Leuprolide for Prostate Cancer User Reviews (Page 2)

• lup...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 25, 2018

"I had prostate cancer 10 years ago, so they say. 43 treatments of radiation, and the PSA is gone. Now, 67 years old, and my PSA went up to 8.5, 10 years later, and my doctor wants to do the Lupron shot. First one, 2 years, a big one, 45 mg. It almost killed me - I had never been so sick. Now, 2 and a half years later, my PSA was 13, so I told the doc I would try a smaller dose, so I did 7.5 a year ago and another 7.5 last week. My PSA is 3.2, but still, I said I should take it. Let me tell you, men, I WILL NEVER TAKE ANOTHER LUPRON SHOT AS LONG AS I LIVE. The side effects you read about are true: blood pressure problems, diabetes. I'm never having a Lupron shot ever again."

• Mr ...
• October 26, 2016

"Diagnosed with stage 4 PC in my right hip. PSA for years was between 2.0 to 3.5. Went from 3.5 to 29 in one year! I encourage all with a PSA of over 3.0 to get a bone density test! Started Lupron 30-day shot on July 5th, 2016. First 3 months went from 29 to 3, so heading in the right direction. Bone pain reduced after the first shot by more than 75%. Hot flashes around the clock, roughly 10 to 12 a day with an intensity level of about a 5 or 6. Very annoying but tolerable. Miscellaneous aches and pains in joints and muscles. Occasional fogginess and definitely wake up too much to pee. I'm trying Flomax now, I hope to see some improvement. Fatigue is real! I can't tell if this is harder on my family than me! So far, so good. God bless to ALL!"

• Ano...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 28, 2016

"I am the wife of a man currently taking Eligard. I have to say it has worked to keep the prostate cancer from spreading, which is absolutely wonderful. However, it has caused a lot of other problems that have affected both of us. He has absolutely no sexual desire, he has developed what appears to be breasts, his penis has become inverted, and his testicles have decreased in size. His muscle mass has decreased as well, and the weight gain is mostly in his belly. I can only hope that he will regain his manhood if and when he is taken off this medication."

• Mik...
• October 18, 2011

"Got a shot of it on Friday, some soreness on Saturday; but saw immediate results of reduced urgency to void every hour, sometimes 4-5 times per hour, depending on consumption of liquid. Some sensitivity to the right side of the groin and scrotum. Seemed like it might be some blockage in semen tubing or possibly the medication impacting the two lymph nodes that showed some cancer invasion. Now it is Tuesday evening, and the sensitivity on the right side of the groin is minimal. It is really amazing how fast the medication impacted the symptoms. I got a 3-month shot and expect to do a blood draw in 6 weeks to evaluate the impact on the PSA levels. So far, so good."

• Anonymous
• April 18, 2011

"Second injection started night and day sweats. This has increased to every 2-3 hrs during the day - less frequency at night. Dropped my PSA from 30 to 0.07 post-prostate removal. Time on medication: 6 months."

• Scr...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 13, 2020

"Husband got an Eligard shot to minimize the size of the prostate to prepare for radiation with a 6-month follow-up. When he returned, the cancer had spread to his bones, and PSA went from 32 to 182 in those 6 months with no additional PSA tests given. The shot was ineffective, and we were not informed that it could metastasize to other body parts, giving us a choice of a different treatment that would not limit his life.... Demand monthly PSAs!!!"

• Inl...
• December 30, 2011

"Recently received my first Lupron injection. Within one week my PSA dropped from 69.7 to 11. I have not noticed any severe side effects as of today. I am also starting Alendronate Sodium tablet for healthier bones."

• WWI...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 7, 2014

"Had my first injection of Lupron 7.5 mg in July, second injection at the same dosage is set for August 21. So far no hot flashes or side effects. Have been taking Casodex simultaneously (30-day supply) which will end shortly. Only side effect from that initially was fatigue, which resolved after 5 days. Decided to insist on 1-month Lupron injections instead of a 3-6 month extended dose as PC support group participants on the once-a-month dose had far fewer side effects. I'm sticking to my guns on this one, MD tried to give me a 6-month dose right off the bat. I'm switching MDs and glad I did it this way. Hope this helps others."

