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Eligard - 1 mo. , 3 mo., 6 months: any difference in side effects?

Posted by stebro @stebro, Nov 22, 2022

I have read on another forum (Inspire) that the side effects of Lupron Depot are easier to take with the shorter durations. I'm scheduled for a six month injection of Eligard next week. Can anyone confirm what I've heard? Would a couple injections of Eligard 3 month (I'm assuming it's just like Lupron) provide fewer or less harsh side effects than the six month shot? I'm willing to make an extra trip to Rochester if it will have any significant improvement. Monthly would involve too much travel time.
Bless you all. Great forum!

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kujhawk1978 | @kujhawk1978 | Nov 25, 2022

Not a doctor or pharmacist so, layman's understanding. Each of the shots is designed to release it's dose into your body at a prescribed rate over the covered period. So, if you take the 90 day shot, it contains 22.5 mg which over each 30 days releases 7.5 mg into your body.

I don't know if there are any differences financially but given that there is a consult and nurse who administers it each time, the 1 and 3 months shots are going to cost more since there is a charge for that. If your mindset is less visits to your medical team the better or the commute is long, that may play into your decision. Another factor in your decision may be if you think you might stop the treatment and do something different because of the SEs, that may lead you to the one or three month shots.

There is an alternative - https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/942933#:~:text=The%20US%20Food%20and%20Drug,oral%20gonadotropin%2Dreleasing%20hormone%20antagonist.

This does not have the flare associated with Lupron, has a lower CV profile, is "better" at keeping your T level castrate and quicker to clear your system once you stop. It does require self discipline since you must take it at home on a regular basis and depending on your insurance, may be more expensive.

Kevin

REPLY
2 replies
kujhawk1978 | @kujhawk1978 | Nov 25, 2022
In reply to @kujhawk1978 "Not a doctor or pharmacist so, layman's understanding. Each of the shots is designed to release..." + (show)
@kujhawk1978

Not a doctor or pharmacist so, layman's understanding. Each of the shots is designed to release it's dose into your body at a prescribed rate over the covered period. So, if you take the 90 day shot, it contains 22.5 mg which over each 30 days releases 7.5 mg into your body.

I don't know if there are any differences financially but given that there is a consult and nurse who administers it each time, the 1 and 3 months shots are going to cost more since there is a charge for that. If your mindset is less visits to your medical team the better or the commute is long, that may play into your decision. Another factor in your decision may be if you think you might stop the treatment and do something different because of the SEs, that may lead you to the one or three month shots.

There is an alternative - https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/942933#:~:text=The%20US%20Food%20and%20Drug,oral%20gonadotropin%2Dreleasing%20hormone%20antagonist.

This does not have the flare associated with Lupron, has a lower CV profile, is "better" at keeping your T level castrate and quicker to clear your system once you stop. It does require self discipline since you must take it at home on a regular basis and depending on your insurance, may be more expensive.

Kevin

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One other thought - if you've had statistics and understand the Bell Curve, you'' understand that my side affects are not yours. We will generally all experience some of the side affects, not all, but to varying degrees. There are factors which come into play, overall physical condition, whether or not you exercise, diet, attitude....and just plain genetics. Some people experience severe mental depression while on ADT, others none.

REPLY
stebro | @stebro | Nov 26, 2022
In reply to @kujhawk1978 "Not a doctor or pharmacist so, layman's understanding. Each of the shots is designed to release..." + (show)
@kujhawk1978

Not a doctor or pharmacist so, layman's understanding. Each of the shots is designed to release it's dose into your body at a prescribed rate over the covered period. So, if you take the 90 day shot, it contains 22.5 mg which over each 30 days releases 7.5 mg into your body.

I don't know if there are any differences financially but given that there is a consult and nurse who administers it each time, the 1 and 3 months shots are going to cost more since there is a charge for that. If your mindset is less visits to your medical team the better or the commute is long, that may play into your decision. Another factor in your decision may be if you think you might stop the treatment and do something different because of the SEs, that may lead you to the one or three month shots.

