Lupron Depot is a brand name for the synthetic hormone leuprolide acetate, used to treat symptoms of prostate cancer in men and to manage endometriosis in women. This prescription-only medication also delays the progression of early puberty in children with the disorder central precocious puberty, or CPP, under the brand Lupron Depot-PED.
Identification
Girls with CPP typically begin puberty before the age of 8 years, and boys with the condition usually begin puberty before age 9-1/2 years, as noted by Health Services at Columbia. Children with CPP begin showing signs such as development of pubic hair and increased growth rate. Along with other issues connected with early puberty, early advancement in bone age interferes with normal growth because it shortens the amount of time a child has to grow, explains Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. Usually the condition has no apparent cause, although sometimes a tumor, brain injury or other problem is involved. In these cases, the underlying cause is treated rather than using Lupron.
Function
Lupron Depot inhibits gonadotropin releasing hormone, a chemical that affects the development and function of the testicles and ovaries, and causes the body to mature. Children with CPP usually receive this medication by injection until the normal age of puberty onset, according to Health Services at Columbia. After the injections stop, normal puberty functions begin again within a few weeks to a few months.
Effects
A child who has already experienced some body changes due to CPP may not have a reversal of those changes when taking Lupron, but the progression will slow or stop, explains Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. In girls, menstruation stops and the breasts stop growing, whereas in boys, testicles stop growing. Both genders should have a decrease in body hair growth, oily skin and acne.
Usage
Lupron Depot injections are provided once a month or once every three months, as noted by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. A pediatric endocrinologist must order the medication, as it is not available at a retail pharmacy. You either take the drug to your physician to administer, or you can give the injections at home. The child must not miss or be late for a dose, or the hormones resume their activity. A child may need larger doses as he grows older to continue suppressing the hormones.
Side Effects
The most common side effect associated with Lupron is a rash or redness at the injection site, according to Moving Mountains for Kids. There may be increased symptoms of CPP for the first few weeks. Other side effects may include bone pain, loss of appetite and painful urination. Rarely, some girls experience vaginal bleeding or a white vaginal discharge. Girls also may experience side effects similar to those of menopause, explains Health Services at Columbia, including hot flashes and insomnia.
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