Lupron is marketed as Lupron Depot, Viadur, Eligard and Lupron Depot-Ped, all of which are brand names for the generic compound leoprolide acetate, according to MayoClinic.com. It is a synthetic medicine with greater potency than the naturally-occurring gonadotropin hormone that is produced by the hypothalamus. Lupron is used to treat prostate and uterine cancers, precocious puberty and anemia.
Loss of Bone Density
Long-term use of Lurpon has been linked to a decrease in bone density, according to RxList. The website notes that the decrease can lead to osteoporosis over time, especially in patients who have other factors contributing to low bone density in their lives.
Anemia
Although MayoClinic.com notes that Lupron is used to treat anemia that results from uterine tumors, Drugs.com adds that in other patients Lupron use can lead to an anemic state.
Cardiovascular Stresses
Drugs.com notes that 19 percent of patients taking Lupron experience ECG changes which take several forms, including thrombosis, arrhythmias and myocardial infarctions. According to Chemo Care, Lupron can lead to congestive heart failure, and is considered to be one of the rarer long-term side effects of Lupron, affecting approximately 1 percent of patients.
Breast Changes
Though Lupron is linked to initial breast pain and tenderness, Drugs.com also notes long-term effects on the breast area in men and women, such as breast enlargement; this occurs in about 7 percent of patients taking Lupron.
Genital Dysfunction
According to Drug.com, Lupron use is associated with a number of genital dysfunctions. This can include vaginal dryness, which is reported by 37 percent of women taking the medication, and erectile dysfunction and penile disorder in men taking Lupron. More severe genital area side effects noted on Drugs.com include a reduction in penis size, and Chemo Care notes that 30 percent of male patients on Lupron experience impotence.
Birth Defects
Lupron is not recommended for women who are or who may become pregnant, and men should not impregnate women while taking the medication, as RxList notes that the medication may cause birth defects. According to Chemo Care, talking with a doctor to ensure a safe period of time has passed since last taking the drug before attempting conception is essential to prevent potential fetal harm.
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