Leuprolide Acetate 45mg Injection

Leuprolide Acetate 45 mg is used to treat advanced prostate cancer through long-term androgen deprivation therapy. It suppresses testosterone production to castrate levels for six months per injection. It is used in locally advanced, metastatic, and castration-resistant prostate cancer, often alongside oral antiandrogen medicines.

Yes. Leuprolide Acetate 45 mg is the generic equivalent of Lupron Depot 45 mg by AbbVie (USA). Eligard 45 mg (Astellas) is a widely used branded alternative that contains the same active ingredient delivered via a subcutaneous polymer injection system. Both are approved for advanced prostate cancer and given every six months.

Once every 24 weeks — that is, two injections per year. It is administered by a healthcare professional either as an intramuscular injection (Lupron Depot formulation) or as a subcutaneous injection (Eligard formulation). The six-month interval makes it the most convenient depot leuprolide formulation for long-term prostate cancer ADT.

Both contain leuprolide acetate and work through the same mechanism. The 22.5 mg formulation is a 3-month depot given every 12 weeks. The 45 mg formulation is a 6-month depot given every 24 weeks. The 45 mg dose is used exclusively for prostate cancer; the 22.5 mg dose is also used for prostate cancer but covers a shorter dosing interval. Neither strength is interchangeable with the 11.25 mg dose used for endometriosis and fibroids.

Both contain leuprolide acetate 45 mg and are given every six months for advanced prostate cancer. Lupron Depot uses a microsphere suspension given as an intramuscular injection. Eligard uses the Atrigel polymer delivery system given subcutaneously. Clinical outcomes in terms of testosterone suppression and PSA reduction are comparable. Choice depends on prescriber preference, route of administration, and local formulary.

Yes. Eligard 45 mg (Astellas, EU/UK) is the most widely used 6-month leuprolide formulation in the UK and Europe. It is approved for advanced prostate cancer and is available through NHS and private prescribing. There is no 6-month Prostap formulation — Prostap (Takeda, UK) is available only in 1-month and 3-month depot strengths.

Common side effects include hot flushes, night sweats, fatigue, reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, and injection site reactions. With long-term use, bone density loss, weight gain, anaemia, and metabolic changes including elevated blood glucose and lipids may occur. Patients on long-term ADT are typically monitored with regular testosterone, PSA, DEXA, and metabolic panel assessments. Bone-protective treatment with a bisphosphonate or denosumab may be prescribed where indicated.

Both are GnRH agonists with similar mechanisms and comparable prostate cancer outcomes. Goserelin (Zoladex) is available as a 1-month or 3-month subcutaneous implant but does not have a 6-month formulation. Leuprolide 45 mg offers a longer dosing interval, which may be preferable for patients requiring long-term ADT with minimal clinic visits.

Yes. Leuprolide 45 mg is frequently used alongside oral antiandrogens — including bicalutamide, enzalutamide, darolutamide, or apalutamide — as part of combined androgen blockade. It is also used with radiotherapy in high-risk localised prostate cancer and as part of chemohormonal therapy with docetaxel in metastatic hormone-sensitive disease.

Yes. A short course of an antiandrogen such as bicalutamide is often prescribed for one to two weeks before and after the first leuprolide injection to block the initial testosterone flare. This is particularly important in patients with metastatic disease or significant tumour burden, where a testosterone surge could worsen symptoms.