Take something before Lupron shot to ward off initial side effects?

[Ride_it_out]

Does anyone know the secret to warding off the initial side effects and pain that happens right after receiving a Lupron shot? Is there something you can take before the shot? Or is there something you do or take right after the shot to reduce the pain at the site of the shot and throughout your body?

[Grumpyswife]

Some people take Casodex for a week to avoid the spike. Hubby didn’t have pain from injections other than typical.

[Hidden]

I found that Ibuprofen helped, especially after the shot because it reduces the inflamation. My first Lupron shot wasn't bad, but the second hurt for days after. I had 2 Lupron shots before going on Eligard.

Eligard is initially more painful than Lupron. It burns going in, but subsides very quickly. The pain is gone in 15 minutes or even less. Eligard is equivalent to Lupron (same drug) and just as effective. I take extra strength Tylenol before the shot to take the edge off. It is easier for me than Lupron, but everyone is different.

[Tall_Allen]

Try icing the area before and after. It's usually not a big deal for Lupron as it is for Firmagon.

[AlanMeyer]

I've noticed that some nurses and some phlebotomists (people who draw blood) are better than others at what they do. I wonder if the skill of the person doing the injections is a factor. I wouldn't be surprised if it's related to how quickly (more pain?) or slowly (less pain?) the Lupron is injected into the buttock. You might ask the nurse next time to try a slower injection. If it hurts worse then my supposition is backwards. There may also be differences in where and how the needle is inserted and how thick it is.

Alan

[Hidden]

I didn't suffer injection site issues with the 6 month eligard shot I received. I was glad my wife drove me home. I had a nasty systemic reaction -- I don't know if it dropped my blood pressure -- but I had to stifle the impulse to have her drive me straight to the ER. It wasn't pleasant at all. It wasn't a long drive home. I was unsteady on my feet and not feeling well at all. I was OK the next day.

[leo2634]

Hi Ride I agree with Alan Meyer it might have a lot to do with the person administering the shot. The team of people my Doctor has assisting him are very compassionate and knowledgeable when I received my Eligard six month injection she knew it was going to be uncomfortable and prepared me for the sting which I might add wasn't as bad as it sounds I actually didn't take anything sore for a few days but didn't last. Leo

[Tjc1]

The pain only last a couple days. There is a difference from one person to the next giving it to you. My nurse and i have a love hate relationship. She tells me shes gonna hurt me. And she dose. Lol

[William123Cooper123]

(Not talking about the testosterone surge after the very first Lupron Depot injection, or the injection site pain.)

On Lupron (3 months) now in year 7.

• Have always has a systemic surge right after each injection lasting for a few days (neurological fog, depression, and physical fatigue on top of the regular fatigue). I thought I was the only one, or it was all in my mind ... but others also report that surge.

• After so many years, the cycle of Lupron side-effects are worse. Seem to start up around every week, lasting for around 4 days during each 3month cycle of injection. The NCCN (National Cancer Comprehensive Network) reports in their 2016 and 2017 updates: (in fact) the side-effects of ADT (Lupron) become more severe, and are cumulative over periods of long, extended ADT treatment.

———-

So we on ADT (specifically Lupron) are having concerns, side-effects ... many issues that are not addressed as a part of the treatment (Deal with it, dude.) ... drop your pants, get the shot, and go on home. Then feeling like a wimp-ass through the cycles of side-effects. Stop the treatment? Yes? then deal with prostate reoccurrence ... that’s not good!

————

It’s managing (1) The treatment side-effects, and (2) The quality-of-life (that may go down to zero [?] from the treatment and not the actual cancer). Question: knowing that there is no cure (for me), “Is this the quality-of-life I want out of this?”

Perplexed: “Yes, and no.”

————

(This site is often a savior when we are alone, and are trying to put everything in some sort of perspective.)

