Lupron, the brand name for the generic leuprolide acetate, is a type of cancer drug known as gonadotropin-releasing hormone, or GnRH, agonists. Lupron injections are used widely in palliative treatment for men with advanced prostate cancer to help manage symptoms. In May 2010, a review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration found evidence indicating that drugs such as Lupron increase the risk of stroke, diabetes, heart attack and sudden death in men; physicians are advised to weigh the benefits and risks when prescribing such a drug. Lupron has several common side effects.
Hot Flashes
According to Drugs.com, the most common side effect of this medication is hot flashes. Specifically, during clinical trials, 58.5 percent of participants taking this drug reported having sweats or hot flashes. If this adverse reaction persists or worsens, a physician should be consulted.
EKG Changes and Peripheral Edema
Another frequent side effect associated with this drug is electrocardiogram, or EKG, changes, which most likely represent ischemia. According to RxList.com, this adverse reaction occurred in 19 percent of clinical trial participants who were taking this drug. This effect may occur in the presence of high blood pressure, which is another common reaction of this medication. Additionally, a side effect that can produce cardiac consequences if not monitored is the build-up of excess fluid in the body. The physician needs to be notified immediately if this side effect occurs so a diuretic can be prescribed.
Pain
The pharmaceutical website Rxabbott.com states that generalized pain frequently occurs in prostate cancer patients starting Lupron. During clinical trials, 26.6 percent of participants taking this drug reported having general body pain. Also, other types of pain symptoms have been reported and include bone pain, myalgia and headaches. Asthenia, or generalized weakness, typically was present as well in these patients. The oncologist needs to be informed about new pain sensation as well as established pain that increases in severity.
Testicular Atrophy and Libido Changes
Sexual side effects are likely with this type of medication. Drugs.com reports that another common side effect of Lupron is that the testicles begin to shrink and atrophy; specifically, testicular atrophy occurred in 20.2 percent of clinical trial participants. This reaction is a consequence of decreased testosterone levels due to Lupron therapy. Additionally, patients may experience a reduced interest in sex or a reduced libido as well as difficulty in achieving and maintaining an erection. Since such adverse reactions are to be anticipated with lower testosterone levels, patients should discuss this matter in depth with the physician when first considering Lupron therapy.
Member Comments