Leuprolide for Prostate Cancer User Reviews (Page 3)

• 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."

• Tar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 23, 2016

"Diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic prostate cancer involving bones. PSA was 130. Gleason score is a pair of bad 7s (4 3) and a pair of 8s. Also undergoing chemo with docetaxel. I've had 4 of 6 scheduled treatments. I also have xgeva injection monthly and Lupron quarterly. I've had one Lupron injection and 3 xgeva injections. After 42 days, PSA dropped to 2.9. Three weeks later, it was .7. That's a 98% drop each time. Was urinating 12 times a day, about 4 to 6 ounces at a time and storing 9 ounces all the time. First treatment was docetaxel, xgeva, and Lupron on the same visit. Relief was almost immediate. Eliminating 12 to 14 ounces now, 4 to 5 times a day. Also take prednisone twice a day until chemo is done. Side effects have been fairly nominal."

• Woo...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 9, 2020

"I’m a 66-year-old male who was diagnosed with moderately aggressive prostate cancer with a Gleason score of 8 and PSA of 7.2. I’ve had 2 Lupron injections, which have caused the following side effects: a chemical smell, muscle weakness, hot flashes, fatigue, PSA - <.01, insomnia, anemia, decreased leukocytes, decreased size of penis and testicles, and bone pain in the back and sacrum. I have one more shot in July. I was taking Zytiga for a while."

• Bur...
• July 1, 2017

"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 counseling, 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."

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

"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 am now waiting for financial assistance on new medicine."

• Ton...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 24, 2020

"Taking Lupron injections for 7 months, out scheduled 18 months for prostate cancer. Experiencing common side effects like 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."

• Unh...
• December 3, 2022

"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."

• Pat...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 7, 2022

"This is an update... I posted last year (2021). I have now had 5 shots of 3 months of 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 the 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 the mid 20s to .06 (almost nothing). That's the good part, I guess. I'm just hoping I can tolerate it all. GOOD LUCK!"

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

"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. Good luck!"

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

"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 the prostate and was in 9 out of 12 from the biopsy. I took Casodex for one month and had one Lupron injection, then started 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."

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

"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.'"

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

"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 for 2 years, but I would love to end it now. It has done okay 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."

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

"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?"

• Eti...
• October 31, 2015

"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 the same diet; dangerous liver impact (GGT > 130) without alcohol use; significant breast growth."

• dOC...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 13, 2017

"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 workout 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."

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

"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."

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

"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 was 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."

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

"Had a prostatectomy in Oct. 2019, and PSA rose in April 2020. Took bicalutamide 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 my waist, and got the mood thing going. My wife said I should talk to the doc before the 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 it 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 PSA 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."

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

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

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

"Here’s what I’ve learned. You have a choice: either take the drug and have a semi-miserable remainder of your life with some or all of the above-listed side effects as you are being treated palliatively for longevity, or refuse the treatment and enjoy the short, better quality of life. Either way, you're 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 kind of 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 okay 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 meet those goals. Now I’m thinking maybe this wasn’t the way to go. Also, you get absolutely no support in this."

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

"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, and 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 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."

• Duf...
• July 10, 2021

"I'm 57 and diagnosed in April with a tumor confined to one lobe only, a Gleason of 7 (3+4), and a PSA of 9.22. I received a 4-month (30 mg) 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 6-7 hours of decent sleep a night, haven't had to get up to pee in the middle of the night much, no vision issues, confusion, brain fog issues, etc., as others describe, but I'm not on long-term therapy either. The doctor said the 'kick-in' with side effects is typically at the 3-week point, so, so far, I'm doing pretty well. The doctor says I should regain most, if not all, of 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."

• Joh...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 30, 2022

"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 Eligard 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 for just over 1 1/2 years. After a period of time without any injections, my PSA started rising again, so my doctor 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 that 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!"

• Cit...
• December 23, 2016

"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."

• Ano...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 29, 2025

"After about a year of Lupron injections every 90 days, I have developed osteoporosis in my sacroiliac area with much pain. After overdosing on ibuprofen for a month or so, they gave me Tramadol 50 mg every 6 hours. With this, it allows me to function and not be mostly bedridden. Blood analysis shows testosterone and PSA barely detectable. This has stalled the progression of cancer, including bone. They are supposed to give me something to help with this osteoporosis. I'm 81, always been active, moving furniture, etc. I do have small bones, 7-inch wrist. They say that I already had an onset of osteoporosis; I don't think so, except for the last year, caused by this Lupron. My testicles have shrunk way down. I think after my 90 days are up, I'll knock it back to at least 4 or every 6 months. Blood analysis should keep me informed."