Leuprolide for Prostate Cancer User Reviews (Page 4)

• Cit...
• December 23, 2016

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."

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

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 aging. 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 a lack of objectiveness. Let’s see what I say in two more months. As far as the doctor's prognosis, I believe they are helpless against PC and reckless with others' lives. They will get old too."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 6, 2025

Leuprolide "70 yr. old male with Stage 4 Gleason 9 prostate cancer. This hip injection was a changeover from Firmagon since my PSA is .01. I got a 3-month injection in my right hip one month ago and I have never been this sick with unending pain. I can barely walk and/or lift my right leg. It has totally wiped me out both physically and mentally. I contacted my doctor and he said to take ibuprofen when needed. Really? It only helps for a couple of hours before the pain comes back. I have an appointment to see him in two months at which time I will ask him if I can get a different medication that won't keep his active fella down and out. If there's no alternative I will be VERY unhappy."

• Swo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 10, 2025

Leuprolide "Well, for the men's side of this deal, this is a tricky drug to compile complaints on, because its intended purpose does show efficacy in working, but it has major other side effects that some can be permanent, as well as a lot of extra risks and long-term quality of life issues due to the terrible side effect risks this drug has. It helps one thing but causes a lot of other issues, so overall health, quality of life, and the risk of cancer need super careful consideration before doing this drug at all. It's not a joke drug like 'take 2 aspirin and call me in the morning' kind of thing. The other effect this drug has is not a curative effect, it's just a 'hey, slow down, don't spread so fast' type of deal. It's an added line of defense drug, not a curative type. For high-risk persons, it may be of value for them to do, lower-risk types should avoid it. Have to decide if the trade-offs of worse quality of life over staying alive longer are worth it, that's based on cancer grade and risks."

• Ozz...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 9, 2024

Leuprolide "Started with bicalutamide for 3 months, seven weeks of daily radiation therapy, including Firmagon for 2 months, now on Lupron Depot for the past 14 months, all this after robotic radical prostatectomy as my PSA had started to rise again. Scan showed cancer cells active in the pelvic area, currently on my last Lupron Depot injection with 4 months until it ends. Many side effects: depression, huge loss in strength and endurance, hot flashes, 4KG increase in fat around my torso and breast areas. I try to go for a 5km run about 3 times a week to keep some muscles working. I am 77 years old and was a champion age-graded runner before this."

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

Leuprolide "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."

• Gio...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 22, 2025

Leuprolide "I have had a prostatectomy followed by biochemical recurrence, and my physician recommended one year of Lupron Depot and 45 sessions of external beam radiation, provided simultaneously. I selected the 3-month injection due to reports of possibly fewer side effects. I am nearly finished with my first 3-month Lupron injection and only have 15 more radiation sessions. Side effects from Lupron have been extremely minimal. I had no injection site reaction or pain. I experienced body heat at times, especially when sleeping, but it has been minimal. I just have to remove my sweatshirt or uncover in bed. I do keep my bedroom cooler, and this helps. I have been dizzy but had dizziness before the Lupron or external beam radiation upon getting up from a seated position. Walking required me to slow down due to mild dizziness. I work out daily with free weights, 100 crunches, and 20-30 minutes on a stationary bike, and I firmly believe that this has helped. I had fatigue with exercise for the first week."

• Pet...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 27, 2022

Leuprolide "I am a 77-year-old, 188 cm (6 ft 2), slim, broad-shouldered (thanks to the boxing I did), diagnosed with a PSA of 20, Gleason score 9, resting pulse rate of 45. The pressure I had to have the prostate out was immense, but I refused (I had a urologist lose his temper with me over the phone because I would not have it out). 9 weeks of intensive radiation treatment, and guess what? PSA is now zero, BUT the injection of Eligard bumped my pulse rate from 44 to 80. With zero testosterone, I went to a strip club with friends - nothing happened. An hour of watching porn - no reaction. I'm slated for another injection, but another 6 months of life as a monk is really scaring me. If I don't do it soon, I will forget how to do it! Peter Nowlan, Australia."

• Jim...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 6, 2025

Leuprolide "80-year-old male. Semiannual blood test showed PSA >10. PCP sent me to a urologist with further tests showing prostate cancer. Urologist sent me to a radiation oncologist and chemo oncologist. About 30 radiation treatments and chemo including Abiraterone Acetate and prednisone along with quarterly Lupron shots (22.5 mg). PCP added glipizide to control spike in glucose level. Testosterone dropped and PSA dropped from a high of 50 to 0.08. I am very active and found a large drop in energy and strength and tired easily. Also found that I could easily compensate by taking short breaks and recognizing that it affected my overall strength. Limited and targeted gym workouts, take a 5-minute break every 30 minutes on long hikes. Now cancer-free and talking with my chemo oncologist about steps and time to terminate all four drugs, Lupron Depot, Abiraterone Acetate, prednisone, and glipizide to start regaining strength. Benefits - these four drugs and the radiation killed my cancer!"

