Lupron and itching

[Sandy752]

I have been on Lupron for almost six years. Recently I have developed itching problems on different parts of my body but mainly in the mid-section. Dry skin and itching is listed as one of he side effects of Lupron but it was not an issue for years. Is anyone else dealing with this?

[timotur]

I've been on Lupron for six months, and am getting random pimples on my body, mostly above the waist-line. For a while I had some itching around the scrotum, but that has subsided.

[Survivor1965]

Yes, I have been on Lupron off and on for 7 years but on it solid for 3 years. I too have started itching over the last few months. Meant to ask my onc about this but I’ve been having lots of low back pain so he was laser focused on that. But the itching is driving me crazy. Is it a reaction to Lupron/Xtandi or do the meds cause dry skin and therefore itching? I would love to know.

[William123Cooper123]

Same here: 7 years no major allergy problems with skin. Then after two Lupron implants, terrible rashes and hives. None of my doctors knew what was happening. The Lupron-rash then just stopped, and went away. Who knows?

[jmb23]

I also got a terrible rash on my back and chest from Lupron. Dr. switched me to Eligard and the rash went away.

[Sandy752 in reply to jmb23]

Pleased to hear the Eligard is working for you. Websites list skin redness/itching/scaling as potential side effects of Eligard. But all drugs don't affect all people the same way.

[PhilipSZacarias]

I believe the lack of testosterone is probably making our skins dryer. I have experienced dry skin on my upper elbows and on the side of one leg calf. I use a high quality moisturizing cream to manage the dry skin.

I occasionally use a mild abrasive (eg, nail file) to gently remove the flaky skin then apply the cream. Seems to work - the affected areas are significantly less itchy.

Cheers, Phil

[DrWrite]

Itching not a problem here, but 'twitching' (spasms of hands mostly) comes and goes and no one seems to know why or what the cause; likely a aide-effect of one of the drugs.

[Hidden in reply to DrWrite]

My husband twitched more at night too I thought it was the Erleada

[DSEE]

Yes extreme itching-

But about a month after itching began it was discovered my cancer had moved to the liver.

[Sandy752]

Thank you for all the replies. I talked to my dermatologist today and he said the cause of itching can be difficult to determine. While it could be side effect of drug such things as the type of detergent one uses and the use of dryer sheets are among the possibilities. My itching started where the latex in the underwear touches my skin so I tried a different make of boxer shorts. Since the itching has spread I still suspect the Lupron.

[monte1111 in reply to Sandy752]

I switched all sorts of things, nothing worked. Then it mostly went away after 6 months. It is still there, a little. Noticed itching after last Xgeva shot in stomach area. Lasted about a week. Seems to be starting up a little now. Weather changing. Leaves falling and spreading dust and pollen. Perhaps an allergy thing? Maybe try Claritin?

[Haniff]

Hi Sandy

I had the same problem with itchiness but started moisturizing and the itch disappeared. Hope this helps.

My very best to you,

Haniff

[Sandy752 in reply to Haniff]

I've started putting on a moisturizing cream every day. Hope it helps.

[westof]

Hmm... Hi Sandy,

I'm about to turn 71 and about 5 years ago (well before APC) I started getting itching rashes.

So I went to a dermatologist and he thought it was eczema ( which it was not!) and prescribed Triamconolone Acetonide Ointment 0.1%. And it worked, however...

Before and after my APC dx, the itching had subsided (to a good degree) and decided to get off the Rx. With Lupron and Zytiga, I didn't want to add another substance.

So, I found these Curel products on Amazon:

when I shower I use this body wash:

smile.amazon.com/gp/product...

And if I happen to get an itch, I use this lotion:

smile.amazon.com/gp/product...

You can get BOTH for under $15.00

Best

[Sandy752 in reply to westof]

Decided to try those two products you suggested. Ordered them today. Amazon said I could get the body wash but the lotion was not shipped to Canada. Strange. So ordered both from Walmart Canada.

[westof in reply to Sandy752]

Hmm... Strange indeed! When using the lotion, I on only apply a thin film (using two fingers). I ordered the lotion on 3/18 and its still half full. YMMV!

Best

[westof in reply to westof]

Hmm... Just curious, how are the Curel products working out for you?

Best

[Sandy752 in reply to westof]

It's still early but so far excellent. Itching has declined significantly. I did make a few other changes such as using gentle laundry pods but the main thing is using the Curel products everyday. Thank you for your suggestion.

[Lookhigher]

Hello Sandy,

From the replies it seems that itching is common . I was diagnosed 2 years ago and started lupron soon after. I am 78 and have put up with bouts of itching on a regular basis for the past 2 years. I have dry skin on my upper torso but most of the itching is concentrated around my scrotum( I don't have much use for it now anyway). Thankfully lotions help with the dry skin, and the itching seems to have subsided. When the itching occurs now it is still severe but lupron has the enemy afraid to attack. Keeping the cancer cells under control, even with the other associated effects of lupron, is something that I value greatly. We are all in this together. I continue to appreciate and value all on this site. Keep the faith!

Will

[Sandy752 in reply to Lookhigher]

Thanks Will. I'm almost 75. Was diagnosed at 65 and had external beam radiation and then went on Lupron at age 69. Last PSA was .22 so staying on the Lupron despite the fatigue, hot flashes and now itching. But I've gotten some good response to my post and will look into some of the suggestions. We all need to keep the faith.

[monte1111 in reply to Lookhigher]

I'm sure if we all thought hard enough we could find uses for flaccid scrotums. I use mine to wipe down the kitchen counter.

[Sandy752 in reply to monte1111]

Ha. We need to keep laughing.

[westof in reply to monte1111]

Hmm... hahaha, very funny, but really Gross!!

Best

[j-o-h-n in reply to monte1111]

Fantastic laugh.... (and for polishing furniture?)......

That got a 10 out of 10 on my laugh meter...

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Wednesday 11/06/2019 10:40 PM EST

[VictoryPC]

I would never do Lupron again. Especially when knowing it stops working and leads to CRPC in 18 months. Just doesn't make sense. I am waiting until the big lawsuits that are coming begin. It almost destroyed my life but I stopped. Just fine without it..

[Sandy752 in reply to VictoryPC]

I've been on Lupron for six years. PSA is .22.

[VictoryPC in reply to Sandy752]

Probably because the PC was little or no threat to begin with.

[Sandy752 in reply to VictoryPC]

Not the case. My Gleason was 4 and 3; 10 of 12 samples were cancerous and 40 does of external beam radiation failed to cure it.

[CRPCMan in reply to Sandy752]

You are a lucky man. I developed CRPC after 18 months of Lupron. I didn't fare too well on it.

[AlmostnoHope in reply to VictoryPC]

Me too.

[AlmostnoHope]

Your lucky. I've known guys from our group that literally committed suicide from using that crap they gave me.

[VictoryPC]

I'd be long gone had I continued. Fortunately stable PSA and NO Lupron. All functions...