Skip to main content

What does Lupron do for IVF?

Medically reviewed by Leigh Ann Anderson, PharmD. Last updated on Jan 16, 2025.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

Key Points

The brand name product Lupron is no longer available commercially in the U.S., but the generic option is available through several manufacturers.

You will be taught to administer leuprolide injections at home. It is often given as a daily subcutaneous dose (injected under the skin) for two weeks. The GnRH agonist may be continued to prevent an early surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion. You may receive other medicines, like oral contraceptives, while you are using leuprolide.

The infertility protocol selected by your doctor may differ and you may not use leuprolide. Your doctor can give you the timelines and specifics of your protocol. IVF is expensive and time-consuming, so be sure to discuss the costs and your insurance coverage with your healthcare team.

Leuprolide is used "off-label" in IVF protocols, but it's use is widely accepted by doctors. Unapproved, or "off-label" uses of leuprolide are uses that have not been approved by the FDA and are not found in the package labeling.

What are GnRH agonists?

Natural gonadotropin releasing hormones (GnRH) are produced endogenously (in the body) in the hypothalamus, found in the brain near the pituitary gland. GnRH controls the secretion of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) from the anterior pituitary.

GnRH agonists produce an initial surge in the hormones follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and leutinizing hormone (LH) and then they block this process to produce a negative feedback. This lowers the amount of natural hormone your body produces and helps to control your ovulation.

Leuprolide is also approved to treat conditions such as central precocious puberty (CPP), endometriosis, prostate cancer and uterine fibroids.

Related: List of Gonadotropin Releasing Hormones

What is IVF?

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a form of assisted reproductive technology (ART) to overcome infertility and to result in a viable pregnancy. IVF requires treatment with hormones before the surgical implantation of the embryo.

IVF may be used for:

In protocols for in vitro fertilization (IVF), ovaries in a woman are stimulated to release mature eggs that are then collected surgically. The eggs are then fertilized with a man’s sperm and grown in the laboratory to produce embryos. One or more embryos are then inserted into the woman’s uterus.

An IVF cycle takes several weeks, requires repeated blood tests and daily hormone injections. IVF does not guarantee pregnancy and more than one cycle may be needed. If more than one embryo implants in the uterus, twins or higher-order pregnancies can result.

Protocols for IVF vary by the doctor’s preference and the regimen used at the treatment center. Follow only your doctor's instructions for IVF.

The steps of a typical IVF cycle might include:

This is not all the information you need to know about leuprolide (Lupron) for safe and effective use. Review the full leuprolide information here, and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.

References

Read next

How long should you take Lupron for prostate cancer?

Patients treated with Lupron Depot (leuprolide acetate) for prostate cancer usually continue treatment upon development of castration-resistant prostate cancer, whether it has spread beyond the prostate (metastatic) or not. Continue reading

Will I get my period while on Lupron?

Two months after starting treatment with Lupron (leuprolide) Depot for endometriosis, most women (98%) will stop having periods. In studies, 2% of women reported light bleeding or spotting. Most women will resume their normal periods within 3 months after treatment with Lupron Depot has ended. Continue reading

Are Lupron Depot and Eligard the same drug?

Lupron Depot and Eligard are brand name medicines that both contain the active ingredient leuprolide acetate. Both Lupron Depot and Eligard are prescribed to treat the symptoms of advanced prostate cancer. Lupron Depot is also approved to treat endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or central precocious puberty (CPP) in children (early puberty). Continue reading

See also:

Related medical questions

Drug information

Related support groups