ANYONE TAKING 4 MONTH ELIGARD INJECTION?

RADIATION HOPEFUL
RADIATION HOPEFUL Member Posts: 218
in Prostate Cancer #1
HELLO EVERYONE & THANKS FOR ADVICE

I'm going on 2 years of FIRMAGON injections--pSA is down to 0.26. MY urologist (PA) wants me to start taking ELIGARD 4 month shots for the last year. I only have to take 3 shots vs. 12 more FIRMAGON. IF ANYONE IS TAKING THE 4 MONTH SHot of ELIGARD, I WOULD appreciate your input.---THANK YOU VERY MUCH
ANY ADVICE

RAD HOPEFUL

Comments

  • VascodaGama
    VascodaGama Member Posts: 3,701 Member
    #2
    Keeping your testosterone levels down
    RadHope

    I am glad to read about your continuing success. Changing from Firmagon to Eligard may provide a relief from some of the symptoms you got from Firmagon but it may add the ones usually “attached” to Eligard.

    In my opinion the nasty symptoms are in fact due to the hypogonadism status (low levels of testosterone circulating in the body) caused by any one of those drugs, but some guys do better with Firmagon and some with Eligard.
    For what I read and listen, it is hard to distinguish the difference in felt symptoms (or the intensity) that one drug “produces” above or more than the other. The same goes to the effect that can be expected from the drugs' half life (effectiveness period). I think that what “commands the difference is one self’s system in being more amiable to one drug than to the other.
    The “owner” of Eligard announces that not all the shots (1, 3, 4 and 6 months) produce the same number of side effects. Here is a link on the above;
    http://www.eligard.com/side-effects/eligard-side-effects.aspx

    My experience is with a six month shot of Eligard. I did very well though I experienced numerous side effects, some being unnoticed.

    You should continue the monitoring of the testosterone levels and bone density (even if you are taking Prolia).


    I wish that Eligard will do well in you continuing the job done by Firmagon, in keeping your testosterone down.

    Hope for the best.

    Vgama
  • RADIATION HOPEFUL
    RADIATION HOPEFUL Member Posts: 218
    #3
    VascodaGama said:

    Keeping your testosterone levels down
    RadHope

    I am glad to read about your continuing success. Changing from Firmagon to Eligard may provide a relief from some of the symptoms you got from Firmagon but it may add the ones usually “attached” to Eligard.

    In my opinion the nasty symptoms are in fact due to the hypogonadism status (low levels of testosterone circulating in the body) caused by any one of those drugs, but some guys do better with Firmagon and some with Eligard.
    For what I read and listen, it is hard to distinguish the difference in felt symptoms (or the intensity) that one drug “produces” above or more than the other. The same goes to the effect that can be expected from the drugs' half life (effectiveness period). I think that what “commands the difference is one self’s system in being more amiable to one drug than to the other.
    The “owner” of Eligard announces that not all the shots (1, 3, 4 and 6 months) produce the same number of side effects. Here is a link on the above;
    http://www.eligard.com/side-effects/eligard-side-effects.aspx

    My experience is with a six month shot of Eligard. I did very well though I experienced numerous side effects, some being unnoticed.

    You should continue the monitoring of the testosterone levels and bone density (even if you are taking Prolia).


    I wish that Eligard will do well in you continuing the job done by Firmagon, in keeping your testosterone down.

    Hope for the best.

    Vgama

    ELIGARD
    THANK YOU VG for the comments & web site. I Just got the latest PSA results from my RO office & was told it is 0.30 this is a rise of 0.04 from last month.

    After reading the side affects, I'm scared to take the ELIGARD---it can cause sudden death. FIRMAGON side affects don't say this????

    Based on the rise in PSA, I believe I'll try the 4 month shot of ELIGARD & hope for the best. It's scary to think I May die from sudden cardiac arrest from this drug.

    THANKS for your reply & Happy HOLIDAYS

    RAD Hopeful
  • RADIATION HOPEFUL
    RADIATION HOPEFUL Member Posts: 218
    #4
    VascodaGama said:

    Keeping your testosterone levels down
    RadHope

    I am glad to read about your continuing success. Changing from Firmagon to Eligard may provide a relief from some of the symptoms you got from Firmagon but it may add the ones usually “attached” to Eligard.