• Len...
• July 13, 2016

"Eight months into Lupron plus Casodex, and I am refusing the next three-month shot. PSA went from 5.7 to 0.2 to 0.1, and I am just finishing up nine weeks of radiation. GL scores were mostly 9's, but no metastatic found. To say a less common side effect is loss of libido is just plain BS. About a month after the first shot, I was done with sex. The doctor said once the testosterone is gone, that's normal. Little aches and pains linger, my testicles shrink, I lost all hair under my arms and it's slow-growing elsewhere. Sometimes I seem to be in a fog mentally. Hot flashes like you wouldn't believe until they offered me other meds, which help somewhat. I put on five pounds of blubber below the belly. Lack of energy as well. It works, but I think doctors keep you on it too long for stage 1 or 2 cancers."

• ble...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 18, 2012

"I got this shot about two years ago. I was told by the urologist that it was a one-month shot. I had the shot because we wanted some time to research and decide what treatment would be best. Found out later that it was a 3-month shot! Suffered severe side effects! PSA dropped from 13 to 7, but the side effects were NOT worth it! Hot flashes, with some of them causing me to nearly pass out, were often (20 a day), memory problems, muscle/joint pain, and on and on! Once, while teaching, I suddenly didn't know where I was or what I was doing! After radiation, I was recently put on Trelstar on a MONTHLY basis, nearly the same side effects but NOT the really bad ones!"

• Bil...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 6, 2016

"I must say if I only knew what this medication was going to do to me, I would have never taken it. At the age of 61, this medication has destroyed my life. After each injection, it caused deeper and deeper depression. What at one time brought joy to my life is gone. There is no sense of any type of sexuality at all. Nothing brings joy to one's life. After each shot, it just makes it worse. The hot flashes are so severe I will have to change my work shirt a couple of times a day. I will soak a shirt within minutes. One has to remember that the Eligard will get rid of all your hormones. We are not made to run that way and there is no support that will help you deal with that or tell you what to expect. You are no longer male but not female either."

• ill...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 30, 2019

"Received a 6-month injection of Eligard. Approaching 8 months since the injection, and I am still having several hot flashes every day and night. Unfortunately, there is not a remedy that will bring an end to the episodes."

• Pat...
• July 24, 2021

"I just got my 3rd shot of Eligard. Hard to say exact side effects, because I also have end-stage COPD. I haven't got a PSA yet, prior to Eligard, it was 7, then 17, then 24. Due to COVID, I put off seeing an oncologist for 7 months. I got both Moderna vax in March. I started radiation in April and finished on June 9. It seems each shot of Eligard is getting a bit worse. This last one hurt and burned longer, a minor issue. Hot flashes seem more frequent. I too go to the bathroom about 9 or 10 times a night, every 1 to 1.5 hours, but that was happening before Eligard. I am dizzy a lot, and I don't have much energy (I used to be quite active). I am 66 years old. My cancer rated as Stage 3, there were tumors on 8 of 12 biopsy samples. Surgery wasn't an option since scans showed it may have spread to lymph nodes. I will update this (if possible) with my PSA score this September. Good luck to everyone. I can't recommend Eligard or condemn it as of this writing."

• Anonymous
• January 3, 2010

"I was given two injections of Eligard before beginning radiation therapy. Following the 48 radiation treatments, I am still being monitored by my oncologist and urologist. My last PSA was 0.01. The side effects of hot flashes, lethargy, and muscle weakness are where I am today, although at my age, 79, I can't complain. The first of the injections was in April of 2008 and the second in August. Radiation began in early September 2008 and ended at the end of October. It was determined that I am not a candidate for Androgel as there is a possibility of developing cancer again. So, as you read from the preceding paragraph, I'm lucky to have passed my first year without problems."

• Nis...
• August 5, 2016

"Diagnosed Stage 4 prostate cancer-July 2012-PSA=8. Radical prostatectomy-October 2012-PSA=0.6. Forty days of radiation-April 2013-PSA=0.1. PSA=0.3-Jan 2015. PSA=1.0-March 2015. First Lupron injection-April 2015-PSA=0.1. Second Lupron injection-Oct 2015-PSA=0.1. Third Lupron injection-April 2016-PSA=0.1. Fourth Lupron injection-Oct 2016-PSA=???. Lupron injections accompanied by daily tablets of Bicalutamide. Side effects: penis shrinkage (afraid it will soon disappear), libido absent, hot flashes, some insomnia, increased neuropathy, some itching, inflammation in hands, extreme fatigue. All side effects manageable-beats being dead-and has allowed me time to tie up loose ends and who knows-I may have years ahead!"

