Lupron Depot for Prostate Cancer User Reviews

• gee...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 6, 2021

"I completely agree with Rob, if I had known the consequences of taking this drug, I would probably have done the same as him. It takes away everything that being a man is. He does not, however, mention the sex word. From my first injection, 5 years ago, there has not been any—plenty of everything else that he states, but no kind of lovemaking. Probably he did not take enough to cause e/d, if not, good on him. Not enough information is given to us about the full effects of this drug. Men are not made to live a good QOL without testosterone because after you have been castrated, that is it. As far as I can tell, very few men have good sex and real happiness after having the drug."

• str...
• August 18, 2018

"My husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer stage 4 in 2014. His prostate was removed, and later, he started on Lupron Depot every 3 months. His PSA went down to almost nil. Over the next four years, he has been on Lupron according to his PSA levels. Though Lupron does keep his PSA levels down, his mood swings/anger and his irrational thinking have stressed our relationship. He is mean with comments to me and his actions. He needs Lupron to live, but it has killed our relationship. The oncologist who gave him his first Lupron injection did tell us that one of the side effects of Lupron was that it could increase moods and anger. I am stressing to you wives that Lupron is one ugly drug. It makes people who are receiving Lupron depots very miserable people and their partners/spouses very stressed out, scared at times, lonely, and sad for what is happening in their relationship. Lupron gives the patient quantity of life but not quality of life!"

• Oac...
• February 3, 2014

"Started treatment 12/2011 ended 12/2013. The PSA went down as expected for the purpose of treatment, now waiting for side effects to end, which have been: loss of libido, hot flashes especially at night or after a meal, some sweating, loss of body hair, loss of muscle mass, joint and bone pain, tiredness, difficulty to start almost any quest, weight gain, chest/man breast augmentation. Have been taking vitamin D plus calcium, glucosamine, started an exercise program that has helped with muscle buildup, and also helps with better mood, by prescription have taken 3 applications of calcium to the vein. Have had excellent support from wife, have trust my Doctors and first of all God my father."

• 65...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 22, 2015

"I am experiencing the following side effects: Breast enlargement, reduction of size of testicles, complete ED, multiple hot flashes hourly, and a mental fog that prevents clear thinking. These were all expected side effects and came as no surprise. Additional unexpected side effects include: rapid pulse rate, elevated BP, breathlessness, short-term memory loss, extreme and uncontrollable emotional outbursts (uncontrollable crying over minimally emotional issues), and sleep deprivation (1-2 hours total sleep which could account for the emotional issues). Of additional concern are anecdotal statements by others claiming no reduction of any side effects even after years of removal from follow-up injections of Lupron. My concern is great enough to request suspension of this drug, even at the cost of an elevated PSA with a corresponding resurgence of the cancer. I know there are additional drugs I can take to counteract some of these side effects, but I would rather not complicate the situation with even more medication. My PSA stands at 0.3 as of this writing, and I would withdraw my request were it to increase to 4.0, however continued living with this nightmare drug is not my idea of life."

• mik...
• September 17, 2009

"I've been on Lupron (after prostate surgery) for a period of 7-1/2 years. I am also on 50mg Casodex. The side effects are minor (hot sweats, decreased energy). Injection sites were moved after 6 years from buttocks to shoulders due to lower back pain. I hope this gives hope to patients about to begin this regimen."

• lup...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 25, 2018

"I had prostate cancer 10 years ago, so they say. 43 treatments of radiation, and the PSA is gone. Now, 67 years old, and my PSA went up to 8.5, 10 years later, and my doctor wants to do the Lupron shot. First one, 2 years, a big one, 45 mg. It almost killed me - I had never been so sick. Now, 2 and a half years later, my PSA was 13, so I told the doc I would try a smaller dose, so I did 7.5 a year ago and another 7.5 last week. My PSA is 3.2, but still, I said I should take it. Let me tell you, men, I WILL NEVER TAKE ANOTHER LUPRON SHOT AS LONG AS I LIVE. The side effects you read about are true: blood pressure problems, diabetes. I'm never having a Lupron shot ever again."

• K S...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 27, 2019

"I was given this poison for the first time, May 2nd, 2019. The doctors/nurses would NOT tell me the name of it. Only referred to it as: hormone therapy. 60 seconds AFTER the nurse shoved a 22.5 mg 3-month dose of it into my butt. The doctor's assistant walked up to me, handed me a booklet: 'Understanding Lupron Therapy', said: You better TAKE THIS HOME AND READ IT, she laughed, turned around and said: 'see ya'. When I got home, I turned to the 1st page. It said: 'side effects': 'heart attacks, strokes, bone damage, diabetes, AND, 'sudden death......' I was so angry. She injected me with a POISON. For 10 weeks, I was so angry, mad it was indescribably bad. The worst 3 months of my life!"

