Leuprolide and Joint Pain: What Users Say

• Wal...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 9, 2020

For Prostate Cancer "Have had one month injection of Eligard and will not be taking another. Side effects including hot flashes, night sweats, fatigue, joint pains, mood swings, memory loss - I get the lot. Worst decision I ever made and hope the effects wear off ASAP. I would rather take my chances than be half the person I am now. Reading other comments where there seems to be no ending to the side effects gives me little hope for a reprieve. Oncologist gave me no impression I would be suffering like this. Just 'this is the standard treatment' - it does not cure the disease just supposedly slows it. Personally I would rather have less time and good quality of life."

• ols...
• September 17, 2014

For Prostate Cancer "Had my first Lupron shot before 45 days of radiation. Having hot flashes, muscle and joint pain but not too bad. Doing the shot every 3 months. PSA went from 11.5 to 0.1. Next shot coming up in a couple of weeks. Don't have a problem with the shot or after having it. I think Lupron has been helping me, but everyone has different experiences with it. Good luck to all you prostate cancer people."

• Ste...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 29, 2021

For Prostate Cancer "My side effects from Eligard are extreme bone pain, joint pain, testicular pain, my penis shriveled up like I had jumped in ice water and stayed icy cold for several days, night sweats, night terrors, nightmares, and brain fog. I had a CV event 3 days after, wound up in the emergency room with extreme difficulty and pain urinating, especially at night. According to the manufacturer, this is supposed to be used for palliative care. Well, I guess they don't know the meaning of palliative care. I wish I had never started this treatment."

• Kri...
• May 15, 2015

For Uterine Fibroids "I've been on Lupron since March 2015. Just had my 2nd shot. I have to tell you it's taken 100% of my nagging back pain and cramps away. I even lost 12 pounds after the first shot. It started to wear off towards the end so I took the shot 2 weeks early. I had surgery on May 12th to remove a huge polyp and 2 fibroid tumors - all benign. I'm having hot flashes, some headaches, some joint pain and that's about it. These symptoms are worth the trade from previous symptoms. I only hope my doctor gives me a hysterectomy soon. She feels Lupron will shrink the fibroids outside my uterus. I'm almost 50 so she says I should hold off on the hysterectomy. I want all this done with. Good luck to all of you."

• Oac...
• February 3, 2014

For Prostate Cancer "Started treatment 12/2011 ended 12/2013. The PSA went down as expected for the purpose of treatment, now waiting for side effects to end, which have been: loss of libido, hot flashes especially at night or after a meal, some sweating, loss of body hair, loss of muscle mass, joint and bone pain, tiredness, difficulty to start almost any quest, weight gain, chest/man breast augmentation. Have been taking vitamin D plus calcium, glucosamine, started an exercise program that has helped with muscle buildup, and also helps with better mood, by prescription have taken 3 applications of calcium to the vein. Have had excellent support from wife, have trust my Doctors and first of all God my father."

• Jen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 13, 2020

For Endometriosis "I feel like I’m one of the few people who has had a positive experience on the medicine Lupron. I’ve been pain-free from my endometriosis for 3 months, now on my third dose. After my first dose, I had some joint pain and severe hot flashes for a couple of weeks, but those symptoms lessened as time went on. My mood has changed for the better while on this medicine, I no longer have pain from the endometriosis, and my only symptom from this medicine is minor hot flashes! I can’t believe it. This medicine has been a blessing."

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

For Prostate Cancer "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."

• Gru...
• September 30, 2016

For Prostate Cancer "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."

• MoM...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 6, 2020

For Endometriosis "I was put on Lupron Depot for three months for endometriosis. I received an injection every month. My treatment started in January and ended the first Saturday in March 2020. The side effects weren't all that bad. I got my period on my dose, but it eventually went after that. I had, however, severe headaches that made me dizzy, experienced some mood changes (mostly anger), painless sex, hot flashes (manageable), and joint pains at the end of my last shot. The joint pains are mostly in my knees and fingers, but I only experience those after waking from a nap. Once I get up and start moving about, they disappear. I now await my cycle to return. It has been eight weeks since my last injection, and signs of my period returning are back. I'm spotting and experiencing mild cramps. All in all, my experience wasn't bad. Hope this helped someone. Oxoxox"

• Ray...
• June 25, 2015

For Endometriosis "Worst mistake of my life! I had one 3-month shot when I was 17, and I'm still regretting it (I'm 21 now). I was pretty much paralyzed while on it. I couldn't move on my own. I needed help to even sit up in bed. I missed so much school/work and cried almost all day, every day. I was in so much more pain. I was constantly sick (vomiting, nausea, painful bowel movements, headaches, joint pains), and the menopause symptoms were absolutely crazy. I still, to this day, have stomach issues I didn't have before. I have bone density loss as well. I will never recommend this drug to any woman. It is not meant for us."

