Men who have prostate cancer may be prescribed a medication called Lupron to help manage their symptoms. Lupron helps alleviate prostate cancer pain by decreasing the levels of testosterone within the male body. It can also help decrease the growth rate of cancerous cells in the prostate. Men who have prostate cancer should discuss the side effects of Lupron with a medical professional before choosing this form of cancer symptom treatment.
Hot Flashes or Night Sweats
Side effects of hot flashes were reported by approximately 55 percent of prostate cancer patients in clinical trials for Lupron, explains RxList. Hot flashes can be uncomfortable and may cause men to sweat more frequently or excessively than usual. Affected men can appear unusually flushed and their skin can be warm or moist to the touch. Frequent hot flashes may cause certain men to wake up frequently throughout the night, which can contribute to daytime fatigue.
Nausea or Vomiting
Treatment with Lupron can cause stomach upset side effects in certain men with prostate cancer. These gastrointestinal complications typically include nausea and vomiting, reports Drugs.com. Consequently, men with prostate cancer can experience a temporary loss of appetite during Lupron treatment.
Edema
Unusual body swelling, a side effect called edema, can occur in men receiving Lupron treatment for prostate cancer. Affected men can notice that their legs, feet, arms or hands appear abnormally puffy or enlarged due to excessive fluid retention. Limb swelling can make it difficult for men to move the affected body region normally. Sudden or severe limb swelling should be discussed with a medical professional as soon as possible.
Headache or Dizziness
Headache pain or dizziness can arise as side effects of Lupron. These uncomfortable sensations are typically temporary and tend to subside with continued use. If headache pain becomes bothersome, affected men can take an over-the-counter pain medication, such as acetaminophen, to mitigate this side effect.
Impotence or Decreased Libido
Decreased testosterone levels caused by Lupron can affect a man's normal sexual drive or libido. While receiving treatment with Lupron, men with prostate cancer can have difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection—a side effect referred to as impotence, explains RxList. A decreased interest in sex can have a negative affect on a man's intimate relationships. Libido and sexual side effects related to Lupron use should be discussed with a man's intimate partner before he begins treatment.
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