Has anyone switched from Lupron to Orgovyx? Glad you did?

Whether Orgovyx is better about hot flashes and other side effects, that is variable from person to person. But what is not debateable at all is that your testosterone will return much faster when ending Orgovyx versus ending Lupron.

@pesquallie
While the dose seems large actually the way it works is that it is very slowly dissolved into your system. Whether you have a one month three month or six month shot it dissolves at the same speed. It’s just that you get more of the drug, but it doesn’t all dissolve at once. It dissolves slowly over the time period of the specific shot.

I’m 75. 3 years ago I had RALP and immediately started on ADT – Lupron. After the first shot in the butt I could hardly sit for days. Shots never bother me; maybe it was the nurse. After that I insisted in the arm, and that was no problem. Stayed on Lupron for a year. Side effects tolerable. As many people report, side effects vary drastically from one individual to the next.
After a year off of ADT, my PSA was rising, so started up again with Lupron. Did a bunch of research comparing Lupron and Orgovyx and opted to make the switch halfway through the year. My greatest reason for making the switch is that Orgovyx (relugolix) is shown to have a lower risk of major cardiovascular events that Lupron (leuprolide). Beyond that I was hoping various side effects would be better - not so, for me. I can’t wait to get off these pills very soon, and see what happens.
As to specific side effects, I find it difficult attributing them to either ADT or my multitude of old age ailments.
As to cost, I never paid a penny for Lupron, but had to pay $1180 per month until I hit my Medicare out of pocket limit.
Sorry to be so wordy.

It's important to keep in mind if you have any cardio issues Orgovyx (Relugalux) is the better option. Of course discuss this with your MO or Cardiologist. Doctors seem to forget to tell patients that ADT can cause cardio issues including heart attack & strokes! After all we are in this to kill the prostate cancer not ourselves!

@jeffmarc I've been on Lupron for 4 years and Nubeqa for 2 years. I was thinking of switching from Lupron to Orgovyx since I've been told it is less invasive to the heart which I'm having issues with. Maybe even just taking Nubeqa. I also exercise 4+ times a week and struggling to lose weight and beginning to develop gynecomastia. Switching from Lupron to Orgovyx has that helped with some of the side effects from ADT & Nubeqa. I'm considering also doing that to lessen the side effects. It will cost more money for the Orgovyx, but it may be worth it.

@mrd1000
I was on Lupron for six years before I switched to Orgovyx. I have noticed fewer hot flashes with orgovyx. I’ve been on Nubeqa For three years and have noticed no side effects of all from it. ADT is really what gives you the side effects. The reason studies have shown that Orgovyx Is much better for the heart than Lupron, Which can cause arteriolosclerosis Buildup that Orgovyx Doesn’t do. If you ever get off of Orgovyx Your testosterone can come back quicker.

If you are on Medicare, the maximum you will pay for drugs is $2100 a year. Between Nubeqa and Orgovyx I reached that in January, Everything’s free from then on. It is convenient to be on Orgovyx And only need to take a pill once a day. I take it in the afternoon because I take Prilosec In the morning and it conflicts with Orgovyx And can cause more side effects if you take them too close together.

They recommend getting radiation to the chest to prevent the Gynecomastia, But it is recommended you do it very early when you first start the drugs. I know people that have had breast removal surgery Due to it.

Losing weight is a real problem when you have low testosterone from ADT. It has taken me almost 4 months to lose 6 pounds. I gained during the holidays.

Some info on low T issues.

Low T causes a sluggish metabolism, reduced muscle mass, increased abdominal fat storage, and low energy for exercise. Low-T creates a cycle where weight gain further lowers testosterone, requiring lifestyle changes or medical intervention to break.

Cutting out meals for weight loss often backfires by causing your metabolism to slow down and promoting fat storage as the body enters a survival-oriented "conservation mode". It leads to nutrient deficiencies, intense hunger causing overeating later, energy crashes, mental fatigue, and potential muscle loss.

Between low T and the inability to cut out meals. It’s really annoying how hard it is for prostate cancer patientsto lose weight. When it comes down to is we really need to change our diets.

@jeffmarc thankyou for the reply. I’m thinking it will be worth it to switch to orgovyx. The weight gain is an issue. I lose a few pounds and then it comes back. I don’t know how anybody can take the ADT and not put weight on. I go to the YMCA 4 times a week and it doesn’t seem to help.

@mrd1000
Weigh yourself every day and base what you eat and what you weigh. Only time I gain weight after eight years on ADT is during the holidays when I’m not so careful. It did take me four months to get rid of 6 pounds this year.

I did after 3 months of Lupron I switched to Orgovyx. I went anemic on Lupron. Glad I did and generally felt a little better but have to say with both drugs active in me for a period of time I seemed to feel it more. I was fortunate and only had 2 grade 1 hot flashes my whole treatment. 3 weeks after I finished Orgovyx I started feeling better. LDL rose some and anemia corrected itself. I would suggest getting lipids blood work done before and after your treatment. My PCP did for me as my Urologist couldn't care less.

@jeffmarc I am having some success with a low carb diet. You might consider this.