Zoladex for Prostate Cancer User Reviews

• ern...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 30, 2012

"In January 2009, my prostate cancer had metastasized into both ischia (pelvis). My PSA was 33. I was prescribed Casodex as a forerunner to Zoladex LA to avoid tumor flare. I was then lucky because I managed to rid myself of the secondary cancer by June 2009. I had a total of 15 implants of Zoladex LA over the last 3¼ years, and after my bone scan still showed an 'image clear,' my urologist allowed me to discontinue any future treatment for the time being but keeping a careful watch on my PSA, which most recently was down to 0.270, and the testosterone level down to 0.2. I am now in my 5th week since the end of the last 12-week cycle, and I am due to have a blood test in 3 days' time. I felt very few side effects at any time."

• Dla...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 16, 2014

"I had very aggressive prostate cancer that led to a radical prostatectomy, but they didn't get all the cancer. Seven weeks of radiation, and the PSA was down to 0.04. It crept up slowly, but when it started doubling every 2-3 months, I was put on Zoladex. Although I have hot flushes and am struggling to maintain fitness and strength, the side effects are minor compared to dying of cancer! My PSA has now dropped back to undetectable."

• Wit...
• February 15, 2016

"My partner has been on and off Zoladex for nearly 6 years, with PSA first detected at 4000 and soaring between 0 - 600 - 50, but with 12-month breaks in treatment. He takes a regime of ganoderma mushroom extract, he believes this has also helped him stay very healthy and free of cancer symptoms. The only side effects and illness he suffers is from Zoladex. It probably has contributed to saving his life, but it has changed that life forever. He has huge mood swings, confusion, memory loss, fatigue, total loss of sexual function. In short, it keeps him alive but keeps him alive and completely altered. If you have low testosterone levels, then the side effects are mild. If you have high levels, it is personality changing."

• Bum...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 1, 2012

"Seems to have worked well in reducing cancer/PSA. Minimal side effects except for both hands. Both hands are painful when moved, and big knuckles can be very hurtful when holding an object. Warmth helps, as does minimizing hand movements. Can hold a tennis ball without problems, a golf ball with some effort and pain, and a pen or small object can be a big problem to grasp."

• Jim...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 14, 2024

"I had radical prostate surgery some 22 years ago. Was checked regularly for PSA levels and they were good (0.1 to 0.3) for many years. About two years ago the PSA jumped to 5.0 and was 17.8 prior to taking Zoladex. The PSA level dropped to 0.6 and my testosterone level went from 1.9 to 0.4. Unfortunately, I had many side effects which included swollen hands, knuckles, and wrists; extreme pain in my shoulders, and a very lethargic feeling. I have lost a significant amount of strength and have little ambition to exercise as the pain in my shoulders and hands is too great. I used to play a lot of golf, but now have little desire. My medical team is taking me off Zoladex after two injections because of the side effects. Will be starting my radiation treatment soon. Hopefully, I can recover and get back to a normal life. The Zoladex did do its job, but there were consequences."

• Moa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 4, 2019

"Zoladex causes confusion. This also affects your heart and can cause heart problems or attacks. It had many dangerous side effects, so be sure that you are aware of these before commencing with this powerful and dangerous drug."

• col...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 7, 2023

"Early-stage prostate cancer. Now on the third session of the Zoladex implant. PSA rapidly reduced. No night sweats or mood swings. Definite muscle and energy loss despite regular visits to the gym to try and keep fit. Small price to pay."

• Thi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 1, 2018

"Zoladex hammered down my PSA from 50 at initial diagnosis to 5 after 6 weeks of treatment. Intention is to shrink and damp down tumor activity before prostatectomy. Having cancer is depressing, but this seems effective. How can one tell what symptoms are from the drug and what is from the other conditions one has and from the ideas one has about having cancer? (UK patient covered by free NHS care)"

• Con...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 27, 2022

"I had my implant 6 weeks ago. My PSA dropped significantly, but the side effects were severe: night sweats even though my air conditioning was set at 17°C. My average blood pressure rose from 120/65 to 140/75, and my blood sugar also rose from 5.5 to 8.3. So Zoladex works, but beware that the side effects can be quite distressing."

• Ger...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 4, 2019

"I was suffering from anxiety/depression before I took the once-only 10.5 Zoladex jab (pre-op) and felt even more depressed after the injection. Luckily, I don't have to take it anymore. I've also had terrible pain in my knees and insomnia. Only take it if you have to and remember that the side effects are only temporary."

• jen...
• November 9, 2017

"This is a question for my pop. He currently has cancer and is using Zoladex injections once a month. His doctor has told him he needs a break from it for a while. Why would they suggest a break from treatment, and also will the cancer spread and make him worse? Please help. Thank you."

• Mic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 2, 2025

"No problems initially with Zoladex, but about a year later I noticed that my blood/sugar levels had risen significantly, so much so that I now have Type 2 diabetes. If you read the side effects of Zoladex (and there are many), you will note that “Zoladex can raise your blood/sugar levels.” So please have your HbA1c levels checked regularly."

• fra...
• March 8, 2011

"I've been on it for about 7 years and my PSA has never been above .5. No side effects."

• Nas...
• February 4, 2010

"I was on this first with tablets for a fortnight, then injections once a month for 3 months. It gave me severe mood swings and forgetfulness."

• Jam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 10, 2023

"Leg swelling very much reduced. Urination has improved. Some eczema on upper legs after my first injection. I do have frequent hot flushes and some weight gain."

• Con...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 31, 2022

"Am now on my second 3-month Zoladex implant. New side effect: severe morning dizziness, which dissipates by the afternoon. Blood pressure normal. Blood/glucose slightly elevated."