• tup...
• August 30, 2016

"I am 87 and have been treated with Lupron for about 6 years. I just had a checkup, and my PSA level was .430. My last shot was in April. It is hard to tell when I will have another shot, I will check in with my doctor in four months. So far, the only side effect is the hot flushing. It is fairly regular, lasts about 45 seconds or so, and is a bit annoying, but considering it is keeping the cancer at bay, I can live with it."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 28, 2019

"On Lupron beginning July 2017. Now 2019 and still on a 3-month dose. I experience all the known side effects, and it is not much fun. I am 66 years old and have advanced prostate cancer stage 3. My PSA is undetectable since surgery and 40 radiation treatments. Hot flashes, weight gain, fatigue, tingle in feet, itching, impotence, and bone aches. PSA is still undetectable...going off Lupron in May 2020...we will see what happens then."

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

"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 1.0 until recently. A friend suggested he take a multivitamin 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."

• alb...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 7, 2016

"This is pure poison. I have very bad side effects from this poison, and the doctor said he can do nothing. The physical and mental pain is so bad: hot flashes, very high blood pressure, headaches every day, pain urinating, joint pain, mental confusion, brain fog, memory loss, totally itchy all over, sleeplessness, very bad fatigue, and a lot more. My doctor never told me anything about this poison, just injected me with a 6-month supply at $6,000.00."

• K S...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 27, 2019

"I was given this poison for the first time, May 2nd, 2019. The doctors/nurses would NOT tell me the name of it. Only referred to it as: hormone therapy. 60 seconds AFTER the nurse shoved a 22.5 mg 3-month dose of it into my butt. The doctor's assistant walked up to me, handed me a booklet: 'Understanding Lupron Therapy', said: You better TAKE THIS HOME AND READ IT, she laughed, turned around and said: 'see ya'. When I got home, I turned to the 1st page. It said: 'side effects': 'heart attacks, strokes, bone damage, diabetes, AND, 'sudden death......' I was so angry. She injected me with a POISON. For 10 weeks, I was so angry, mad it was indescribably bad. The worst 3 months of my life!"

• sev...
• February 8, 2019

"My father has prostate cancer, and he was given the Lupron shot. Everything was going fine for my dad until 2 weeks after the shot. He started having side effects from the shot. Now, before I go any further, let me just say, if anyone has PTSD, do not take this drug. My father started seeing things that were not there, hearing things that no else could hear, and smelling things that no one else could smell. Now, not everyone will have the same side effects, but if you have PTSD, it will kick it into gear. This might be the right treatment for you, it is not for my dad. Again, if you struggle with PTSD, this may not be the treatment for you. I hope this was helpful in some way."

• Fly...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 13, 2017

"At age 60, biopsy showed prostate cancer, PSA was 10. Had it out. After it was out, PSA was still ten. Started Lupron, and PSA dropped to 0 for two years. Then my doc suggested I go without the Lupron... I did for 8 months, and my PSA climbed to 4. Back on Lupron, and it dropped to zero. Did Lupron for another year, then went off of it again. Why? The side effects: bad arthritis, hot flashes, weight gain, 30 lbs in the first two months, then no more. No libido, and everything shrinks. No body hair. It was a joy to get off that stuff for a while, but my PSA started climbing again. Now back on Lupron, but no change in PSA. Went to a monthly shot, my PSA stayed at 4. Added Casodex, grew boobs, really bad. My PSA is now 2. I've been fighting cancer now for 6 years."

• Bar...
• December 7, 2011

"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 30 mg to have effect. The date is 8th December 2011, and the 3rd one is due in March 2012."

• Gru...
• September 30, 2016

"My PSA was rising after RP to 0.59. Started radiation with Lupron. If you exercise really hard with lots of caffeine, no sugar in the morning and minimal sugar all day long with high-quality food, then the effects of Lupron are minimal other than the muscle pain and some joint pain. Sex life is about once a month. The more you exercise, the more likely you are able to have a sex life. After six months on Lupron, I can still have sex. I took Bicalutamide with my first shot. I highly recommend avoiding the hot flashes."

• blu...
• January 10, 2020

"69 years old. Had seed implants 16 years ago. PSA slowly creeped up, and due to an incompetent doctor, it spread to my spine before getting any treatment. Thankfully, I made a visit to another MD and got first-class care. I just had my 2nd Lupron injection (3-month interval). No side effects other than mild hot flashes. I keep a strenuous exercise program in place, and I think that helps a great deal. On Zuniga also. PSA down to 0.50 from high of 17."