Prostate Cancer Information from TAP Pharmaceuticals
Healthcare Professional Website
A healthy prostate is closest in size to a:
Grapefruit
Walnut
Tennis ball
Prostate Cancer Treatment and Lupron Information

Lupron Depot

  1. Is Lupron Depot covered by insurance and Medicare? And what about a Patient Assistance Program?
  2. What if I experience impotence while taking Lupron Depot?
  3. What are the most common side effects of Lupron Depot?
  4. What does my family need to know about Lupron Depot?
  5. How long will I be on this treatment?
  6. How often will I get Lupron Depot injections?
  7. Can I switch from a 1-month dosing regimen to 3- or 4-month dosing?

View Common Questions about Prostate Cancer

  1. Is Lupron Depot covered by insurance and Medicare? And what about a Patient Assistance Program?

    Most private insurers and Medicare will cover appropriate claims for Lupron Depot. Check with Medicare or your health insurance company to verify coverage amounts and any out-of-pocket expense. You or your doctor can file claims for private insurance. However, only a doctor can file a Medicare claim for patients. TAP, the company that distributes Lupron Depot, also provides a Lupron Patient Assistance Program (LPAP) to help qualified patients, based on income, obtain Lupron Depot through their doctor.

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  2. What if I experience impotence while taking Lupron Depot?

    If you experience impotence during Lupron Depot treatment, it could be because of decreased testosterone levels. Talk to your doctor about your concerns.

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  3. What are the most common side effects of Lupron Depot?

    The most common side effect associated with Lupron Depot is hot flashes. Like other treatment options, LH-RH agonists may cause impotence. In addition, prostate cancer symptoms may temporarily get worse over the first few weeks of treatment.

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  4. What does my family need to know about Lupron Depot?

    Your family is an important part of your cancer treatment team: They are your day-to-day support partners. They need to know that Lupron Depot lowers blood levels of testosterone, the hormone that may cause hormone-dependent prostate cancer to grow, to levels similar to those following orchiectomy (surgical castration). However, unlike the surgical procedure, the effects of Lupron Depot are reversible when treatment is stopped.

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  5. How long will I be on this treatment?

    Your doctor will determine the length of your Lupron Depot therapy. Be sure to discuss any of your concerns about the treatment with your doctor.

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  6. How often will I get Lupron Depot injections?

    Lupron Depot is available in three convenient dosages (one month, three month, and four month). Your doctor can help you decide which Lupron Depot regimen is most appropriate for you.

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  7. Can I switch from a 1-month dosing regimen to 3- or 4-month dosing?

    Yes. Your doctor can help you decide which Lupron Depot regimen is most appropriate for you.

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Prostate Cancer Treatment Questions from TAP

Important Safety and Other Information

Lupron Depot is indicated for the palliative treatment of advanced prostate cancer. The most common side effect associated with Lupron Depot is hot flashes. Like other treatment options, LH-RH agonists may cause impotence. Symptoms may worsen over the first few weeks of treatment. Periodic monitoring of PSA and serum testosterone levels is recommended. Lupron Depot–4 Month 30mg, –3 Month 22.5mg and 7.5mg dosage forms are not indicated for use in women. For further information about Lupron Depot, please see the complete prescribing information and the patient product information.

©2006 TAP Pharmaceutical Products Inc.