    In my opinion the nasty symptoms are in fact due to the hypogonadism status (low levels of testosterone circulating in the body) caused by any one of those drugs, but some guys do better with Firmagon and some with Eligard.
    For what I read and listen, it is hard to distinguish the difference in felt symptoms (or the intensity) that one drug “produces” above or more than the other. The same goes to the effect that can be expected from the drugs' half life (effectiveness period). I think that what “commands the difference is one self’s system in being more amiable to one drug than to the other.
    The “owner” of Eligard announces that not all the shots (1, 3, 4 and 6 months) produce the same number of side effects. Here is a link on the above;
    http://www.eligard.com/side-effects/eligard-side-effects.aspx

    My experience is with a six month shot of Eligard. I did very well though I experienced numerous side effects, some being unnoticed.

    You should continue the monitoring of the testosterone levels and bone density (even if you are taking Prolia).


    I wish that Eligard will do well in you continuing the job done by Firmagon, in keeping your testosterone down.

    Hope for the best.

    Vgama

    ELIGARD
    THANK YOU VG for the comments & web site. I Just got the latest PSA results from my RO office & was told it is 0.30 this is a rise of 0.04 from last month.

    After reading the side affects, I'm scared to take the ELIGARD---it can cause sudden death. FIRMAGON side affects don't say this????

    Based on the rise in PSA, I believe I'll try the 4 month shot of ELIGARD & hope for the best. It's scary to think I May die from sudden cardiac arrest from this drug.

    I was also told there is no flare due the fact I already took FIRMAGON????

    THANKS for your reply & Happy HOLIDAYS

    RAD Hopeful
  • VascodaGama
    VascodaGama Member Posts: 3,701 Member
    #5
    RADIATION HOPEFUL said:

    ELIGARD
    THANK YOU VG for the comments & web site. I Just got the latest PSA results from my RO office & was told it is 0.30 this is a rise of 0.04 from last month.

    After reading the side affects, I'm scared to take the ELIGARD---it can cause sudden death. FIRMAGON side affects don't say this????

    Based on the rise in PSA, I believe I'll try the 4 month shot of ELIGARD & hope for the best. It's scary to think I May die from sudden cardiac arrest from this drug.

    I was also told there is no flare due the fact I already took FIRMAGON????

    THANKS for your reply & Happy HOLIDAYS

    RAD Hopeful

    Very rare cases
    RadHope

    I do not think that you should worry that much regarding Eligard’s “sudden death due to heart attack” effect possibility. This is very very rare and in cases of previous heart complications.
    Diabetes due to elevated blood sugar is also an effect from these type of drugs but it also occurs if the patient takes the drugs continuously for long period of times (years).
    One must be vigilant and do periodical lipids testing and heart checkups.

    You could try to get into shape with a change in diet and physical fitness that will help in avoiding those effects to happen. Apart of the PSA you need to care for your bone loss with Prolia bisphosphonate and should include tests in your program as required. Testosterone levels and vitamin D deficiency are important matters that need monitoring too.

    You will do fine with Eligard.

    Have a good Christmas.

    VGama
  • FreddyJoe
    FreddyJoe Member Posts: 45 Member
    #6
    RADIATION HOPEFUL said:

    ELIGARD
    THANK YOU VG for the comments & web site. I Just got the latest PSA results from my RO office & was told it is 0.30 this is a rise of 0.04 from last month.

    After reading the side affects, I'm scared to take the ELIGARD---it can cause sudden death. FIRMAGON side affects don't say this????

    Based on the rise in PSA, I believe I'll try the 4 month shot of ELIGARD & hope for the best. It's scary to think I May die from sudden cardiac arrest from this drug.

    THANKS for your reply & Happy HOLIDAYS

    RAD Hopeful

    Eligard
    I was on the 6 month Eligard, it did the job for me, I have been off the injections for over a year and my PSA is 0.00. I saw the Dr a couple of months ago and do not have to see him for a year, but it messed up my blood chemistry, they thought I might be diabetic and had a little amnemia, plus some bone density loss, not to mention the ED. But it did do the job and kept the psa low and stopped the prostate from recovering from the radiation. It does have a few other minor side effects. I went to a Retreat sponsored by Reel Recovery, (they take cancer survivors fly fishing). One of the men there said in what they called our courageous conversations that he thought his Dr was trying to make a woman out of him. I wonder if I had it all to do over again if I would make the same decisions, but for now I am leading a happy, healthy, active life.
  • RADIATION HOPEFUL
    RADIATION HOPEFUL Member Posts: 218
    #7
    ELIGARD

    Hello FREJOE

    THANKS for the reply---- would you mind telling me if yu had any urinary or bowel issues taking the ELIGARD

     

    RAD HOPEFUL

     

  • RADIATION HOPEFUL
    RADIATION HOPEFUL Member Posts: 218
    #8
    ELIGARD

    HELLO FREDDY JOE

    THANKS for the reply>>>WOUld you mind telling me if you had any urinary or bowel issues---- THANKS & HAPPY HOLIDAYS

