ELIGARD VS> FIRMAGON QUANDRY

RADIATION HOPEFUL
RADIATION HOPEFUL Member Posts: 218
in Prostate Cancer #1
I GOT my monthly shot of FIRMAGON today---my current PSA is 0.26 ---it is now two years of monthly FIRMAGON shots. (STARTING PSA was 53.99). THE PA who sees me every month suggests I switch to ELIGARD--4 month shot. Thus I would only need three more shots to make it to NOV. of next year vs. 12 more shots of FIRMAGON. The PA stated the drugs are basically the same. (HE said the decision is mine to make) I WAS TOLD I HAD TO be on 3 years of Hormone shots when I started.
I'm in a quandry as to what I Should do & request input from my friends on this site.

Looking forward to replies regarding this dilema.
RAD HOPEFUL

Comments

  • mrspjd
    mrspjd Member Posts: 694 Member
    #2
    "Input" remains unchanged from the last time
    I'm sure you'll receive tons of input. Mine is based on our own PCa experience and it's the same input that was offered to you on your other thread. In fact, it's the same basic input (i.e. feedback, suggestions, ideas for options, etc) that's been offered by other posters to high risk PCa patients & their family members time and again for pre and post PCa tx/care:
    http://csn.cancer.org/node/246047#comment-1287099
    http://csn.cancer.org/node/247098#comment-1283430
    http://csn.cancer.org/node/250229#comment-1306468

    Bottom line: Seek the most experienced and knowledgeable medical oncologist with a specialty in PCa that you can afford, even if you have to travel across state lines, and make an appt for a thorough evaluation of your case.  More: Take along or send in advance hard copies of all your medical records, imaging tests, including your complete PCa history.  Make a list of questions and take a responsible trusted family member/friend to the appt as a 2nd pair of ears. With permission from the PCa onc, record the meeting using a small voice recorder and play it back later to hear the points you missed.

    As for your current quandary & dilemma "I WAS TOLD I HAD TO be on 3 years of Hormone shots when I started. Firmagon vs Eligard" I wonder who gave you this outdated info. Critical, potentially life changing, decisions need to be a team effort between you & your medical specialists (who work for you, not the other way around). You are your own best advocate for healthcare and, an educated informed patient is an empowered patient. IMHO, the more important question to ask (the PCa onc) is why a 3 yr continuous androgen deprivation (CAD) and why not an intermittent (IAD) protocol? See: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/22931259/

    Good luck. 
  • richs
    richs Member Posts: 1
    #3
    firmagon
    Eligard causes a spike, Firmagon does not. Read the trial info on both drugs and I think you will stick with Firmagon
  • RADIATION HOPEFUL
    RADIATION HOPEFUL Member Posts: 218
    #4
    richs said:

    firmagon
    Eligard causes a spike, Firmagon does not. Read the trial info on both drugs and I think you will stick with Firmagon

    ELIGARD VS FIRMAGON QUANDRY
    I"M leaning towards staying with FIRMAGON---no serious side affects other than pain in stomach for a day after shot & Tiredness for a day.
    Looking for more replies/comments
    Started with a PSA of 59+ in 2010 -------current PSA is 0.26 but PA urologist wants me go on ELIGARD for the next year which will be the third year & hopefully the final for hormone shots. ELIGARD offers 4 month shots vs. one every month for FIRMAGON. I just don't know what to do.
  • RADIATION HOPEFUL
    RADIATION HOPEFUL Member Posts: 218
    #5
    richs said:

    firmagon
    Eligard causes a spike, Firmagon does not. Read the trial info on both drugs and I think you will stick with Firmagon

    ELIGARD VS FIRMAGON QUANDRY
    I"M leaning towards staying with FIRMAGON---no serious side affects other than pain in stomach for a day after shot & Tiredness for a day.
    Looking for more replies/comments
    Started with a PSA of 59+ in 2010 -------current PSA is 0.26 but PA urologist wants me go on ELIGARD for the next year which will be the third year & hopefully the final for hormone shots. ELIGARD offers 4 month shots vs. one every month for FIRMAGON. I just don't know what to do.

    RAD HOPEFUL

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