Leuprolide for Prostate Cancer User Reviews (Page 3)

• Burned...
• July 1, 2017

Lupron (leuprolide) "Saving life is most important. However, so is quality of life. My husband of 30 years, the most stable, peaceful, fun, loving person I had ever met, completely disappeared with this drug. Physical side effects are horrible, but the potential psychological and emotional impact of this treatment can be even worse. And, it is not at all addressed by the medical community. He's gone for support, he's gone for counselling, but nothing seems to get through. The fact that he's alive apparently is not enough. SO, after dealing with this for so many years, I would strongly suggest that couples fully deal with this together. Your husband/or partner will become a completely different human being on this drug - and the impact is not reversible."

• What...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 1, 2022

Eligard (leuprolide) "My husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer 2 years ago. Underwent surgery to have prostate removed as well as lymph nodes and some cancer that was on his bladder. He started the Eligard injections every 3 to 4 months since. His PSA levels have remained at a 1.0 until recently. A friend suggest he take a multi vitamin of Quercetin, zinc, stinging nettle root, Vitamin C and D3. He has been taking it for 3 weeks and just went back in for another injection. His PSA was 0 but yet they still gave him the injection. If his PSA is 0 why would he need another injection. He continues to suffer from all the same side effects of night sweats, frequent urination, mood swings, depression, and loss of memory. I want him to stop the shots but wondering if anyone else has quit taking the shots with a PSA of 0."

• BarryL
• December 7, 2011

Eligard (leuprolide) "I was given my first injection with Eligard on December 1st 2010. I started to have bone pain a little before this and a PSA of 116. It took control in about 2 days and the pain went. As I decided to wait until the pain returned (to see how long it would last) I had to have another one 6 1/2 months later. My PSA dropped to 0.17 the first time and 2.6 the second (where it is now). I will take a 3rd one in 5 months time and see if it goes beyond the 4 months for the 30mg to have effect. The date is 8th December 2011 and the 3rd one is due in March 2012."

• Ridgb...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 4, 2017

Lupron (leuprolide) "I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in November of 2016 my PSA was 14.8 and my Gleason Score was 6. The good news is that the cancer did not spread outside to prostate and was in 9 out of 12 from the biopsy. I took Casodex for one month and had one Lupron injection then stared 44 treatments of radiation around treatment 20 my PSA went down to .09. After I complete radiation I have one more Lupron Injection to take then that is it no more Cancer I hope. The side effects are some hot flashes, weight gain, shrinking testicles and frequent urination. After my next and last Lupron injection I hope to be done with Cancer"

• WHEEZ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 29, 2016

Lupron (leuprolide) "Nov. 2012 I had a double lung transplant. July 2014 I was told I had prostate cancer (this after several PSA's that never dropped below 4. My last was in the high thirties and I had had 3 biopsies). Had a radical surgery in November which included nerve scraping and removal of 11 lymph nodes. Post surgery I had no radiation but did have the long term Lupron injections twice. I was cancer free for a year and now it is back. Started Lupron again and the side effects are already out in full force (after 4 days). Because of my compromised immune system and the medications I must take for life and kidney issues as a result of the lung transplant I worry that the Lupron will not work. What would be an alternative treatment?"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 5, 2014

Eligard (leuprolide) "I started Eligard in 2006 and it worked well until 2012. I started taking Casodex with the Eligard injections and that worked well until early 2014. I came off the Casodex at that time and continued to take the Eligard with my PSA back up to 7.1 and cancer mets to my T3, T4 spine. I had radiation to my spine and now waiting for financial assistance on new medicine."

• kluff
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 26, 2017

Lupron (leuprolide) "I was diagnosed in September 2016 with prostate cancer, and I have been on lupron ever since, in between I had 37 radiotherapy sessions. I have to be on lupron 2 years, but I would love to end it now. It has done o/k at lowering PSA but my QOL has suffered greatly, along with that of my dear wife. My mental health has taken a big hit with extreme depression and anxiety and bodily I have no strength and no ED. It works great for some men without any side effects but for others like me they can be overwhelming. Best wishes to all on this journey. kluff."