There is an alternative - https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/942933#:~:text=The%20US%20Food%20and%20Drug,oral%20gonadotropin%2Dreleasing%20hormone%20antagonist.

This does not have the flare associated with Lupron, has a lower CV profile, is "better" at keeping your T level castrate and quicker to clear your system once you stop. It does require self discipline since you must take it at home on a regular basis and depending on your insurance, may be more expensive.

Kevin

Jump to this post

I'm aware of relugolux and I'm interested in it. The Orgovyx indications information says it is for advanced cancer patients. Since I am unfavorable intermediate, I don't know if I would be a candidate. I am having a PSMAPET scan next week and if it reveals any metastasis my classification may be increased. Possibly, I would be a candidate. Either way I'll run it by my RO. Orgovyx claims that 99% of Medicare claims are approved. Thanks for your reply.

REPLY
2 replies
web265 | @web265 | Nov 27, 2022
In reply to @stebro "I'm aware of relugolux and I'm interested in it. The Orgovyx indications information says it is..." + (show)
@stebro

I'm aware of relugolux and I'm interested in it. The Orgovyx indications information says it is for advanced cancer patients. Since I am unfavorable intermediate, I don't know if I would be a candidate. I am having a PSMAPET scan next week and if it reveals any metastasis my classification may be increased. Possibly, I would be a candidate. Either way I'll run it by my RO. Orgovyx claims that 99% of Medicare claims are approved. Thanks for your reply.

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I don't think they'd call my cancer "advanced" they didn't find any metastasis in my PSMA PET scan. I've been on Orgovyx since my PSA hit .09 after RP. Maybe check with the docs if you're interested in it?

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1 reply
stebro | @stebro | Nov 27, 2022
In reply to @web265 "I don't think they'd call my cancer "advanced" they didn't find any metastasis in my PSMA..." + (show)
@web265

I don't think they'd call my cancer "advanced" they didn't find any metastasis in my PSMA PET scan. I've been on Orgovyx since my PSA hit .09 after RP. Maybe check with the docs if you're interested in it?

Jump to this post

Are you on Medicare? Will Medicare pay for Orgovyx under part B? I will be checking with my RO in a couple of days. Thanks ...

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2 replies
web265 | @web265 | Nov 28, 2022
In reply to @stebro "Are you on Medicare? Will Medicare pay for Orgovyx under part B? I will be checking..." + (show)
@stebro

Are you on Medicare? Will Medicare pay for Orgovyx under part B? I will be checking with my RO in a couple of days. Thanks ...

Jump to this post

I am not, and I don't have the answer to that. Luckily, my insurance covers it.

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dd2312 | @dd2312 | Nov 28, 2022
In reply to @stebro "I'm aware of relugolux and I'm interested in it. The Orgovyx indications information says it is..." + (show)
@stebro

I'm aware of relugolux and I'm interested in it. The Orgovyx indications information says it is for advanced cancer patients. Since I am unfavorable intermediate, I don't know if I would be a candidate. I am having a PSMAPET scan next week and if it reveals any metastasis my classification may be increased. Possibly, I would be a candidate. Either way I'll run it by my RO. Orgovyx claims that 99% of Medicare claims are approved. Thanks for your reply.

Jump to this post

I am also unfavorable intermediate with no metastases and my radiation oncologist recommended 4 months of Orgovyx to decrease later recurrence . It was covered under my Medicare pharmacy plan but at a high tier with a significant copay. I was aware that the company has a patient assistance program and have been on it without cost, but you have to jump through their hoops. Here is the website for information: https://www.orgovyxhcp.com/_assets/pdfs/orgovyx-support-program-patient-start-form.pdf

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melcanada | @melcanada | Nov 29, 2022

What does it do compared to Zolodex? How much $?

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