What is the shot given for prostate cancer?
LHRH agonists are given by injection or are implanted under the skin. Four LHRH agonists are approved to treat prostate cancer in the United States: leuprolide (Lupron), goserelin (Zoladex), triptorelin (Trelstar), and histrelin (Vantas).
How often are hormone injections given for prostate cancer?
Depending on the drug used, they are given anywhere from once a month up to once every 6 months.
How long is Lupron treatment for prostate cancer?
LUPRON DEPOT® (leuprolide acetate for depot suspension) 7.5 mg for 1-month, 22.5 mg for 3-month, 30 mg for 4-month, and 45 mg for 6-month administration are prescribed for the palliative treatment of advanced prostate cancer. LUPRON DEPOT is a prescription medication that must be administered in your doctor's office.
Can prostate cancer spread while on hormone therapy?
In 85% to 90% of cases of advanced prostate cancer, hormone therapy can shrink the tumor. However, hormone therapy for prostate cancer doesn't work forever. The problem is that not all cancer cells need hormones to grow. Over time, these cells that aren't reliant on hormones will spread.
What are the signs that prostate cancer has spread?
Prostate cancer can spread to the lymph nodes in the groin area, or to other parts of the body. The most common symptoms are swelling and pain around the area where the cancer has spread. Cancer cells can stop lymph fluid from draining away. This might lead to swelling in the legs due to fluid build up in that area.
What is the cost of a 6 month Lupron shot?
The cost for Lupron Depot intramuscular kit (7.5 mg/month) is around $1,962 for a supply of 1 kits, depending on the pharmacy you visit.
What should I expect after my first Lupron shot?
What to expect at the start of treatment. While LUPRON DEPOT ultimately reduces testosterone in your body, during the first few weeks of therapy, your testosterone levels may rise before they fall. You may experience temporary new or worsening symptoms of prostate cancer, including urinary symptoms and bone pain.
What are the side effects of Lupron injections?
In clinical trials, the most common side effects of LUPRON DEPOT, occurring in >10% of patients, include hot flashes/sweats, headache/migraine, decreased libido, depression/emotional lability, dizziness, nausea/vomiting, pain, vaginitis, and weight gain.
When Is Hormone Therapy used?
Hormone therapy may be used: 1. If the cancer has spread too far to be cured by surgery or radiation, or if you can’t have these treatments for som...
Possible Side Effects of Hormone Therapy
Orchiectomy and LHRH agonists and antagonists can all cause similar side effects from lower levels of hormones such as testosterone. These side eff...
Current Issues in Hormone Therapy
There are many issues around hormone therapy that not all doctors agree on, such as the best time to start and stop it and the best way to give it....