• Dav...
• August 19, 2021

Leuprolide "Have had lymphoma for many years from Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam. Had exam and PSA test annually until I was 75, and doc says you have prostate the size of a 15-year-old and PSA is normal, so you don’t need to come back. Now 80 and PC metastasized to lymph nodes in the neck. PC is also related to Agent Orange. Started with 30 days of Casodex and 90 days of Lupron. PSA went from 75.5 to 0.06. Lupron side effects not too bad, but seem to be getting worse as I approach the next injection in a couple of days. I’m hoping to switch to a mCSPC (castration-sensitive) medicine, instead of the Lupron, which is mCRPC (castration-resistant)."

• Ger...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 22, 2025

Leuprolide "Lupron Depot 22.5. This is the second time in 9 years I have taken this shot. A recent finding of lymph node cancer was noted, so 5 radiation sessions were to be administered. Two times while on the table to begin this radiation, the radiologist could not locate cancer that was present on a PET scan. It seems the Lupron masked the cancer. That is where I am now. Both times on Lupron I had night and day sweats, muscle aches, and a general feeling of weakness. I had a prostatectomy in 2016. I also had renal cancer in both kidneys. One was cryoablated (right) and the other was by partial nephrectomy (1/25). The uro said the renal cancers did not come via prostate."

• Gan...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 1, 2020

"I will share my husband’s experience with Lupron D. He is not here to share. He was 67 years old. Diagnosed with stage 3 prostate cancer four years ago. He was treated with radiation and Lupron D. Both made his life so miserable he ended it. He was not depressed before. When he complained to the oncologist, the doctor blew it off. I am a grieving widow. I miss my husband."

• Cra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 22, 2025

Leuprolide "I'm 74, and I've been fighting prostate cancer for 8 years: radical prostatectomy, then heavy doses of radiation when the cancer returned the first time. Then another round of radiation when the cancer returned again. Last week, I started hormone therapy (Eligard), and I can barely get out of bed, I am so fatigued. Can anyone tell me if the fatigue situation improves with time? No way I can live with this for very long. Thanks."

• des...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 15, 2025

Leuprolide "Disclosure: the patient is a health care professional in the field of dentistry. I am an eighty-eight-year-old man who has stage four metastatic prostate cancer (metastatic to bone and local lymph nodes). My oncologist prescribed Lupron Depot injection every three months (in office) and in conjunction with oral medications Abiraterone Acetate plus prednisone taken daily at home. I have not experienced any undesirable side effects (including pain) from the infusions of Lupron Depot. The infusions are injected into the butt muscle. My tumor status and body responses are monitored with clinical laboratory tests every three months at the office visits. So far, the tumor response has been better than anticipated, and there have been no adverse clinical side effects. My PSA was 17 at diagnosis, and it decreased to >0.07, and it has remained there."

• KME...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 11, 2025

Leuprolide "I got this injection about a month ago. In the last week I have had several of the side effects such as gastro issues involving constipation and diarrhea. I also occasionally feel bloated. Also, hot and cold chills. My number one complaint is the pain in my left thigh bone. I haven't slept well with this pain and discomfort. Just in that one area on my thigh. I have not gotten any other side effects."

• Yon...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 26, 2026

Leuprolide "Have received two doses 3 months apart in preparation for radiation treatment. A month after the first dose, my testosterone level dropped from 195 to 10. I get hot flashes now and then. My testicles are now 30% less, and I am gaining a little weight despite no change in dietary intake and no change in my daily workouts. Fortunately, no joint pains except what I normally experience from karate and pickleball practice, and it goes away with rest. My PSA had dropped from 6.7 to 0.5 3 months after the first dose. In two weeks, I will start the radiation treatments."

• klu...
• July 19, 2017

Leuprolide "My experience on this drug mirrors that of Albert Owens. The side effects are truly awful, no energy, no sex, headaches, no sleep. I am either sweating or peeing all night. Deep depression, anxiety, nausea, memory loss, legs swelled, 2 stone weight gain around the middle, no quality of life left. I must agree with burned-out wife also because my wife feels just like her, and it is not nice. I have over another year on this stuff. I am happy for the men it has worked for, bless them, but for myself and others, it can be a nightmare. Take care and good luck to all."