     

    RAD HOPEFUL:

  • RADIATION HOPEFUL
    RADIATION HOPEFUL Member Posts: 218
    #9
    FreddyJoe said:

    Eligard
    I was on the 6 month Eligard, it did the job for me, I have been off the injections for over a year and my PSA is 0.00. I saw the Dr a couple of months ago and do not have to see him for a year, but it messed up my blood chemistry, they thought I might be diabetic and had a little amnemia, plus some bone density loss, not to mention the ED. But it did do the job and kept the psa low and stopped the prostate from recovering from the radiation. It does have a few other minor side effects. I went to a Retreat sponsored by Reel Recovery, (they take cancer survivors fly fishing). One of the men there said in what they called our courageous conversations that he thought his Dr was trying to make a woman out of him. I wonder if I had it all to do over again if I would make the same decisions, but for now I am leading a happy, healthy, active life.

    ELIGARD

    HEllo FREDDY JOE

    WOULD YOU mind telling me if you haf any urinary or bowel issues while on the ELIGARD???=== HAPPY HOLIDAYS

    RAD HOPEFUL

     

     

  • FreddyJoe
    FreddyJoe Member Posts: 45 Member
    #10
    RADIATION HOPEFUL said:

    ELIGARD

    HEllo FREDDY JOE

    WOULD YOU mind telling me if you haf any urinary or bowel issues while on the ELIGARD???=== HAPPY HOLIDAYS

    RAD HOPEFUL

     

     

    Eligard

    I really had no urinary or bowel problems, except I did, and still seem to wake up more often at night to go to empty my bladder.

    Not really sure what caused that. 

  • RADIATION HOPEFUL
    RADIATION HOPEFUL Member Posts: 218
    #11
    RADIATION HOPEFUL said:

    ELIGARD

    HELLO FREDDY JOE

    THANKS for the reply>>>WOUld you mind telling me if you had any urinary or bowel issues---- THANKS & HAPPY HOLIDAYS

     

    RAD HOPEFUL:

    ELIGARD ISSUES

    HELLO FREDDY JOE

     THANKS for the reply

    I"M getting my first shot Of eligartd today, thus don't know what I may encounter. I have been on FIRMAGON for two years & my PSA never reached zero. I'm currently at 0.30.

    Will post any affects as time moves on

     

    RAD HOPEFUL

     

  • VascodaGama
    VascodaGama Member Posts: 3,701 Member
    #12
    RADIATION HOPEFUL said:

    ELIGARD ISSUES

    HELLO FREDDY JOE

     THANKS for the reply

    I"M getting my first shot Of eligartd today, thus don't know what I may encounter. I have been on FIRMAGON for two years & my PSA never reached zero. I'm currently at 0.30.

    Will post any affects as time moves on

     

    RAD HOPEFUL

     

    Zero is a threshold of success not a number

    I am glad to know about your endeavor with the Eligard. Wishing you many more "good days" in your continuing journey.

    Regarding the Zeros, I think that your comment is not proper. "Zero" in PSA tests does not mean the number "0" but a threshold of performance we all achive at some point of the treatment. Yours is to come yet but the PSA levels expected from Eligard may not differ that much from those of Firmagon.

    I wonder what's the number you are expecting to see to get satisfied?

     

    Wishing you a good 2013 with success.

     

    VG   Wink

  • RADIATION HOPEFUL
    RADIATION HOPEFUL Member Posts: 218
    #13
    VascodaGama said:

    Zero is a threshold of success not a number

    I am glad to know about your endeavor with the Eligard. Wishing you many more "good days" in your continuing journey.

    Regarding the Zeros, I think that your comment is not proper. "Zero" in PSA tests does not mean the number "0" but a threshold of performance we all achive at some point of the treatment. Yours is to come yet but the PSA levels expected from Eligard may not differ that much from those of Firmagon.

    I wonder what's the number you are expecting to see to get satisfied?

     

    Wishing you a good 2013 with success.

