Leuprolide

Mechanism

• GnRH analog
  • See female hypothalamic-pituitary axis topic 
  • See male hypothalamic-pituitary axis topic 
• Action depends on mode of administration 
  • GnRH antagonist when infusion continuously
    • causes initial increase in androgens after initial administration 
  • GnRH agonist when infused in a pulsatile manner
• is the natural way the body releases GnRH

Indications

• Infertility (pulsatile)
• Prostate cancer (continuous)
  • coadministered with flutamide
• Uterine fibroids

Toxicity

• Antiandrogen side effects
• Nausea
• Vomiting