One month of Orgovyx completed

First, good to hear...

My experience, on this go round, based on a Plarify scan in late March of 2023, I met with my radiologist and oncologist. They asked what I wanted to do. I said SBRT to the solitary PLN and six months of Orgovyx for any micro-metastatic disease. They agreed on the SBRT and Orgovyx based on its advantages - no flare, faster and more durable castration, CV SE profile and facter recovery of T when stopping.

However, based on my clinical data which differed from the CTs where only six months was done, they recommended 12. I said, ok, you're on my medical team for a reason, I trust your expertise and judgement, let's do that. I did add the stipulation that we would do labs and consults every three months, if the SEs became intolerable after six months then we could decide to stop and actively monitor. They agreed.

As with my previous experience with ADT and chemotherapy, the first month was like, hey, this is "great, little to no SEs..." Then, hot flashes, fatigue, muscle and joint stiffness. weight began climbing. There are days now where the muscle and joint stiffness and fatigue are such that I take breaks or just stop and finish what I'm doing the next day. he good news, it's winter so when the hot flashes hit, I just go outside! In the car, I do not run the heater. When my wife suggested I wear a sweater to a Christmas party, I looked at her and said absolutely not. You get the idea, the SEs do impact us in so many little ways.

Keep in mind, I'm an active guy, during the spring, summer and fall, I ride my bike 3-4 times a week, averaging 25-35 miles each time. The other days I do the indoor bike, lift weights, swim. My diet is not draconian but nor does it involve fast foods, chips, sweets...My wife and I took vacations to Icelena where we did the RIng Road, Oregon, two trips to Germany when her sister entered the hospice phase of her ten plus years battling lung cancer, I travel once a month in my job, do all the yard work...I refuse o give up coffee and enjoy a libation or two in the evenings, I mean, I'm not going to turn down a Manhattan or great glass of cabernet!

My weight climbed from 191 to 200-203, despite all that. My cardiologist said "Kevin, I want you to lose 12 pounds...I said me too!"

My experience with ADT and chemotherapy is there is a honeymoon period, one to two months, then the cumulative dosage and SEs kick in. The "good" news for you and I, we have a defined period and know there is an end. Others ae not so fortunate, lifetime on ADT, only changing the drug when the one they're on stops working. The other good news, with diet, exercise, and a positive mental attitude, generally the SES are tolerable, though annoying.

Kevin

I am wondering about the decision to do Orgovyx versus the standard offering of Lupron. I am also wondering about the cost comparison. Thanks.

From my studying it appears to me that the Orgovyx is the superior product. I cannot compare pricing, but I have a Medicare supplement and Well Care Part D. My first Rx cost me $997, the second was around $600. Now that it is the new year the next one will be back to the $997 I suspect.

Orgovyx does have "superiority" over say, Lupron...my layman's understanding...

No flare...
Faster to castration
Higher sustained castration while on the treatment
Lower CV SE profile
Faster recovery of T when stopping
No visits to the doctor for a shot.

As to the SEs, well, I'm nine months in, hot flashes, some wight gain, fatigue, muscle and joint stiffness, genitalia shrinkage tough no loss of libido and to my wife's dismay, with daily cialis, am still able to get an erection with the right physical and mental stimulation.

I have an Apple watch which I use to set reminders for my medications, every evening at 200 a reminder pops up on my phone and watch to take Orgovyx (and others)...

Price, well that will depend on many factors. I have standard Medicare, TICARE for Life is my secondary and also Part D. My co-pay is $48 for a 90 day supply, TFL pays around $4800.

So, all those years in the foxhole is proving gto have some benefits!

Kevin

Thank you for serving.
I appreciate your insight, It will be interesting to see how long I go before getting hot flashes. The atrophy of the testis is obvious.....We'll see what happens when I am off the Orgovyx.
Sounds like you are doing great.

Heading off to the gym in a bit.

Stay Strong Brother

Orgovyx was covered under my Medicare Part D drug plan at a 25% coinsurance (together with the initial Part D deductible). Ballpark cost to me for 4 mos of ADT with my salvage radiation was about $1,000 / mo average, or $ 4,000 - 5,000 total.
I transitioned to the 95% coverage stage after the 4 mo (although the math escapes me). 5% of cost in this stage (but I had completed my prescribed therapy).

Lupron/Eligard are covered more comprehensively as injectables under Medicare Part B.
And if cost of Orgovyx is an obstacle, they are substantially equivalent ADT treatments to Orgovyx.

There also are programs if you qualify to assist with the cost of Orgovyx.

Also, you need to take Orgovyx daily at about the same time. Injectables are "shot & done".

Hope this helps.
Best to all, Michael

josgen, my urologist only recommended Lupron for my ADT, but with a little research I discovered OGOVYX and decided to go with it. Not sure about price comparison, but I liked the idea of taking daily doses instead a of long-term shot (3month/6month) in case there were some side effects I couldn't deal with. Also, studies show the Testosterone recovery time to its original level is far quicker with ORGOVYX. Good luck with your PC treatment!

I begin my regimen of orgovyx tablets tomorrow morning (3/11). The radiation oncologist reviewed much of what is written here -- hot flashes, fatigue, weight gain. Can you still have a drink on it? What is a prostate diet? He told me I'd likely be taking orogvyx for a year. I think I'm a little bummed out. Should be starting radiation within a few weeks. I guess there's no recourse. Onward and upward!

I was on it 6 months and for my general health I essentially quit drinking during that time. When I did imbibe I noticed it enhanced the frequency and severity of hot flashes.

Stay Strong Brother.

Thank you toolbelt!