Understanding Lupron: How long does one shot of Lupron last?

October 10, 2025 •

3 min read

The duration of a single Lupron injection is not a single, universal answer but varies based on the specific formulation prescribed, which can release the medication over a period of one, three, four, or six months. How long does one shot of Lupron last? This depends entirely on the formulation and the condition being treated, as different delivery mechanisms are used to provide a slow, sustained release of the medication.

Quick Summary

The duration of a single Lupron shot is not fixed, but depends on the specific depot formulation and medical condition treated, ranging from one to six months. The medication is released slowly over time to suppress hormone levels for the intended duration.

Key Points

Variable duration: A single shot of Lupron can last for one, three, four, or six months, depending on the specific depot formulation.
Condition-specific treatment: The prescribed duration is based on the medical condition being treated, such as prostate cancer, endometriosis, or central precocious puberty.
Depot technology: Lupron is a depot injection, meaning the medication is slowly released into the body over an extended period.
Initial hormone flare: Patients may experience a temporary worsening of symptoms in the first few weeks due to a hormonal surge, which is followed by suppression.
Recovery time: After the last injection, it can take several weeks to months for normal hormonal function to return.
Professional administration: Due to its long-acting nature, Lupron is typically administered by a healthcare professional.

What is a Lupron depot injection?

Lupron, also known by its generic name leuprolide acetate, is a type of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist. It works by decreasing the amount of certain hormones, like testosterone in men and estrogen in women, by first stimulating and then suppressing the pituitary gland. The 'depot' formulation is designed to release the medication slowly and continuously into the body over a longer period, eliminating the need for daily injections. This slow-release mechanism is what dictates the extended duration of a single shot.

Duration of Lupron based on different formulations

Since Lupron is available in multiple depot (long-acting) formulations, the answer to how long a single shot lasts depends on which product is being used. Healthcare providers select the appropriate formulation based on the patient's condition, treatment plan, and convenience.

For advanced prostate cancer:

One-month formulation: Administered at a frequency of approximately every 4 weeks.
Three-month formulation: Given at a frequency of approximately every 12 weeks.
Four-month formulation: Given at a frequency of approximately every 16 weeks.
Six-month formulation: Given at a frequency of approximately every 24 weeks.

For endometriosis and uterine fibroids:

One-month formulation: Administered at a frequency of once per month for a specified duration of treatment.
Three-month formulation: Administered as a single injection that lasts for 3 months, often used for women needing 3 months of hormonal suppression.

For central precocious puberty (CPP):

One-month, three-month, and six-month options (Lupron Depot-Ped): Duration is determined by a child's weight and individual needs.

Factors influencing Lupron's effectiveness and duration

While the formulation is the primary determinant of a shot's duration, other factors can influence the overall effectiveness and recovery timeline. The body's unique response to the medication can affect the onset of hormone suppression and the speed of recovery after treatment ends.

Patient-specific metabolism: An individual's metabolism can influence how quickly the medication is absorbed and processed, though the depot mechanism is designed to provide a steady release regardless.
Initial hormone surge: During the first couple of weeks after injection, a temporary increase in hormone levels (known as a “flare”) can occur. A patient’s symptoms may temporarily worsen before hormone levels drop.
Treatment history: The duration and effectiveness may differ in patients undergoing repeat courses of treatment.
Disease state: The specific medical condition and its severity can influence the overall treatment plan and how the body responds to the medication.

Comparison of Lupron depot formulations


Feature	1-Month Lupron Depot	3-Month Lupron Depot	4-Month Lupron Depot	6-Month Lupron Depot
Duration per shot	Approximately 4 weeks	Approximately 12 weeks	Approximately 16 weeks	Approximately 24 weeks
Primary uses	Prostate cancer, endometriosis, uterine fibroids	Prostate cancer, endometriosis, uterine fibroids	Prostate cancer	Prostate cancer, central precocious puberty
Administration	Intramuscular injection	Intramuscular injection	Intramuscular injection	Intramuscular injection

The process after the injection

After a Lupron depot injection, the medication is released slowly over the specified period, ensuring a steady suppression of hormones. The initial hormonal flare typically subsides within the first few weeks as the medication begins to fully suppress hormone production. During treatment, consistent hormone suppression is monitored through regular blood tests.

Upon discontinuation of treatment, the body’s normal hormonal function gradually returns. For many patients, this can take several weeks to months, and the timeline can differ individually. For example, in women, menstruation typically resumes within 3-4 months after the last injection, though the range can be wider.

For a detailed overview of approved uses and drug specifications, one can consult the official FDA label for Lupron Depot.

Conclusion

The length of time a single Lupron shot lasts depends entirely on the formulation prescribed by a healthcare provider. Available in one-, three-, four-, and six-month options, these depot injections ensure a sustained release of leuprolide acetate for effective, long-term hormone suppression. The treatment duration is tailored to the specific medical condition and individual patient needs, with the overall goal of managing symptoms associated with hormone-sensitive conditions like prostate cancer, endometriosis, and central precocious puberty.

Frequently Asked Questions

For advanced prostate cancer, a Lupron shot can be given on various schedules depending on the formulation, including approximately every 4 weeks, every 12 weeks, every 16 weeks, or every 24 weeks.

Yes, for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer, there is a specific Lupron Depot formulation designed to provide a sustained release of medication over a 6-month period.

For endometriosis, Lupron is typically administered as either a one-month shot given once per month for a specified duration, or as a three-month shot given once every 3 months for a total treatment duration determined by a healthcare provider.

After the effects of a Lupron shot wear off, the body's natural hormonal function gradually returns. For women, menstruation typically resumes within 1-3 months, but this can vary by individual.

No, different Lupron formulations should not be combined to alter the duration. Each formulation has specific release characteristics and should be administered according to the prescribed schedule.

Lupron depot injections are typically administered as an intramuscular injection into the muscle (e.g., hip, thigh, or upper arm) by a healthcare professional.

The flare effect is a temporary surge in hormones that occurs during the first 1-2 weeks of treatment before sustained suppression begins. Patients may experience an initial increase or worsening of symptoms during this time.