• Anonymous
• December 27, 2009

For Endometriosis "I just finished my 3-month course of shots. The first two months were not too bad, but the third month has taken its toll on me. I can deal with the hot flashes, but the joint pain has become very intense. The pain is disruptive, where my hands are aching all the time. It keeps me up at nighttime, and then lack of sleep becomes a problem. I wish they would suggest a joint therapy program for you to take if you need it because it's not like you can just call up your doctor and see him right away."

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

For Prostate Cancer "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!"

• Mrs...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 3, 2013

For Endometriosis "I was given the three-month injection in July 2012, with no mention of the potential side effects. I have been off Lupron for over one year and still have debilitating bone, joint, and muscle pain. I have had significant hair loss, short-term memory problems, and depression. My physical disabilities mean I will probably have to give up work. It is disgraceful that this drug was given to me with no discussion around these life-changing side effects. I'm worse now than before I started!!"

• Pro...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 15, 2018

"My husband was only 41 years old and diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer. PSA was 59 and Gleason 9. It was in 5 lymph nodes. Surgery was not an option. He went through chemo and 45 rounds of radiation and has been on Lupron every 3 months for 5 years now (he was given 2 years to live). I thank God every day for having him here with me, but he isn’t the same man I’ve been with for the last 30 years. This drug is the only thing keeping the cancer from growing, but it’s destroying him and our marriage. The physical side effects are joint pain, sweats all the time, muscle loss and strength, and our sex life went from 5-6 times a week to 1-2 a month. Mentally, he’s a mess, and dealing with him is so hard. He went from having too much testosterone to none. He’s overly jealous, crying easily, sensitive, and just downright crazy sometimes, and he was none of these things before."

• Anonymous
• August 16, 2011

For Endometriosis "This is my fourth month into the Lupron cycle. I have endometriosis. Have no period, no pain. I do get some hot flashes and a little weight gain, but that is the least of my problems on the shot. It is the joint pain. It is the worst in the morning when I get out of bed. My hands, legs, and feet are the worst. It is not so bad throughout the day. But when I sit for some time, then get up again, the pain starts all over."

• Dan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 27, 2012

For Endometriosis "2/9/12 I had a full hysterectomy (uterus and cervix removed) due to fibroids. My doctor found endometriosis everywhere. My doctor put me on Lupron about a month after the surgery and I had my second shot on 4/20/12. I got hot flashes right after the first shot, but they are really not that bad. Night sweats are more uncomfortable and my joints and muscles are achy and stiff. However, my mood is pretty terrible. I have no patience for anything and feel pretty grumpy most of the time. My pain is lessening but still present. That said, if I can be rid of most of the pain after the 6-month regimen, it will have been worth it!"

• BC ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 27, 2020

"Despite all the negative reviews for Lupron, this drug has been great for me. I got the shot 3 weeks ago as part of my treatment plan for breast cancer. Lupron stopped my heavy cycles and put me into menopause. Being in menopause means that I can take a more effective drug for preventing the recurrence of breast cancer. The shot was painless. I have occasional joint soreness (quickly relieved by Tylenol), but nothing that's unexpected for someone who's 48! Hot flashes have been minimal. Even though I have been laid up with a ruptured Achilles tendon, my weight gain has been minimal. If you are prescribed this drug, please don't be afraid."

• Anonymous
• March 6, 2010

For Endometriosis "At first, I really thought the Lupron treatments were worth it, but now that I have made a trip to the Emergency Room. Well, let's just say if you are going to go the route of Lupron, you better be single. This drug takes its toll on the family, not just you. Everyone goes through the mood swings, headaches, blood pressure scares, joint pain, feeling like you are going to pass out. So, no taking your kids to school or sporting events. No joining carpools. Don't get too far away from the restroom, urinating more often is not unusual. The things that are the easiest to handle are the hot flashes, night sweats, and chills."

