The Current Status of Lupron in the US
Yes, Lupron and its various formulations are currently available in the United States, with AbbVie as the primary manufacturer. While some market fluctuations and specific discontinuations have occurred, they do not affect the general availability of the Lupron Depot products used for treating conditions such as advanced prostate cancer, endometriosis, and central precocious puberty.
Past Shortage Issues Explained
Concerns about Lupron availability often stem from past shortages that affected the global market. Around 2020 and 2021, a worldwide supply disruption occurred due to manufacturing issues at a former supplier's facility. These issues led to legal disputes between AbbVie and the supplier. However, these supply chain problems have been resolved, and the current availability is stable.
Clarification on Discontinued Formulations
Another source of confusion comes from the discontinuation of specific product forms. In 2022, AbbVie discontinued a specific 5mg/mL Lupron solution globally due to a lack of demand. It is crucial to understand that this applied only to that particular formulation and did not impact the various Lupron Depot strengths or Lupron Depot-PED, which continue to be produced and commercialized.
Brand-Name Lupron Depot vs. Generic Leuprolide Acetate
Understanding the distinction between brand-name Lupron Depot and its generic alternatives is key for patients. While both contain the same active ingredient, leuprolide acetate, they are not always interchangeable, particularly the depot versus daily injection formulations.
| Feature | Lupron Depot (Brand-Name) | Generic Leuprolide Acetate |
|---|---|---|
| Therapeutically Equivalent Generic? | No. A therapeutically equivalent generic for the depot formulation is not available in the US, as of late 2025. | Yes, but not equivalent to the depot forms. Products from various manufacturers are available, some recently entering the market. |
| Dosing/Administration | Administered as a long-acting intramuscular (IM) injection by a healthcare professional on a schedule ranging from monthly to every six months. | Often available as a daily subcutaneous (subQ) injection, or in other depot formulations. |
| FDA-Approved Uses | Advanced prostate cancer, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and central precocious puberty (as Lupron Depot-PED). | Primarily for palliative treatment of advanced prostate cancer, with different formulations used for other conditions. |
| Example Alternative | N/A | Eligard (another brand of leuprolide acetate, administered subQ) |
How to Get Your Lupron Prescription
- Consult with a healthcare provider: Discuss your condition and the specific leuprolide acetate formulation required. Do not assume different leuprolide products are interchangeable without medical guidance.
- Use a specialty pharmacy: Due to its nature and storage requirements, Lupron Depot often needs to be sourced through a specialty pharmacy authorized to handle such medications.
- Verify insurance coverage: Check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage for brand-name Lupron Depot and any available generic alternatives.
- Explore patient assistance: AbbVie offers a patient assistance program called myAbbVie Assist to help eligible patients with the cost of their medication.
- Discuss alternatives: If concerned about cost or formulation, talk to your doctor about alternatives like Eligard, which also contains leuprolide acetate but is administered differently.
Alternatives to Lupron Depot
For patients with advanced prostate cancer, Eligard is a notable alternative, as it also contains leuprolide acetate. However, a key difference is that Eligard is a subcutaneous injection, while Lupron Depot is an intramuscular injection. For other conditions, discussing treatment options with a healthcare provider is essential, as eligibility and effectiveness differ.
Conclusion
For patients asking, is Lupron still available in the US?, the answer is yes, brand-name Lupron Depot and its pediatric version are available. Past supply shortages have been resolved, and a specific discontinued formulation should not be confused with the currently available Depot products. While no therapeutically equivalent generic exists for the depot formulation, various generic leuprolide acetate options are on the market, though they may have different dosages and administration methods. Patients should work closely with their healthcare team to ensure they receive the correct formulation and explore financial assistance options if needed.
