Goserelin - side effects profile variability between implants

[SimMartin]

OK, I know that living with PCa can play havoc with my relationship with reality that uncertainty is about the only sure fire certainty.

So I am aware that the side effects of ADT are both real and yet also exacerbated or lessened by my mood, which of course is also subject to the impact of having high risk PCa and it’s possible long term impact but also the physiological impact of the medication’s removal of most of my testosterone.

having had 6 four weekly Zoladex implants I then opted for the 12 week version the last two times - now my question of you my fellow travellers is ….. do you experience an increase of side effects for the few weeks after the 12 week implant and then they reduce to a less noticeable level ?

I seems totally illogical as after around 10 months of allistic no testosterone (around 0.7) surely that is the issue and the only impact of each repeated implant is to keep that low testosterone going. But I am definitely more depressed and feel less able to motivate myself the first 2-3 weeks both times I’ve had the implants.

Logically it seems it’s psychosomatic rather than a physical response to the implant ? Dies anyone else experience this variable response just after the injecting of goselerin?

[treedown]

I don't experience it on 3 month Lupron. Not sure if that is relevant since a different drug. Frankly after stopping Xtandi I feel great on just Lupron for now.

[dhccpa]

These days I never think about SEs being greater early on than later. In the first year or two I wondered. The only thing for motivation is to get up and do stuff. You may move more slowly but keep active. Even so, your energy levels will be lower than before ADT.

[SimMartin in reply to dhccpa]

thanks I do think less about them but it was the swap to 12 week version seem to coincide with some issues but im not sure as my post polio issues overlap re energy and fatigue

[RyderLake2]

Hello,

I have been battling prostate cancer for over ten years. For nine of those ten years I was on Zoladex (goserelin). Every three months I receive a 10.8 mg goserelin acetate implant via a subcutaneous injection done by my doctor. For one year, on the advice of my oncologist, I switched from Zoladex to Firmagon (degarelix). I didn't like the frequency (every month) of Firmagon nor the injection site reaction so I was quite happy to go back to Zoladex. I have no serious side effects from this drug other than a complete loss of libido and the occasional hot flash (mostly in the early years). I anticipated both these side effects and my wife and I am not particularly disturbed by them. I am 78. Certainly no increase in side effects after the injection. If you have a PCa support group nearby, I recommend you join it. Lots of men going through what you are. Good luck!

[SimMartin in reply to RyderLake2]

thanks - I kind of think it’s a psychological thing and I do get hot flushes but not many and they don’t bother me - the total lack of libido is both weird and sometimes upsetting but manageable - the complicating factor for me is I have post polio syndrome am which us weakening my muscles as I age now so never quite sure what is what ! As a wheelchair user also all that keep exercising and weight lifting just isn’t an option - it never has been lol so support groups are a bit of a problem for me both in terms of physical access and my rather complex presentation.

[Qiviut]

I had Zoladex injections ever three months for a year, with radiation treatment of the pelvic area and the prostate. The injections usually hit a blood vessel, so fewer was better. The Zoladex was very effective in keeping testosterone levels very low and consequently PSA. I had side effects of weight gain which exacerbated BP. I have lost complete interest in sex. That does not bother me in the least. I had pronounced hot flashes towards the end and at the start of a new dose. There is no doubt that reduced testosterone affects mood and positivity. I have lost half of the weight gain and have increased energy levels and physical strength and stamina but nothing like before. I attribute some of that to aging. It is very important to have someone to share your thoughts with and focus on living. I have become a constant gardener, philosopher, and savour every God given day observing the cycles of seasons and nature. Find tranquility and friends to help push through the low moments.

[SimMartin in reply to Qiviut]

thanks for the advice. I do try to savour the days but with the normal pressures of daily life these days plus living with extensive weakness from polio all my life and none using a wheelchair as the late ageing effects of polio catch up with me, I think the extra psychological impact of being Dx with G9 albeit locally contained and, then radiation of prostate only in my case / the impact of the ADT has reduced my capacity some days to stay up beat - I just noticed it seemed more common in the couple of weeks following the Zoladex implant.

[Ian99]

I have been on Zoladex since 2021, 3-monthly injections. Am 76. SEs tolerable. Main one is fatigue, overcome by getting active: playing golf for example. Hot flushes were regular (2-3 per day) at the beginning, now a rare occurrence. Weight gain around the waist is an annoyance. Testosterone level steadily declined, now around 0.4. Overall seems to be ok so far. Good luck.