Lupron Microdose
Lupron (leuprolide acetate) microdoses are a short series of subcutaneous injections containing Gonadotropin Releasing Hormones (GnRH) agonists that are given for the purpose of jump-starting the production of FSH and...
Lupron (leuprolide acetate) microdoses are a short series of subcutaneous injections containing Gonadotropin Releasing Hormones (GnRH) agonists that are given for the purpose of jump-starting the production of FSH and LH, which can be effective in patients when longer protocols, including down regulation using Lupron, were ineffective at generating viable oocytes. Lupron microdose protocols will have patients taking Lupron primarily during their stimulation cycle.
In a unmedicated menstrual cycle, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in pulses that match your cycle length in order to signal to the pituitary gland that it is time for ovulation (in particular, to release follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and a particularly high surge of luteinizing hormone (LH)). GnRH agonists stimulate the hypothalamus to release a constant supply of GnRH, which, at first, can cause a small surge in FSH and LH. However, due to the non-cyclic nature of this stimulation, the pituitary gland eventually stops releasing FSH and LH altogether, allowing your doctor to use medications like gonadotropins and hCGs to control follicle stimulation and ovulation. Short microdose protocols take advantage of the temporary surge of FSH and LH to stimulate follicles and egg maturation; patients typically stop the medication before the drug suppresses the pituitary gland’s production of these hormones.
Administration
Step 1: Gather your supplies, and wash your hands
1 minutes
- You will need: a vial of Lupron, a orange-capped MonoJect syringe or a 1ml syringe, a mixing needle, alcohol pads and a sharps disposal.
Step 2: Draw up your dose
2 minutes
- Double check the dosage prescribed by your doctor because the dosages of leuprolide can vary greatly depending on your treatment.
- Clean off the top of the medication vial with an alcohol pad and let it air dry. Uncap the needle and insert it into the vial of Lupron. Invert the vial and draw the prescribed amount of Lupron into the syringe. Withdraw the needle.
- With the needle pointing up, tap on the barrel of the syringe and gently push the plunger to expel all of the air until a tiny drop of medication appears at the tip of the needle.
Step 3: Pick your injection site
1 minutes
- Measure 1-2 inches below your belly button and off to the right or left. Switch sides with each injection to help relieve any tenderness that develops. Using an alcohol wipe, wipe off your chosen spot and let it air dry.
Step 4: Administer the injection
1 minutes
- Take a pinch of skin around your injection site and hold the syringe at a 90 degree angle. Steadily, push the needle all the way in and release your pinch of skin. Push the plunger down until all of the medication is gone. Then withdraw the needle.
Dispose of your syringe in the sharps disposal. You did it!