• WWI...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 7, 2014

"Had my first injection of Lupron 7.5 mg in July, second injection at the same dosage is set for August 21. So far no hot flashes or side effects. Have been taking Casodex simultaneously (30-day supply) which will end shortly. Only side effect from that initially was fatigue, which resolved after 5 days. Decided to insist on 1-month Lupron injections instead of a 3-6 month extended dose as PC support group participants on the once-a-month dose had far fewer side effects. I'm sticking to my guns on this one, MD tried to give me a 6-month dose right off the bat. I'm switching MDs and glad I did it this way. Hope this helps others."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 28, 2019

"On Lupron beginning July 2017. Now 2019 and still on a 3-month dose. I experience all the known side effects, and it is not much fun. I am 66 years old and have advanced prostate cancer stage 3. My PSA is undetectable since surgery and 40 radiation treatments. Hot flashes, weight gain, fatigue, tingle in feet, itching, impotence, and bone aches. PSA is still undetectable...going off Lupron in May 2020...we will see what happens then."

• sev...
• February 8, 2019

"My father has prostate cancer, and he was given the Lupron shot. Everything was going fine for my dad until 2 weeks after the shot. He started having side effects from the shot. Now, before I go any further, let me just say, if anyone has PTSD, do not take this drug. My father started seeing things that were not there, hearing things that no else could hear, and smelling things that no one else could smell. Now, not everyone will have the same side effects, but if you have PTSD, it will kick it into gear. This might be the right treatment for you, it is not for my dad. Again, if you struggle with PTSD, this may not be the treatment for you. I hope this was helpful in some way."

• blu...
• January 10, 2020

"69 years old. Had seed implants 16 years ago. PSA slowly creeped up, and due to an incompetent doctor, it spread to my spine before getting any treatment. Thankfully, I made a visit to another MD and got first-class care. I just had my 2nd Lupron injection (3-month interval). No side effects other than mild hot flashes. I keep a strenuous exercise program in place, and I think that helps a great deal. On Zuniga also. PSA down to 0.50 from high of 17."

• Woo...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 9, 2020

"I’m a 66-year-old male who was diagnosed with moderately aggressive prostate cancer with a Gleason score of 8 and PSA of 7.2. I’ve had 2 Lupron injections, which have caused the following side effects: a chemical smell, muscle weakness, hot flashes, fatigue, PSA - <.01, insomnia, anemia, decreased leukocytes, decreased size of penis and testicles, and bone pain in the back and sacrum. I have one more shot in July. I was taking Zytiga for a while."

• Ton...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 24, 2020

"Taking Lupron injections for 7 months, out scheduled 18 months for prostate cancer. Experiencing common side effects like hot flashes, weight gain, reduction in size of testicles. Completed 28 treatments of radiation this past May. Taking injections in the buttocks every 3 months. Injections are not bad. A little soreness for a couple of days. The side effects are manageable so far."

• duc...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 11, 2021

"I have been on Lupron for 6 months (2 of the three-month injections). This drug is very effective in slowing the prostate cancer growth. Testosterone is the fuel for PC. My testosterone level went from 840 to 11 in three weeks after my first injection! However, there surely are side effects. Mine are: 1. Fatigue and low energy with breathlessness upon exercise. 2. Hot flashes. 3. Low red blood cell count (anemia). 4. Lack of sexual desire and unable to perform. 5. Shrunken testicles and penis. The side effects are frustrating...but you can tough them out. God has given me strength, and without my faith...this would be much tougher. My wife has been an angel with her constant support. Good luck!"

• sur...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 27, 2021

"Had a prostatectomy in Oct. 2019, and PSA rose in April 2020. Took bicalutamide pills and a Lupron injection in Aug. 2020, second injection in Jan. 2021. The next injection is May 2021. My side effects are mostly really bad hot flashes day and night, extra fat around my waist, and got the mood thing going. My wife said I should talk to the doc before the next dose. I also got an inguinal hernia after surgery. It is a hard drug to live with, but at 71 years old, I'll take it every day. I see the doc next month for a checkup after a blood test. I also had 39 radiation visits in Jan. 2021. I hope my PSA is still around 0.034 due to Lupron. I have to take a total of 5 injections, which have been every 4 months. Good luck to people who have to take this route."

• Duf...
• July 10, 2021

"I'm 57 and diagnosed in Apr with tumor confined in one lobe only, a Gleason of 7 (3+4), and a PSA of 9.22. I received a 4 month, (30mg) injection on May 19 and started radiation on June 21. As of this writing I'm into my 8th week on this drug. So far my side effects have been minimal with very mild hot flashes, (about 2-3 times a day but very subtle), loss of sex drive and some ED at this point. I get about 6-7hrs decent sleep a night, haven't had to get up to pee in the middle of the night much, no vision, confusion, brain fog issues, ect as others describe but I'm not long term therapy either. Doc said the 'kick-in' with side effects is typically at the 3 week point so, so far, I'm doing pretty well. Doc says I should regain most, if not all, my ED function when the drug wears off after the 4 month time frame. A definitive change in my diet and exercise has also helped a great deal with limiting my side effects. Hope this helps anyone in similar circumstances."