• geo...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 1, 2024

Leuprolide "Has helped reduce PSA from < 200 to .019 over 9 months of treatment. I've had 2 6mo shots. No problems with injections. Cannot differentiate which drug causes hot flashes, fatigue, and depression when receiving ADT. I'm receiving drugs and injections in my treatment. PSA number has steadily declined."

• boy...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 20, 2017

"Diagnosed October 2016, stage 4 metastatic prostate cancer, 2-8s, 1-9 Gleason. Perineal invasion. Ductal variant histology. It is rare, very aggressive, with bone mets in the pelvis, ribs, and possible knee-just waiting for results from MRI. I'm having the 3rd shot (22.5 mg) of this nasty stuff. I work in construction, so muscles are important, and this gives a noticeable reduction, with hot sweats-when it's 98 percent humidity, I pour sweat and have muscle aches. My memory is stuffed up, and everyone is right, doctors just don't even want to hear about your side effects. And sex? Forget about it. But my PSA is 0.07. I want to take a break, but the doc says with my aggressive type... no way. I'm just buying time, we all have an expiration date. Enjoy life. Boywonder."

• 2-p...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 16, 2016

Leuprolide "I have advanced prostate cancer and have found that when I stop or delay a 90-day injection, my PSA climbs. From June 2010 (PSA over 350) through Jan 2013 (PSA 9), my cancer was controlled. I suspended the shots for 18 months due to cost, and my PSA climbed to 270. In 5 months, my PSA is at 4.2."

• Phi...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 20, 2025

Leuprolide "The total experience I’ve had so far being on Lupron now for 14 months is horrible. I am getting an injection every three months. 22.5 mg is the amount. I have stage three prostate cancer. It did not spread to my bones or into the lymph nodes. Total loss of strength in my legs, total loss of coordination while walking, extreme fatigue, heart palpitations, hot flashes every 30 minutes, urinating at night every hour, testicular shrinkage, penis shrinkage, extreme edema, tingling in both hands, weight gain, emotionally distressed in the mornings, dizziness, loss of muscle mass. It has done its job. My PSA was at first 25, and it is now at 0.2. I have three more injections to go to make a total of eight."

• Rob...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 12, 2025

Leuprolide "I have been on my hormone therapy treatment for 4 full years (6 month treatments) using Lupron Depot 45 mg, and my prostate cancer has been in remission for 3 1/2 years. I was diagnosed with cancer in Feb. 2021. I take an oral medication nightly that lowers the PSA level, which is now at an extreme low of 0.357 (that's barely 1/3rd of 1 percent). According to my doctor, it is the male testosterone that feeds the cancer cells. The PSA level started at 0.257. My side effects from the get-go have been hot flashes, shrinkage of the testicles and penis, and soreness and some growth of my breasts. I am now 84 years old, and my doctor says I will die with the cancer rather than because of it."

• Den...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 14, 2025

Leuprolide "I have been on Lupron three and a half years. I started the 6-month injections but switched to the 3-month. Within two months, my testosterone was undetectable. My side effects are mainly fatigue and muscle loss, also blurred vision. My PSA started at 1000 to undetectable in 2 months."

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

Leuprolide "In 2023, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. My oncologist did 39 radiation treatments 5 times a week and Lupron every 3 months. The radiation was a cakewalk. Just a little bit of a sunburn feeling on the waistline. However, the Lupron gave me terrible side effects. Lethargic, nightly hot flashes, no libido, everything in the book. The doctor wanted me on it for 2 years. I quit the shots after 1 year and never followed up, and moved out of state. Exactly 3 years to the day, I was having lower back pains so severe I went in for a checkup. My PSA was 222. My new physician freaked out and got me referred to an oncologist who started me on chemo and docetaxel along with Eligard. The next week, PSA was 423, the following week was 600, and the next was 963. I had very little to no side effects besides being scared as hell. lol Anyhow, the following week, PSA dropped to 51 and the next week to 5.2. I only needed 6 chemo treatments instead of his original plan of 13."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 12, 2025

Leuprolide "The side effects were horrid, and I was stuck with them for 3 months. These included high blood pressure, dizziness (trouble walking), hot flashes every hour, day and night, fatigue, loss of weight, change in smell and taste, nausea, and headaches. Leupron, which is given intramuscularly, had fewer side effects and seemed to release more evenly than this subcutaneous copycat."