Lupron vs. Zoladex: Comparative Side Effects?

Balladeer

Regular Member

Joined : Jun 2018

Posts : 143

Posted 6/29/2018 8:33 PM (GMT 0)

Greetings,

I'll be getting my first ADT injection soon, and my MO and RO have both suggested Lupron. However, it appears that Zoladex is more widely prescribed both in Europe and Australia (which is of keen interest to me as an American). In addition, there appears to be at least some anecdotal evidence that Zoladex 'may' offer somewhat fewer (or reduced severity) of adverse side effects, while offering no reported difference in overall efficacy as it relates to the depression of 'T' levels.

I've researched the matter as best I can on-line with a specific focus on comparative reviews of side effects, but frankly, there isn't a lot available. For the most part, the reviews are all non-scientific (unpublished, non peer-reviewed studies), with the preponderance of reviews occuring from Lupron recipients (not Zoladex). However, generally speaking, the existing reviews seem to show that Zoladex recipients report fewer adverse side effects by approximate 10% relative to Lupron recipients.

Needless to say, the odds are that I'm unlikely to find many folks who've had experience with both meds, but I'm hoping to get some sort of feedback on this subject from anyone who has meaningful experience with the more prominent side effects of either one.

Thanks!

Cyclone-ISU

Veteran Member

Joined : Oct 2014

Posts : 3388

Posted 6/29/2018 9:12 PM (GMT 0)

Hello Balladeer ~

I started with LUPRON, upon diagnosis, and had excellent results initially. My PSA at diagnosis was over 100, and LUPRON dropped it down to decimal levels.

However, over time, my oncologist started to notice "spikes and flares" in testosterone and also PSA while I was on LUPRON.

I next tried FIRMAGON, but the spikes and flares remained. For me, as for many, a spike in testosterone results in a spike in PSA. My testosterone levels kept experiencing peaks and valleys, you might say.

My oncologist believed we could find a form of ADT shot that would eliminate the spikes and flares. If nothing else worked better, the plan was to return to LUPRON. He asked me to trust him during this "experimental" stage, as we tried each form of ADT.

Last of all, we tried ZOLADEX, and this eliminated the spikes and flares, and kept my PSA better controlled.

It seems we all have our own unique chemistry. I have tried all 3 of these forms of ADT shots, and in the end, ZOLADEX worked better for me, as evidenced by my oncologist tracking my testosterone AND PSA levels.

It's easy to request an occasional testosterone level test, along with your usual lab work. You want to ensure that whatever form of ADT shot you are using is suppressing the testosterone levels to help control the PSA.

I felt the same types of side effects mentioned by all the other fellows here, on all the forms of ADT shots ... we all know the list ... hot flashes, night sweats, and some fatigue. Some daily exercise goes a long way towards mitigating the fatigue factor. Choose whatever exercise works for you, that you will stay with consistently.

Consult with your doctor --- get started on a form of ADT shot that will start bringing your PSA down --- then, along the way, have an occasional testosterone test and that will let you know if that form of ADT shot is working to its best advantage, for you.

I did discover it was easy enough to try the various forms of ADT shots ... in the end, the third one we tried ended up being the one that worked best for me.

We have fellows here who are having great results with all the different forms of ADT shots.

It does seem that LUPRON is the one most widely used in the United States. It's what brought my PSA down to decimal levels, soon after I started it ... but in the end, ZOLADEX helped me eliminate the "spikes and flares" in PSA and testosterone levels I was experiencing while on LUPRON.

The side effects from all three forms I have tried have seemed about the same ... and that is the central focus of your question, so hoping my first-hand experience with the various forms of ADT will help.

All my best,
CYCLONE ~ Iowa State University

Balladeer
Regular Member

Joined : Jun 2018

Posts : 143

Posted 6/29/2018 9:44 PM (GMT 0)

Thank you, Cyclone, and yes, I had encountered your experience (as outlined previously here on HW), while doing my initial research. You were one of very few who had direct experience with all three meds, and your added feedback here is also very helpful, particularly the aspect about how your side effects didn't seem to differ much from med to med. That is most helpful.

Hopefully, others with some added experience will also pipe-in here at some point, but placing side effects aside for a moment, it remains of interest to me why the European and Aussie markets both favor Zoladex? Is it strictly a matter of pounds, shilling and pence? Or does the answer lie elsewhere? Inquiring minds wanna know.

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