     

    VG   Wink

    ELIGARD

    HELLO VGAMA & THANKS FOR THE REPLY

    Today DEcember 27,2012 I HAD my first 4 month shot of ELIGARD. Only time will tell if I have any seroious side affects. I can tell you I don't have a big lump on my stomach like I Did with the FIRMAGON

    Will keep all posted---THANKS AGAIN--- APPRECIATE IT

    RAD HOPEFUL

     

     

     

     

  • FreddyJoe
    FreddyJoe Member Posts: 45 Member
    #14
    RADIATION HOPEFUL said:

    ELIGARD

    HELLO VGAMA & THANKS FOR THE REPLY

    Today DEcember 27,2012 I HAD my first 4 month shot of ELIGARD. Only time will tell if I have any seroious side affects. I can tell you I don't have a big lump on my stomach like I Did with the FIRMAGON

    Will keep all posted---THANKS AGAIN--- APPRECIATE IT

    RAD HOPEFUL

     

     

     

     

    Eligard

    That stuff is stored cold and they have to warm it up before they inject it, just under the skin.  True there is a lillte lump there but it goes away as it is slowly absorbed by the body.  The little lump is a small price to pay.  I would say that I seem to be as healthy now as I was before the diagnosis, except for the fact that I am getting old.

     

  • FreddyJoe
    FreddyJoe Member Posts: 45 Member
    #15
    RADIATION HOPEFUL said:

    ELIGARD

    HELLO VGAMA & THANKS FOR THE REPLY

    Today DEcember 27,2012 I HAD my first 4 month shot of ELIGARD. Only time will tell if I have any seroious side affects. I can tell you I don't have a big lump on my stomach like I Did with the FIRMAGON

    Will keep all posted---THANKS AGAIN--- APPRECIATE IT

    RAD HOPEFUL

     

     

     

     

    Duplicate Post

    How does one delete a duplicate Post?

     

  • Trew
    Trew Member Posts: 932 Member
    #16
    Eligard

    I was on Eligard for 1 yr- I got the 6 month shots- 2 of them.  It will take some time for the stuff to work out of your body- seems like I was still experiencing some of the side effects 8- 9 months after the last shot had expired. 

    I had huge emotional mood swings on Eligard.  sometimes I was laughing hard  at little ordinary things, and sometimes I was so depressed i wished I would die. Fortunately the moods could change in hours.  I had a lot of hot flashes- night sweats, day sweats, chills, fatique- going down through the list of side effects I think I had them all.

    My original doctor wanted me to be on shots for 2 years.  I changed doctors and quit after one year.  Not sure if that was good or bad.  I had my PSA  tested in Sept and for the first time in almost 2 yrs if has showed some movement from .001 to .1. 

    That's all I can say about Eligard. If I ever see Prostate cancer walking down the street- I think I would kill him.  Ideally I would like to drag him home and overdose him on eligard shots.  I do not think kindly towards PC. 

     

      

  • RADIATION HOPEFUL
    RADIATION HOPEFUL Member Posts: 218
    #17
    ELIGARD

    THANK YOU TREW FOR telling me the side affecta you encountered. I pray I Don't get anything bad. I tolerated the FIRMAGON rather well -----the only side affect I could complain about was the large lump the injection gave on the stomach & some night sweats, other than that I felt fine. I was on FIRMAGON 2 years in NOVEMBER & NOW I switched to ELIGARD at the recommendation of my urologist. I Never reached zero ----0.26 was the lowest I GOT ---maybe the ELIGARD will take it to 0.00

    RAD Hopeful

     

  • Trew
    Trew Member Posts: 932 Member
    #18
    RADIATION HOPEFUL said:

    ELIGARD

    THANK YOU TREW FOR telling me the side affecta you encountered. I pray I Don't get anything bad. I tolerated the FIRMAGON rather well -----the only side affect I could complain about was the large lump the injection gave on the stomach & some night sweats, other than that I felt fine. I was on FIRMAGON 2 years in NOVEMBER & NOW I switched to ELIGARD at the recommendation of my urologist. I Never reached zero ----0.26 was the lowest I GOT ---maybe the ELIGARD will take it to 0.00

    RAD Hopeful

     

    Stumach lump

    I forgot about the stomach lumb.  Nice reality check.

    I may have been more sensitive to eligard and others.  I met one man who seemed to have few side effects, but I don't think that is very common.  After all, one shot and you are almost instantly into total hormone shutdown- like menapause in a few days. 

    We take courage from one another- wish things were different but make the best out of what we have, I guess. 

  • FreddyJoe
    FreddyJoe Member Posts: 45 Member
    #19
    Trew said:

    Stumach lump

    I forgot about the stomach lumb.  Nice reality check.

    I may have been more sensitive to eligard and others.  I met one man who seemed to have few side effects, but I don't think that is very common.  After all, one shot and you are almost instantly into total hormone shutdown- like menapause in a few days. 

    We take courage from one another- wish things were different but make the best out of what we have, I guess. 

    Eligard

    Trew, I don't think your reactions to the Eligard injections were typical,   I had almost none of the side effects you listed.  In the beginning my PSA was 20 and it is now undetectable, last few test showed .00.

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