• Bikefox
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 16, 2021

Eligard (leuprolide) "I was diagnosed with prostate cancer around Thanksgiving 2020 and given a one month dose of Eligard about 2 months later. Then two more 6 month hormone shots of Eligard. I have also had SBRT and brachytherapy. So while it is difficult to assign the side effects I am experiencing to the Eligard alone, I am affected by nearly all its known side effects. I have zero libido, 4 or 5 hot flashes per day, major loss of strength and energy, genital shrinkage, body hair loss, weight gain, frequent urination at night, some short term memory loss, mood changes, apathy, and increased frequency of bowel movements. I have trouble carrying groceries up the stairs where I live now because of my loss of strength. I have continued to exercise and I take calcium, vitamin D, and multi-vitamin supplements, but I am still getting progressively weaker. The good news is my PSA is around zero now, and if it doesn’t increase I won’t have to get another Eligard injection when this last one wears off."

• MrDee
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 16, 2016

Lupron (leuprolide) "From the urologist, Lupron is a hormone to shrink the prostate prior to the x-ray treatments for cancer. I have lived with BPH for several years, and it did not shrink the prostate in my opinion. Subsequently, I learned from the Oncologist it was for lowering the PSA. and it did lower the PSA. The hormone was injected in the right and left gluteus muscles with the predicted soreness that passed with time. Three months prior to radiation; markers were placed in the prostate. After the markers were placed a second round of injections were required. This round resulted in a mistake, and the injection in the left gluteus resulted in the Sciatic nerve being punctured which has resulted in severe pain and soreness continuing to date."

• dOCwALT
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 13, 2017

Lupron (leuprolide) "Hot sweats were the thing most mentioned and most noticeable. My apologies for lack of empathy to all those who I've known going through them. Muscle mass loss and decreased exercise tolerance. My total weight lifted in a usual work out fell to about 1/3. Dry scaling skin and increased dry hair. However, my creeping male pattern baldness was certainly less noticeable. Testicular size and libido took a hit."

• Etienne
• October 31, 2015

Lupron (leuprolide) "Stage 2B prostate cancer. Proton beam therapy coupled with six months on Lupron. Dreaded getting the second 3-month shot. Side-effects: Almost total loss of libido and sexual function within 30 days--lasting for several months post usage; debilitating hot flashes (2X/hour, 24/7); 15 pounds of weight gain; 50% increase in cholesterol under same diet; dangerous liver impact (GGT > 130) w/o alcohol use; significant breast growth."

• Tony
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 24, 2020

Lupron Depot (leuprolide) "Taking Lupron injections for 7 months out scheduled 18 months for Prostate Cancer. Experiencing common side effects like the hot flashes weight gain reduction in size of testicles. Completed 28 treatments of radiation this past May. Taking injections in the buttocks every 3 months. Injections are not bad. A little soreness for a couple of days. The side effects are manageable so far."

• Inspe...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 9, 2016

Lupron (leuprolide) "Doctors just give it out like cough medicine. I have a from of muscular distrophy , lupron almost killed me and the doctors did not know what to do. 11 years later I am still having side effects from the synthetic hormone. doctors should realize that one size does not fit all."

• duckman
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 11, 2021

Lupron Depot (leuprolide) "I have been on lupron for 6 months (2 of the three month injections). This drug is very effective in slowing the prostate cancer growth. Testosterone is the fuel for PC. My testosterone level went from 840 to 11 in three weeks after my first injection! However, there surely are side-effects. Mine are: 1. Fatigue and low energy with breathlessness upon exercise. 2. Hot flashes 3. low red blood cell count (anemia). 4. Lack of sexual desire and unable to perform. 5. Shrunken testicles and penis. The side-effects are frustrating...but you can tough them out. God has given me strength, and without my faith...this would be much tougher. My wife has been an angel with her constant support. Goodluck!"

