differences in Lupron and degarelix…

[JolleySprings]

When Lupron begins to fail and degarelix is begun is it usually a favorable outcome?

[GP24]

It will probably not make a significant difference. You should add Zytiga or Xtandi to the Lupron therapy instead.

[Tall_Allen]

Lupron and degarelix do the same thing - lower testosterone.

[RyderLake2]

Hello,

In my experience not really. My oncologist prescribed Firmagon (degarelix) when my PSA started rising after several years on Zoladex. I wasn't thrilled because of having to have an injection every month as opposed to every three months. The other problem was injection site reaction. This is a common side effect with Firmagon. It includes pain, swelling and redness. If you do go on Firmagon, make sure it is given by a health care professional who follows the instructions on how to administer the dose. These are given in the leaflet. After a year on Firmagon my new oncologist switched me back to Zoladex and added enzalutamide (Xtandi) . Then, and only then, did my PSA start to go down. Hope that helps!

[Johnnymoe in reply to RyderLake2]

Is Zoladex a pill? Firmagon is painful and takes about 2 week to go away.

[RyderLake2 in reply to Johnnymoe]

Hello,

Zoladex (goserelin acetate) is an injection. The syringe is normally 10.8 mgs and is given subcutaneously by a nurse or doctor every three months. When given as recommended, Zoladex results in the suppression of your sex hormones (testosterone).

[EdBacon]

If the testosterone is low (less than 50) then Lupron is doing it's job and switching to Firmagon won't make a difference. Ideally you want the testosterone to be below 20.

[JolleySprings in reply to EdBacon]

Thank you! His Testosterone is “3”… This month his Oncologist did not have the Lupron availability on his apt date so they gave him Firmagon instead. He actually feels a bit less fatigue. But the injection site is bothersome. He’s going on year 6 with intermittent Lupron … after Prostate surgery and radiation in 2017. His PSA is beginning to rise. He has the HORRIBLE. CDK12 mutation! Yet, we are so thankful it has been held at bay thus far. No evidence of visible disease on PSMA scan.

[EdBacon in reply to JolleySprings]

If his PSA contnues to rise, he's likely becoming Castrate Resistant. If that's the case, he can add either Xtandi or Zytiga if he's metastatic or Erleada or Darolutimde if he isn't.

[MiaAmia]

Although they’re supposed to do the same thing, my partner had limited response to Lupron and immediate and sustained response to degarelix. Downside is that the latter is a monthly shot. Upside if that is that he sees the MO monthly and is able to ask questions and get feedback more often than many.

[Teacherdude72]

Personal experience notes: When first diagnosed in the fall of 2015 with G9 aggressive pcaI was given Lupron, most often monthly, for two years. Had radiation as my treatment. Psa went to .59 and stayed below 2.0 for just over two years.

30 months ago psa doubled twice in three months so began ADT with Eligard. After a multi month shot failed, started again on Lupron 22 months ago and added Nubeqa. Psa dropped to <0.02 and is still there now.

AS to the Lupron my only effects have been occasional hot flushes, tolerable, and low interest in s*x. With the addition of Nubeqa energy dropped off the map.

I do go to the gym 5 days a week for an hour even when traveling. Coffee and chocolate help most days.

My suggestions include remain active, sleep in a cold bedroom, plan on sleep time to be a bit longer, and be positive in attitude.

My doctors, Rad Onco and Oncologist both say I will live a long time and pass with pca not of pca. Just turned 75 and by and large feel good.