Switching to Lupron?

[epfj3333]

I've been on Firmagon for two years. PSA undetectable (<.064), all scans negative. Will switching to a six month Lupron shot cause testosterone flare?

[Tall_Allen]

No.

[Magnus1964]

Why switch? If firmagon is working stay with it. You can always switch if it fails.

[epfj3333 in reply to Magnus1964]

It makes me sick for a couple days every 28 days. I thought the six month Lupron shot would be easier. Two times a year instead of 12 (As long as it works as good as Firmagon).

[J_Monacello in reply to epfj3333]

I had the same experience after being on Firmagon for 15 months so I switched to Lupron and I was amazed at how much easier it was on my body! IMO, definitely do it. You shouldn't experience any flare because you have undetectable disease and your PSA is already very low.

[JohnInTheMiddle]

I've made some posts and comments here on why I am staying with Firmagon, as opposed to switching to the more convenient Lupron. You might find the discussions on this topic interesting - in case you have not already reviewed the differences beyond convenience.

[Professorgary]

Just was wondering why a 6 month shot and not a 1 month shot to start. I have been on lupron for 14 months and still get the one month. If you get a 1 month and have issues you are off in 30 days.

[epfj3333 in reply to Professorgary]

If I did that I'd just stay on Firmagon. The idea is to not have to go in every 28 days for an injection.

[Mgtd in reply to epfj3333]

in regards to that try a month shot of Lupron and if all goes well then do a 6 month shot. Kinda a “try before buy”.

[Professorgary in reply to Mgtd]

Yea that’s what I was suggesting. I did read of guys on the one month who got six month injections because they were traveling and had horrible side effects and went back to one month. My side effects are so mild I am going with the ,if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

[epfj3333 in reply to Professorgary]

I think I'll do that too.

[Tonyliv]

Firmagon made me sore. I switched to a 3 monthly triptorelin/ decapeptyl shot. Less sore and easier for QOL.

[SteveTheJ]

FWIW, it's my unscientific understanding that oncologists prefer a 3-month shot while urologists prefer a 6-month shot. When I was originally diagnosed the urologist gave me a 6-month which caused my oncologist to roll his eyes and say something like "I have no idea why urologists prefer 6 months". If I were you I'd get them every 3 months but that's up to you. Best of luck.

[jmarsh]

For what it’s worth, I’ve been on Lupron and Abiraterone for 15 months. I’ve had 3 of the 6 month Lupron shots. I never have any ill effects from the shot, except a sore butt for a couple days😎

[Benkaymel]

I've been on 3 monthly shot of Prostap (=lupron) for 14 months. I have the shot in the thigh and have had no problems from the injection site at all.

[j-o-h-n]

I get the Lupron injection every 3 months (for many years). I had a smiley face tattooed on my left bottom cheek so the nurse would know where to inject me.......

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Saturday 09/09/2023 12:35 PM DST

[Lunbo]

Probably but casodex or similar might lessen effect.

[ARIES29]

For me the SE of Lupron were unbearable & no comparison to Firmagon SE but the monthly injection was inconvenient.

[Carlosbach]

We all respond differently. As TA says, you shouldn’t get a flare from switching. I switched from 4mo Lupron to Firmagon 4 months ago due to the side effects I experienced from the Lupron shot. I was on Lupron/Eligard for 20 months before the switch.

In my experience, the Lupron shots themselves were less painful than the Firmagon and I experienced significantly less swelling from the Lupron injection. However, my SE’s (particularly hot flashes, confusion and emotional distress) were particularly bad for a couple of weeks after each injection. After my fifth injection those SEs persisted and intensified until I was worried about being able to maintain my mental health. After switching I slowly started to feel like myself again.

If you decide to switch I would recommend starting at a 1 or 2 month frequency. It was explained to me that with the larger/longer lasting doses the release rate of the medication is significantly stronger over the first couple of weeks.

Wishing you success with whichever treatment you choose. Please keep us posted.

[TEXAS_dan2022]

Since it has the same function, remove all testosterone from you rsystem and keep it gone it should make no difference. I have been taking Lupron injections on a 12 week schedule (4 per year) since 2017 and it has worked well for me. Not to say it has no side effects as everyone is different so just read up on it. I have not had any problems with any feeling sick while on it.

Good luck and God bless.