• surfe...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 27, 2021

Lupron Depot (leuprolide) "Had a prostatectomy in Oct. 2019 and PSA rose in April 2020. Took bicaltumide pills and a lupron injection in Aug 2020. second injection in Jan 2021. The next injection is May 2021. My side effects are mostly really bad hot flashes day and night, extra fat around waist, got the mood thing going. My wife said I should talk to doc before next dose. I also got an inguinal hernia after surgery . It is a hard drug to live with but at 71 years old I'll take every day. I see the doc next month for a checkup after a blood test. I also had 39 radiation visits in Jan 2021. I hope my PSS is still around 0.034 due to lupron. I have to take a total of 5 injections which have been every 4 months. Good luck to people who have to take this route."

• Harvey...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 21, 2021

Eligard (leuprolide) "I was given despite having informed the Radiation Oncologist that I had absolutely no interest in receiving this castrating hormone. He didn't properly convey my wishes and a VA Urologist ordered it anyway. It's been a complete and utter disaster. I have suffered night sweats, lost muscle mass, increased insomnia, testicular shrinkage, and lost libido. It should be emphasized that I had only intermediate level prostate cancer after 11 years and therefore was not an appropriate candidate for this "chemical garbage"."

• Patient
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 7, 2022

Eligard (leuprolide) "Hello. This is an update...I posted last year (2021). I have now had 5 shots of 3 months Eligard. I only have 3 left to complete the 2 year treatment. I had (have) Stage 3 prostate cancer, it spread to the lymph nodes, but no further (they think!). No surgery since it spread...I had my last (45th) Radiation treatment 6/9/21. Back to the Eligard. I was about to stop (after 3) or slow down the injections due to the crappy side effects, but Oncologist talked me into continuing. I am counting the months until I am done. My biggest side effect is bad headaches for several weeks after each injection. Yes, I get the hot flashes, I'm dizzy...sleep sucks, joint pain....and now my knees are very painful. My PSA did drop from mid 20's to .06 (almost nothing). That's the good part, I guess. I'm just hoping I can tolerate it all. GOOD LUCK!"

• Unhappy
• December 3, 2022

Eligard (leuprolide) "Eligard has ruined my life. I have no ambition to do anything, I have mood swings and tire easily. In addition, I have developed an irregular heartbeat as one of the side effects and have a pacemaker. I can no longer go for long bike rides or walks on the beach. I have refused to take my next injection and hopefully will get my life back. What a horrible medication why it is on the market is beyond me."

• Dufrain
• July 10, 2021

Lupron Depot (leuprolide) "I'm 57 and diagnosed in Apr with tumor confined in one lobe only, a Gleason of 7 (3+4), and a PSA of 9.22. I received a 4 month, (30mg) injection on May 19 and started radiation on June 21. As of this writing I'm into my 8th week on this drug. So far my side effects have been minimal with very mild hot flashes, (about 2-3 times a day but very subtle), loss of sex drive and some ED at this point. I get about 6-7hrs decent sleep a night, haven't had to get up to pee in the middle of the night much, no vision, confusion, brain fog issues, ect as others describe but I'm not long term therapy either. Doc said the 'kick-in' with side effects is typically at the 3 week point so, so far, I'm doing pretty well. Doc says I should regain most, if not all, my ED function when the drug wears off after the 4 month time frame. A definitive change in my diet and exercise has also helped a great deal with limiting my side effects. Hope this helps anyone in similar circumstances."