• Fut...
• April 17, 2013

For Endometriosis "I was diagnosed with fibroids twice, an ovarian cyst 8 cm big, and endometriosis. I'm going to take my third dose in two weeks, and I was prescribed this medicine for six months. Pros: after the first injection, no periods! Five months without a period was right up my alley, being I had been bleeding so much for so long, I needed the break. Cons: if you eat salty food or heavy carbs, you feel like you are going to throw up. Hot and cold flashes, sweats, stiff joints, joint pain, headaches, sleeplessness/severe insomnia, dry skin and dry eyes. I could go on, but I'm doing this to rid myself of ongoing bleeding, pain, and infertility. It's worth it to stick it out if it really works, I don't know if it does yet, but I know I'm not bleeding."

• CDM...
• December 17, 2016

For Endometriosis "I suffer from terrible cramps and fibroids. I do take a low-dose birth control that sometimes barely helps my cramps. I was given the 1 dose a month, 6-month treatment after my GYNO could barely do a vaginal ultrasound for one of my visits, and I had been having a 'period' off and on for over 3 months. The fibroid was so large it obstructed the movement of the wand thingy. I've been on it for 5 months, the 1st month, I still got my awful period and spent my usual $50 on pads and Advil, just as heavy. But by the 2nd month, bye bye Aunt Flo, and it's been pretty okay except for the hot flashes, weight gain, tiredness, and the sore hips, soles, and ankles. The sore hips, soles, and ankles don't hit until the 4th month. The hot flashes just suck!"

• Jen...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 20, 2016

For Endometriosis "I've been on Lupron for 8 months now. I have very, very painful endo that has put me in the ER at least 50 times in the last 5 years. I tried the depo shot and continuous use of the NuvaRing before this. Nothing has worked, except Lupron. I do suffer hot flashes and a bit of fatigue/joint pain around the time that would be my cycle. The first cycle on the injection was still hell, the second, I could still work! :) My doctor wants me on it for a while, as I'm only 23, and she doesn't want to jump to a hysterectomy just yet. I'm scared to go beyond the recommended year of Lupron, but so far, so good, and it's the only thing that's given my life back. I hope that if you try it, it works for you. Though, we are all different."

• cak...
• March 2, 2016

For Endometriosis "I was diagnosed with endometriosis and polycystic ovaries when I was just 16 years old. I'm now 22, and I've gone through 9 birth control pills and 9 different gynos. I had a laparoscopic surgery when I was 17, which removed scar tissue and large cysts from my ovaries. After the surgery, I was on birth control (Seasonique, which is wonderful for endometriosis), and up until a year ago, I hadn't had many issues with pain. I started to get the pains again, along with bleeding for 3 months on birth control, so I went ahead with Lupron. After reading up on it, I was hesitant but moved forward. It stopped the bleeding, but the pain is still there, and now my joints ache every day, and also depression and suicidal thoughts are always there. Do not do it."

• Jen...
• October 6, 2014

For Endometriosis "I received my first shot on June 18 and thought I made the biggest mistake of my life after reading several blogs. After a couple of weeks, to my surprise, I felt good. I did have hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and joint pain, but it went away eventually. I had my second shot on Sept 18, I'm currently having hot flashes and joint pain."

• Try...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 23, 2016

For Endometriosis "I took it 8 years ago for fibroids, cysts, and severe endometriosis. I was on Lupron for a year after trying other options. I had hot flashes and joint pain, plus a lot of the other symptoms mentioned. Calcium and vitamin D helped with joint pain. The symptoms remained consistent while I was on the Lupron, however, even with the side effects, the year that I was on Lupron was the best I have ever felt. Finally, no more debilitating pain. I got pregnant after the 6-month weaning off period and had two kids. If endo is an inconvenience for you, maybe not the best drug. If endo is ruining your life, some side effects and symptoms are worth getting your life back. I am on it again and grateful that there is something out there that gives me relief."

• JLA...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 3, 2019

For Precocious Puberty "My daughter was diagnosed with precocious puberty at the age of 2, however, she was born with enlarged breast buds, so she was probably born with it. However, it wasn't diagnosed until she was 2. She did Lupron injections every 28 days until the age of 9. Once she turned 9, one injection a month was not enough, so she had the Suprellin LA implant for 2 years until she was 11. Blood tests and X-rays always came back fine while on treatment. She did have a couple of years where she was a bit overweight, but that all went away. My daughter is now 18 and is suffering from joint pain, muscle weakness, lack of strength, moodiness, hand and wrist swelling, tiredness, numbness, tingling, painful periods, etc. The more I read, the more I think Lupron is the cause of her problems now. If I would have known then what I know now, I don't think we would have proceeded with the Lupron injections."