Combined ADT Degarelix and Cosudex

[Christor13]

Hi all

Originally I was just on the monthly Degarelix shot but for the last year the shot plus 50mg tab daily of Cosudex. What sort of side effects do others on similar drugs gave? I've just started being constipated in the last month or so and am wondering if it is the long term effect of the Cosudex.

[JoelT]

Constipation is a listed side effect of Casodex. So, it could be the result of the drug.

Before you try laxatives I would suggest increasing your fiber and liquid intake. I have found that the best way to increase fiber intake besides eating a lot of fruit and vegetables is taking Metamucil. Whether you take Metamucil or not, you must increase your liquid intake as this is often key to resolving constipation issues.

Joel

[JimVanHorn in reply to JoelT]

Hi Joel- The problem with Metamucil is that it keeps swelling all the while it is in you (like passing a softball) so I have been using generic Fiber-all which is a soluble wheat (gluten free) product that dissolves in water completely.

[JoelT in reply to JimVanHorn]

I will give ot a try. Thanks

Joel

[CERICWIN]

I was on the same regimen for a long time, Firmagon and bicalutamide (Casodex) and then I requested to have Avodart, also, for the "triple blockade." And a monthly injection of Xgeva, also, as I had osteopenia, a precursor to osteoporosis.

I had a lot of side effects, including nausea, weight and muscle mass loss, and lots of fatigue. For constipation, I used ground flaxseed (which also has Omega 3), and Senna, and also Metamucil.

Are you on painkillers? I was put on Norco, which causes even more constipation, and then on morphine and Dilaudid, both of which cause opioid-induced constipation, so I'm on two heavy-duty drugs; Amitiza and Generlac for the constipation.

I hope that this was of some help,

CERICWIN

[Christor13 in reply to CERICWIN]

Thanks Cericwin,

How long were you on Degarelix and Coasudex? I have been lucky with pain so far. Just a few panadeine forte on injection day. The fatigue is a big factor though....and in my case I had always been very active.

Take care

Chris

[CERICWIN]

I was on Firmagon and Casodex for more than two years, and dropped the Casodex when my PSA began to rise and then I was put on Xtandi, and continued with the Firmagon, changing to Lupron in 2015. Then I had an orchiectomy in November, 2015 as the Lupron didn't control my testosterone level adequately.

My doctor prescribed Ritalin for "cancer-related fatigue," which helps somewhat.

My own cancer is very advanced, my original PSA was 744, and I had metastases to almost all of my pelvic lymph glands, as well as spine and sacrum.

The combination of Firmagon/Casodex/Avodart stabilized my mets, and shrank prostate and lymph glands---you can access my profile for more complete info.

I was diagnosed in late October,2012. I'm still doing better than expected, with such a high PSA and lymph gland involvement.

Some guys can live for 20 years on the hormone therapy. So the side effects can be unpleasant, but if the treatment slows or stops the cancer, it's worth it.

CERICWIN