How long do Lupron side effects last after treatment concludes?

Posted by jbuuck @jonbuuck, May 10, 2021

I've been on Lupron for two years. The treatments have ended. How long do the side effects last? Thanks for any insight you can provide.

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Profile picture for lorenbk @lorenbk

There are so many options available for cancer treatment that if one doesn’t work or loses effectiveness, you can try another. Stay positive and do some research. Think of cancer as a chronic disease, not a death sentence.

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I really appreciate this positivizes

I feel great but was concerned after 18 months if it stops working

Stats say 6% chance of living 5 years if distant in bones 30% otherwise

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Profile picture for edo @edo

According to my radiation oncologist, hormone therapy does not kill cancer cells. By starving the cancer cells of testosterone, they shrivel and cannot reproduce. This makes them more susceptible to radiation, which damages the DNA irreparably.

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This is exactly what my radiation oncologist said when I asked the same question. So by staying on ADT drugs for a year after radiation is finished, what is accomplished?

Once the radiation therapy is finished, and some time period after while it's still working, isn't this simply postponing the inevitable? You decimate the cells only while your on the drugs, but when you stop, if they are still there undamaged by the radiation....they can start to grow again.

My surgeon prescribed the orgovyx for two years. My RO says 6 mos is a reasonable amount of time. I don't know which one to believe is best at this point. A lot is going to be determined by my next full blood test. If the orgovyx is bringing up liver enzymes and blood sugar etc.. I may stop and see what happens.

Anyone have any experience / knowledge they can share regarding this?

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Profile picture for edo @edo

According to my radiation oncologist, hormone therapy does not kill cancer cells. By starving the cancer cells of testosterone, they shrivel and cannot reproduce. This makes them more susceptible to radiation, which damages the DNA irreparably.

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Thank you . I’ve already had salvage radiation without Hormone Therapy. So my next treatment for my recurrence will be Lupron according to my oncologist and urologist. Did not know if it would kill any of the cancer cells.

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My medical oncologist just recently discontinued my Lupron 45 mg after one dose. How long will it take for the effects of that one dose to wear off?

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Profile picture for billyh @billyh

My medical oncologist just recently discontinued my Lupron 45 mg after one dose. How long will it take for the effects of that one dose to wear off?

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I am on Lupron for 2 years and I'm 1 year in. I was told it takes 6 mos for Testosterone to come back . In your case you could hope for a little less time to reach normal. The hot flashes and fatique is anyone's guess.
Good luck

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Profile picture for billyh @billyh

My medical oncologist just recently discontinued my Lupron 45 mg after one dose. How long will it take for the effects of that one dose to wear off?

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In Feb as I was debating taking my 3rd dose of Lupron in 18 months my urologist told me the side effects will probably never completely wear off, especially the joint pain. In June I'll take my fourth and final dose!

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Profile picture for spryguy @spryguy

I am on Lupron for 2 years and I'm 1 year in. I was told it takes 6 mos for Testosterone to come back . In your case you could hope for a little less time to reach normal. The hot flashes and fatique is anyone's guess.
Good luck

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I was on Lupron for 25 months through about May of 2019 and my testosterone has never come back. It remains at about 15 and most likely will for the rest of my life. As a result I have very little energy and am not a fan of Lupron.

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Profile picture for hergiew @hergiew

I was on Lupron for 25 months through about May of 2019 and my testosterone has never come back. It remains at about 15 and most likely will for the rest of my life. As a result I have very little energy and am not a fan of Lupron.

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I have heard that the restart of testicular activity is iffy. I think it might be an age thing. At 75 I should prepare for that.
I am beginning to have doubts about lupron as well. Twice now I have had reactions to the injection. It starts with chills shivering and teeth chattering in the middle of the night (after injectiion) and then nausea and dis orientation through the next day.
Sorry to hear your difficulties. I hope your PSA is low and your prognosis is in your favor.

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Profile picture for billyh @billyh

My medical oncologist just recently discontinued my Lupron 45 mg after one dose. How long will it take for the effects of that one dose to wear off?

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T
Yes, there is a side benefit to having low testosterone and that is that prostate cancer is less likely to reoccur. However, I'd like to have more energy than I have.

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Profile picture for billyh @billyh

My medical oncologist just recently discontinued my Lupron 45 mg after one dose. How long will it take for the effects of that one dose to wear off?

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My husband had the same effects as spryguy! Chills/chattering teeth etc, needless to say the doctor stopped his treatments after 5, …. Now he is on Xtandi -4 capsules daily! Just started then 2 weeks ago

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