• Sad...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 14, 2023

"My husband cannot comment as he died 5 years ago. He was diagnosed with stage 3 prostate cancer. He also had radiation treatments. He suffered from fatigue, depression, and insomnia. Radiation caused damage to the urethra. His prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test was low while on Lupron depot but he was miserable and committed suicide. It would have been nice to have an alternative treatment. He didn’t want to live that way."

• Dob...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 15, 2022

"76 yrs. white male. PSA 200. Cancer spread to back and shoulders ( according to PET scan). Got the 6 month injection. No pre advice, oral or otherwise. Been 1 month so far. Side effects minimal, hot flashes, etc. So far so good but it’s still early. I attribute many of the negative effects discussed here by others as merely attributable to their ageing. I'm not having anger problems or lack of sex drive that I can’t pin on simply being an old man. I find many of these reviews based on lack of objectiveness. Let’s see what I say in two more months. As far as the doctors prognosis, I believe they are helpless against PC and reckless with others lives. They will get old too."

• Dav...
• August 19, 2021

"Have had lymphoma for many years from Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam. Had exam and PSA test annually until I was 75 and doc says you have prostate the size of 15 year old and PSA is normal, so you don’t need to come back. Now 80 and PC metastasized to lymph nodes in neck. PC is also related to Agent Orange. Started with 30-days of Casodex and 90-days of Lupron. PSA went from 75.5 to 0.06. Lupron side effects not too bad, but seem to be getting worse as I approach next injection in a couple of days. I’m hoping to switch to a mCSPC (castration sensitive) medicine, instead of the Lupron, which is mCRPC (castration resistant)."

• Woo...
• March 29, 2023

"Been on Lupron now for 3 1/2 years. I’m 84 years old with metastatic prostate cancer. Lupron did take my psa from 196 to almost zero. However, I have all the side effects…fatigue, hot flashes, ED, and a 13 pound weight gain around the middle. I’m alive but have a very little quality of life. There are new studies showing that very high doses of testosterone (I know it sounds crazy) have shown to reverse the cancer and given men a much better quality of life. I’m going for a new treatment soon as the Lupron is starting to fail as my psa is creeping up. my advice is if you can avoid Lupron do it at all costs. Your life will change with the first shot."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 22, 2023

"65-year-old who had a Prostectomy in Dec 2022. Psa was still elevated after surgery. PET scan revealed PC in pelvic lymph nodes. Prescribed salvage radiation and ADT. On med for 5 months now (2 three-month 22.5 injections). PSA was undetectable at the time of the 2nd injection. So I guess it works, or was it the 37 radiation treatments I received in Jun/July. Won't know unless I discontinue Lupron. As for side effects, they have been somewhat minimal. Libido gone. Loss of pubic hair but returning, a decrease in the size of the penis but returning, weight gain of 5-8 pounds. Hot flashes, but they have decreased significantly (I take Vitamin E). I have joint pain, especially in hands, but I am hoping Vitamin D will help. Sleep is getting much better. My mood has been very good. I exercise frequently, eat healthy, and have no stress. I think that helps a lot. I think I will continue with injections. The doc wants to do 2 years of injections. Overall, not too bad."

• fat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 1, 2023

"Tried Lupron Depot every 3 months two times, but severe fatigue, occasional dizziness and passed out. Side effects were not acceptable to me. Orgovyx + Xtandi is much better. Although, without testosterone: fatigue, no erection, lack of enthusiasm, and weight gain."

• Ozz...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 9, 2024

"Started with bicalutamide for 3 months, seven weeks of daily radiation therapy, including Firmagon for 2 months, now on Lupron Depot for the past 14 months, all this after robotic radical prostatectomy as my PSA had started to rise again. Scan showed cancer cells active in the pelvic area, currently on my last Lupron Depot injection with 4 months until it ends. Many side effects: depression, huge loss in strength and endurance, hot flashes, 4KG increase in fat around my torso and breast areas. I try to go for a 5km run about 3 times a week to keep some muscles working. I am 77 years old and was a champion age-graded runner before this."

• Rob...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 20, 2024

"Prostate normal at last checkup. Dosing sequence: 1 month, 3 months, 6 months x 3. Experiencing joint pain in shoulders, hips, knees, and periodic sharp pains in the head and neck area. Random stabbing pains in the left thigh and feet as if being jabbed with a large needle. Moderate to severe swelling in the feet and lower legs. Frequent hot flashes. Frequent intestinal issues. Frequent need to urinate. Extreme fatigue. Irritability."

• Ric...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 8, 2024

"Some hot flashes for short periods when thinking hard and only for maybe 2 or 3 minutes. Zero sex drive. Maybe joint pain. Maybe less energy. PSA at 0.25 after 3 or 4 months. There is some merit in not wanting to have sex often for that has been cured."