Do ALL men get side effects from Lupron shots?

Posted by firespooks @firespooks, Nov 26, 2023

Do ALL men get side effects from getting Lupron shots.?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Prostate Cancer Support Group.

Gm fireworks. That's a good question. I can only speak from my own experiences, I get the side effects of hot flashes. They come about twice a day, and most all of the time night sweats. But it probably depends on each individual. But that's a good question, I'm looking forward to other responses. Have a great rest of the day.

REPLY

Lupron and Eligard contain the same active ingredient - leuprolide, and are used to lower testosterone levels, and are a primary component of Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT). Side effects may vary from drug to drug, but in general the side effects of ADT are wide ranging from mild to severe and impact patients differently at different times. | As for me, hot flashes, weight gain, depression, fatigue, loss of muscle mass, slow recovery time from injury, need for extra sleep are all side effects of these drugs, however they all can be overcome or managed. While I can complain about it (because it does suck), the other option is to wing it and assume the cancer won't grow. That option is a no-go for me, so onward to overcoming and managing. Keep The Faith.

REPLY

Just finished 2 yrs of Lupron.. this is an excellent summary of the impact Lupron has.. I experienced all of the above BUT am grateful for being treatable👍

REPLY

As for me, I had my second (and last) Lupron shot in August last year (2022),

I still have NOT gotten my testosterone back in range.

I still have NOT gotten my muscle mass back.

I have NOT been able to walk to the store for over a year.
I used to walk 3 or 4 miles with NO problems.

I realize my age (86) is a major reason for my slow recovery.

I am depressed.

REPLY

I did Lupron for 18 months.

Side affects I experienced:

Mild fatigue
Mind muscle and joint stiffness
Mild to moderate hot flashes
Weight gain -10 pounds
Genitalia shrinkage

I did not experience depression or loss of libido (much to my wife's dismay...)

Think of statistics, Bell Curve...

The manufacturer's web site lists all the possible side effects, question us, which one will you experience?

You can mitigate the side affects through diet and exercise,

There are also metabolic and cardio vascular side effects so have a cardiologist on your medical team and check cholesterol, blood pressure....

Finally, if you are going to be on Lupron for an extended time have a baseline bone density test and talk with your medical team about supplements such a Vitamin D, Calcium, Magnesium.

Kevin

REPLY
@edmond1971

Lupron and Eligard contain the same active ingredient - leuprolide, and are used to lower testosterone levels, and are a primary component of Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT). Side effects may vary from drug to drug, but in general the side effects of ADT are wide ranging from mild to severe and impact patients differently at different times. | As for me, hot flashes, weight gain, depression, fatigue, loss of muscle mass, slow recovery time from injury, need for extra sleep are all side effects of these drugs, however they all can be overcome or managed. While I can complain about it (because it does suck), the other option is to wing it and assume the cancer won't grow. That option is a no-go for me, so onward to overcoming and managing. Keep The Faith.

Jump to this post

Took Eligard for three and a half years and now back on it. Had a great response the first time. Hoping the same this time around. Side effects described are real. Loss of muscle mass was really tough for me to deal with. Fatigue is significant. But I am kicking. And that is what counts.

REPLY
@mike72

Just finished 2 yrs of Lupron.. this is an excellent summary of the impact Lupron has.. I experienced all of the above BUT am grateful for being treatable👍

Jump to this post

I'm with you mike72, I'm also greatful for being treatable. There are so many things to be greatful for, but when it come to treating prostate cancer there are so many variables, it's a blessing to know that something due to the advancement of modern medicine is keeping my PSA numbers down and basically keeping us alive.

REPLY

Some supplement can help improve muscle and bone. Fatique is the hardest to bear. It is not the drowsiness. It is like for 20 minutes or so you are not there. Cannot do anything. Dont even feel safe in the kitchen.

REPLY

I'm 57 and while I know we all react differently, I am grateful to handle the side effects reasonably well. I gained 5-10 lbs, but I have not made any material effort to change my eating and drinking habits. It seems that every pound went directly to my stomach. No sex drive, but I can still climax once in a while (this was unthinkable the first time I was on ADT for 2 years). I don't notice much fatigue. I still work full time. I think striving for 300+ minute of exercise a week helps (walking, weights, yoga), but so does the mostly plant-based diet (when I go off plan and eat a large meal, I do get tired and just want to sit on the couch, so I do this more at weekend dinners).

REPLY

I sure do. Age, 69, had 2nd shot in August. Weight gain, at times bad muscle, joint pain,
some hot flashes, definite shrunken genitals(lol), just weird feeling a lot. Regarding weight gain, I agree
with Florida11, ALL went to the lower stomach! Also endless peeing. Could be possibly some
effect from the Flomax. Merry Christmas everybody.

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.