinizing hormone surges The drug works by blocking the action of GnRH upon the pituitary, thus rapidly suppressing the production and action of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). In addition, cetrorelix can be used to treat hormone-sensitive cancers of the prostate and breast and some benign gynaecological disorders. It is administered as either multiple 0.25 mg daily subcutaneous injections or as a single-dose 3 mg subcutaneous injection. The duration of the 3 mg single dose is four days; if human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is not administered within four days, a daily 0.25 mg dose is started and continued until hCG is administered.
Hormonal therapy in oncology is hormone therapy for cancer and is one of the major modalities of medical oncology, others being cytotoxic chemotherapy and targeted therapy (biotherapeutics). It involves the manipulation of the endocrine system through exogenous or external administration of specific hormones, particularly steroid hormones, or drugs which inhibit the production or activity of such hormones. Because steroid hormones are powerful drivers of gene expression in certain cancer cells, changing the levels or activity of certain hormones can cause certain cancers to cease growing, or even undergo cell death. Surgical removal of endocrine organs, such as orchiectomy and oophorectomy can also be employed as a form of hormonal therapy.
Feminizing hormone therapy, also known as transfeminine hormone therapy, is hormone therapy and sex reassignment therapy to change the secondary sex characteristics of transgender people from masculine or androgynous to feminine. It is a common type of transgender hormone therapy and is used to treat transgender women and non-binary transfeminine individuals. Some, in particular intersex people, but also some non-transgender people, take this form of therapy according to their personal needs and preferences.
Degarelix, sold under the brand name Firmagon among others, is a hormonal therapy used in the treatment of prostate cancer.
Deslorelin, sold under the brand name Suprelorin among others, is an injectable gonadotropin releasing hormone superagonist which is used in veterinary medicine for various indications.
Cyproterone acetate (CPA), sold alone under the brand name Androcur or with ethinylestradiol under the brand names Diane or Diane-35 among others, is an antiandrogen and progestin medication used in the treatment of androgen-dependent conditions such as acne, excessive body hair growth, early puberty, and prostate cancer, as a component of feminizing hormone therapy for transgender individuals, and in birth control pills. It is formulated and used both alone and in combination with an estrogen. CPA is taken by mouth one to three times per day.
Puberty blockers are medicines used to postpone puberty in children. The most commonly used puberty blockers are gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists, which suppress the natural production of sex hormones, such as androgens and estrogens. Puberty blockers are used to delay puberty in children with precocious puberty. They are also used to delay the development of unwanted secondary sex characteristics in transgender children, so as to allow transgender youth more time to explore their gender identity. The same drugs are also used in fertility medicine and to treat some hormone-sensitive cancers in adults.
Relugolix, sold under the brand names Orgovyx and Relumina among others, is a gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist medication which is used in the treatment of prostate cancer in men and uterine fibroids in women. It is taken by mouth.
The medical uses of bicalutamide, a nonsteroidal antiandrogen (NSAA), include the treatment of androgen-dependent conditions and hormone therapy to block the effects of androgens. Indications for bicalutamide include the treatment of prostate cancer in men, skin and hair conditions such as acne, seborrhea, hirsutism, and pattern hair loss in women, high testosterone levels in women, hormone therapy in transgender women, as a puberty blocker to prevent puberty in transgender girls and to treat early puberty in boys, and the treatment of long-lasting erections in men. It may also have some value in the treatment of paraphilias and hypersexuality in men.
Drugs and sexual desire is about sexual desire being manipulated through drugs from various approaches. Sexual desire is generated under the effects from sex hormones and microcircuits from brain regions. Neurotransmitters play essential roles in stimulating and inhibiting the processes that lead to libido production in both men and women. For instance, a positive stimulation is modulated by dopamine from the medial preoptic area in the hypothalamus and norepinephrine. At the same time, inhibition occurs when prolactin and serotonin are released for action.
Leuprorelin/norethisterone acetate, also known as leuprolide/norethindrone acetate and sold under the brand name Lupaneta Pack, is a co-packaged medication used to treat endometriosis. It contains leuprorelin as the acetate, a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist, and norethisterone acetate, a progestin. The leuprorelin is given by intramuscular injection and the norethisterone acetate is taken by mouth.
Table 1
Table 1