[nzurcher in reply to William123Cooper123]

In 2008 my husband was diagnosed with NHL and it was stage 4 (many places plus in the bone marrow) he was given the RCHOP chemo, but he was also diagnosed with PCA at that same time. I am right there with you. In 2010 my husband had an open radical prostatectomy, in 2013 salvage radiation..he tried lupron a few years ago and his bone pain got horrid, same thing with casodex. At that time he was on pain meds. But since all the "epidemic" they stopped them in 2016. His last PSA is at 30, which it should be a very tiny level. The ONC is giving him the choice of lupron, He asked them, because he already has bone pain will they address the side effect of bone pain and give him something. ONC said flat out "NO" because it is NOT considered "Active treatment'. So he is refusing all treatment. He hopes that he leaves this world with a heart attack or something else fast, rather than the PC. He told her that he can not get his head around taking a medicine, paying her a copay to give him more pain yet no one will help with that. His last PET scan in January shows mets tumors in the illiac area and it seems that his lymphoma is returning too in his abdominal views. He has not back to the ONC since he had that scan. He is beyond upset..He said everyone has bad news yet nobody is willing to take care of the entire patient anymore. He feels as tho he has been deserted when it comes to his medical care. So he is doing his bucket list activities and enjoying his life. As his wife and a retired RN I am on his side and have his back on this one..They need to find a way to head off these side effects when it comes to these meds. More than NSAIDS.

[William123Cooper123 in reply to nzurcher]

My urologist and oncologist will not prescribe pain (opioid) pain medication; the referral to pain management is addressing the cancer pain issues. The doctors are putting their personal concern and fear about patient death and suicide resulting from their opioid prescriptions through active surveillance by the FDA (Federal Drug Administration). Precipitated by the many who have abused the use of opioids.

So we with cancer are suffering. The patients medical records, however, can be tagged “cancer” so that appropriate medications can be prescribed. But still doctors do not want the risk.

I (74 years old, prostatectomy, Stage IV, metastasis, and bone pain) will go out “on the street” for drugs for pain ... up to even heroine.

I will not live with this excruciating bone pain that makes me as good as dead (for days, weeks, months?). (Those who have never experienced cancer bone pain haven’t a clue what it’s like!!!)

Excruciating bone pain without any relief ... one can manage moving into “peace” at one’s own pace and schedule ... if it should come to making that last decision.

[nzurcher in reply to William123Cooper123]

I am so sorry for your experience..My husband is my left hand..he is 66 and has been fighting all this stuff since he was 56.. He is just sick and tired and hates the stigma of being treated like an addict for asking for help. These Drs do not know what I go thru when he is up at night saying it feels like someone is twisting his shins..Shame on all of them. He says he will refuse treatment until the day comes that he qualifies for hospice. He has the best friends around tho..They buy him tickets for airfare and he just travels all around and enjoys life while he still can. Sometimes I go with him but my mom is 94 and I want to savor the time I have left with her. He said he is not going to pay the copays for someone to give him sub humane medical care. They aren't going to make a profit off of him while they do it. He has lost faith in Drs..If a person with cancer can not have a justification to have their pain controlled what kind of a license should those Drs have? I have been told that I have no compassion for addicts..WellI I think that is true when I see what he goes thru because of their actions. Our country decision makers have it backwards.

[William123Cooper123 in reply to nzurcher]

You have that right!

Opioid addiction ... they make the choice of putting those damn pills in their own mouths. Everyone is painted with the same brush.

Stupidity!

[nzurcher in reply to William123Cooper123]

i bet those high up in government get their pain relieved or will if they ever need it. I bet if they all had a surprise drug screen today we would get some surprising results..They do speak with a forked tongue. I would bet on that one for sure.

[Mathes72]

Ok,, have taken Lupton shots for 2 years,like any other shot,but expect hot flashes an weight gain

[PhilipSZacarias]

I was prescribed bicalutamide (Casodex) for two weeks before receiving the Lupron shot. The concentration of testosterone in the blood initially increases substantially then declines to a castration state. I experienced minimal pain at the time of injection but later in the evening significant pain from a met on one of my ribs. I was not told that this might happen (which I believe my urologist should have mentioned and prepared me for). I was able to control the pain quickly by taking an extra bicalutamide pill. I hope this helps. Phil

[Olman]

I’ve been getting Lupron shots for the last 15/16 years and as Alan Meyer says, it is the person who administers the shot that controls how it feels.