• Cityboy
• December 23, 2016

Eligard (leuprolide) "I had my first Eligard shot recently. It's difficult to say what side effects I'm having. Because I have spinal stenosis I have had surgery to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerves on each side and I have edema in both legs and feet as well as pain. There are spots on my feet where I have no feeling with the right foot being more affected. I cannot walk around with something on my feet even if it is just slippers because there are also extremely sensitive spots on my feet. I am also diabetic. I get throbbing and stabbing pains occasionally again with the right foot being more involved. Because I've been on opioids for 15 years I have not produced much testosterone for a long time. I am presently at 75 ng/dl. Thanks."

• Mike
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 23, 2021

Eligard (leuprolide) "I, like others have posted, feel I've had enough. 7 months of 'monthly' injections, not too many bad side effects until month 7 now I just felt it overloaded my body. I stopped for 2 months and just had a 3 month injection, being told it would not be as invasive, rubbish as I am now back in the throes of strange side effects, mostly constant diarrhea, bowel incontinence, all 24/7 hot flashes. The same reason I stopped Casodex after 3 months due to severe "hand and foot syndrome". I can control the mental aspects, but I think but this was my last injection. Sure, the traditional approach probably saved my life but every body is different in terms of the post radiation treatments. Obviously check with your Doctor before a decision like this!!! ...But "Traditional" has to be modified depending on the individual."

• Piano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 19, 2022

Eligard (leuprolide) "Here’s what I’ve learned. You have a choice either take the drug and a have a semi miserable remainder of your life with some or all of the above listed side effects as you are being treated palliative for longevity OR refuse the treatment and enjoy the short better quality life. Either way your are going to die. The choice is how do you want to go out. I was cancer free for 15 years after treatment until two years ago . PSA started to double as cancer is starting to spread. It went to the lymph nodes. This is kinda normal for prostate cancer life . 10 to 15 years of freedom then it will come back. I only wanted an extra 5 years to get some goals met then I was ok to die. The ELIGARD would give me that chance (maybe). However after two months after my first six month shot, it destroys my energy, desire, along with my bones and muscles making it near impossible to met those goals. Now I’m thinking, maybe this wasn’t the way to go. Also you get absolutely NO support in this."

• Johnny
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 30, 2022

Eligard (leuprolide) "If you are interested, watch a YT video called, “High PSA (prostate specific antigen) is NOT a diagnosis for prostate cancer.” I watched this after having elegard treatments. The video made me angry but it was eye opening. Was diagnosed with Prostate cancer in 2014. I was treated with radioactive seeds, it worked for just over 1 1/2 years! My PSA started climbing so I was given Lupron injections. The Lupron injections kept my PSA down just over 1 1/2 years. After a period of time without any injections, my PSA started rising again so my DR started me on Lupron injections, the Lupron injections brought my PSA back down again. Then the side effects started, I never thought a person could go through so much misery! The only way I could handle it was giving all what I was going through to Jesus Christ! Loss of muscle mass plus. Now after receiving these Eligard injections my PSA is starting to rise again?? I’ve lost so much muscle mass, I stopped Eligard!"

• Sad...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 14, 2023

Lupron Depot (leuprolide) "My husband cannot comment as he died 5 years ago. He was diagnosed with stage 3 prostate cancer. He also had radiation treatments. He suffered from fatigue, depression, and insomnia. Radiation caused damage to the urethra. His prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test was low while on Lupron depot but he was miserable and committed suicide. It would have been nice to have an alternative treatment. He didn’t want to live that way."

• Dober...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 15, 2022

Lupron Depot (leuprolide) "76 yrs. white male. PSA 200. Cancer spread to back and shoulders ( according to PET scan). Got the 6 month injection. No pre advice, oral or otherwise. Been 1 month so far. Side effects minimal, hot flashes, etc. So far so good but it’s still early. I attribute many of the negative effects discussed here by others as merely attributable to their ageing. I'm not having anger problems or lack of sex drive that I can’t pin on simply being an old man. I find many of these reviews based on lack of objectiveness. Let’s see what I say in two more months. As far as the doctors prognosis, I believe they are helpless against PC and reckless with others lives. They will get old too."