I haven’t experienced any other side effects at the injection site other than the pain and lasting soreness caused by the uncompasionate person giving the shot that others have expressed. Yes, I get hot flashes, fatigue and weight gain and mood swings, but it’s better than the alternative.😅

[Crmp55 in reply to Olman]

Exactly the same reaction experience that I have had. Not fun but keeping us going. Been on the regime for five years now , sure hope I can match your longevity. Posts like yours certainly give us convedence. Many thanks Olmam.

[JimVanHorn]

I have Eligard (Lupron generic) shots at the hospital where my oncologist is located, and I go to the cafeteria and have some food after my shots. If I am dizzy or feel weird I can go back to the Doctor's office before I drive home. I am not on Eligard now because I have been on Eligard for 6 and one-half years, so I will see what my PSA is without the injection.

[GARunner1]

Like so many things with PCa, symptoms seem to be individualistic. I had 6 monthly Lupron shots before and during radiation after recurrence with no pain or feeling T surge. I even lost weight. Exercise seemed to help me. Good luck.

[j-o-h-n]

I've had 18 injections of Lupron and NEVER had any side effects from the injection. I keep asking the nurse to inject me in my right ear lobe so she can pierce it for me for the same price. NO SALE.

Good Luck and Good Health.

j-o-h-n Friday 07/06/2018 4:53 PM EDT

[Hidden]

I've had Lupron injections for 12 years, every 3 months and never had any side effects from the injection also. Except for the time a guy gave me the injection in my midsection when I first started. Looking back I always wonder WTF was he doing??

[ctarleton]

I've been getting Lupron shots in alternating upper outside buttocks every 3 months for over 4 1/2 years. The best technicians can get it in so easily that I hardly even feel it. The needle they use in the kit is a smaller gauge needle. Once in a while, I can feel a little temporary ache during the "push" of the injection. They also alternate left and right side each time. I make sure to stand on the non-injection leg, leaning against the examining table, keeping all the weight off my completely-relaxed injection side leg during the injection. I have no significant pains afterwards at the injection site.

I agree, though, it can be an individual thing, from conversations I've had with others in some local support groups. (Sometimes similar differences also appear in individual reactions to the bone agents Zometa (zoledronic acid) and Xgeva (denosumab)).

Charles

[Crmp55 in reply to ctarleton]

Very important point about keeping the weight off of the side being injected. That is a definate help, I always shift my weight thanks to my nurse who gave me this info.

[JeffLikesBikes]

It's interesting reading the comments and observations. I've been receiving 6 mo. Eligard injections in my lower abdomen since Nov 2016. Always from my Urologist and it hurts like a bugger - like someone is trying to inject a golf ball under the skin. At the time of my last injection, my Uro was absent and a young internist was standing in for him. I made a remark about how painful the procedure was and he immediately asked if I would like a little local anaesthetic, to which I replied, "yes, please!" He provided the anaesthetic, which was quite painless and then proceed to mix the Eligard. Within a minute, I received the Eligard and didn't feel the injection at all. I don't really have many immediate reactions, or side effects, outside of fatigue, hot flashes. But the addition of the local anaesthetic makes the Eligard much more comfortable at the time of administration.

[RonL]

I’ve never had any problems with the actual injections, been on Eligard for five years.

[Ride_it_out]

Hey guys this is Ride_It_Out

Thank you all so much for sharing. My guy doesn’t stand on the injection side leg so thank goodness he knew that part. This past time I had him take Tylenol but in the past he has been miserable for a few days. The Tylenol seemed to help. I remember giving that to my kids before their shots. Didn’t even think about who was giving the shot. Great suggestions. Wishing you all good health

[GoEZ]

I get Eligard shots in the belly. About 15 mins before the shot i get a ice pack to numb the area. Works great.