Lupron Ruined My Life – The Unforeseen Impact

People who suffer from diseases like prostate cancer, endometriosis, and fertility issues are known to Lupron. If you think you are facing issues due to the medicine, then this post is for you. Here, I am going to tell you how Lupron ruined my life. 

A few years back, when I was suffering from cancer, I started to take the medicine. Though It’s a hormonal therapy to cure my cancer cells, day by day it makes my bones weaker. Unexpectedly, I gained a lot of weight. I also had an intense feeling of warmth and sweating as well. I was already fighting cancer, and the medication made my suffering worse.  

In this article, I am going to tell you the story of my hardship and also others in detail regarding medicine. Also, share the dos and don’ts if you are on the medication to minimize your suffering. 

What Is Lupron?

Lupron is a brand name for the medication Leuprolide Acetate. Basically, it is a synthetic hormone. Though it is used for various medical purposes, mainly, the medicine is used to treat endometriosis. Lupron injection for prostate cancer is the most known. In some cases, the med fights against early puberty. In prostate cancer treatment, generally, the medicine reduces the production of testosterone. This is how it slows the growth of cancer cells.

How Does Lupron Work?

Leuprolide is a medication that blocks the effect of Gonadotropin. It works by releasing hormones on the pituitary gland in the brain. Furthermore, it is used for various purposes, including:

Prostate Cancer: As we know, the med treats prostate cancer. So, what does Lupron do for prostate cancer? It helps the body to make less testosterone. It slows down the growth of prostate cancer. Because cancer often needs testosterone to grow.

Endometriosis: The medicine helps the body to make less estrogen. As a result, the pain reduces that caused by endometriosis.

Central Precocious Puberty: In kids with early puberty, Lupron pauses early development by stopping the body from making certain hormones that cause puberty until the right time comes.

Lupron Doses

actual dosing significantly depends on the specific medical condition, patient characteristics, and a physician’s recommendations. 

For your convenience here’s a table as an example:

Side Effects of Lupron

Leuprolide has various side effects. But it’s not like everyone will experience these. Also, the severity varies. Common lupron side effects may include:

• Sudden and intense feelings of warmth, often accompanied by sweating.
• Feeling tired or weak.
• A decrease in sexual desire.
• Weakening of muscles.
• Some people may experience bone pain.
• This can include mood swings, irritability, or emotional changes.
• Some individuals may experience headaches.

Receiving Lupron by injection causes redness, pain, or swelling at the injection site.

Serious leuprolide side effects are less common. However, allergic reactions, osteoporosis, and changes in blood sugar levels are considered serious side effects of the med.

What Are The Long Term Side Effects of Lupron?

According to NIH some long-term side effects of Leuprolide Acetate include:

• Bone Density Loss
• Cardiovascular Issues
• Emotional and Mental Health
• Muscle Weakness
• Weight Gain
• Sexual Function
• Fertility Issues
• Memory and Cognitive Changes
• Hot Flashes

Lupron long-term side effects in females

Long-term use of this particular medicine results in several side effects specific to females, including,

Bone Density Loss: One of the most significant concerns with long term Leuprolide Acetate use in females is decreased bone density. In brief, it leads to osteoporosis. Besides, it causes an increased risk of fractures.

Menopausal Symptoms: The medicine induces a state similar to menopause in females. As a result, women taking it experience hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and mood swings. These symptoms are noticeable after stopping the medication in some cases.

Fertility Issues: Long term use of the med impacts fertility. However, some women regain their fertility after stopping the medication. In fact, it takes time for the menstrual cycle to return to normal. Unfortunately, fertility does not fully recover sometimes.

Cardiovascular Health: There is an increased risk of heart disease due to hormonal changes.

Emotional and Mental Health: Mood swings, depression, and emotional disturbances while taking the med may happen.

Sexual Dysfunction: It causes sexual dysfunction in women. The dysfunctionalities include decreased libido and vaginal dryness.

Weight Gain: Weight gain is a side effect of it, which is challenging to manage.

Memory and Cognitive Changes: Memory and cognitive changes while on Lupron happen sometimes, but these effects are reversible after discontinuation.

Lupron long term side effects in males

Here are some of the possible side effects of the medicine in males:

Sexual Dysfunction: The most common side effect of Leuprolide Acetate in males is sexual dysfunction. In this case erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, and difficulty achieving are common issues. Even maintaining an erection will also become difficult.

Hot Flashes: Many men on Leuprolide Acetate experience hot flashes. That can be uncomfortable and bothersome. 

Decreased Muscle Mass: Sometimes, a decrease in muscle mass and strength while on the medicine may happen.

Mood Changes: Mood swings, depression, and emotional changes occur in some taking it.

Bone Density Loss: The medicine leads to a decrease in bone density. It increases the risk of osteoporosis and fractures in the long term.

Weight Gain: Weight gain is a side effect of it, which is challenging to manage.

Fertility Issues: The medicine affects fertility in males. In some cases, fertility does not fully recover after discontinuation.

Cardiovascular Health: There is an increased risk of cardiovascular problems, including heart disease, due to hormonal changes with Lupron.

Memory and Cognitive Changes: Some men report memory and cognitive changes while on the medication of this particular medicine, but these effects can be reversible after discontinuation.

How Lupron Ruined My Life?

Never use this product; it will ruin your life within a month. My gynaecologist made the stupid choice to give me Lupron. So I took the medication six months after my laparoscopy, and Lupron destroyed my life. I have been to the emergency room because I couldn’t breathe. Hospitalized two times for breathing problems. Which I had never experienced before. When asked gynae about the side effects of the medicine, she refused to discuss it. Thousands of people have reported the harmful effects of this product since 1999; some have caused death, and the doctors still deny it. 

Before I had this injection, I used to be a healthy woman. I usually spend my days and take care of my kids. But after the medication started, I was tired of all the side effects of hot flashes, insomnia, joint pains, chronic sinusitis, chronic gastric, and problem breathing, and the list is endless. Besides, I was always feeling exhausted on the bed. I have stopped jogging and am unable to take care of my children. 

I have reported this product to the FDA! But I don’t understand why, despite so many people having reported bad side effects, they still doctors prescribe it. It has already been five months after the medicine, and I still have side effects, and my period has not returned.

How Lupron Ruined Others’ Life: Customer Experience 

Elaine Cole, on medication for less than one month, shares her horror experience. She reports, “I received a Lupron IM injection in May. Now, I am suffering from arthralgia. I feel terrible. Everything hurts like hell. Above all, I still have my period. I just hope it will be cleared on my upcoming surgery date because it isn’t working and is making me feel worse. 

Janet Hill was on medication for 1 to 6 months, stating, “The evil medicine Depo should be taken off the market. I wish I had never taken it. I had an enlarged fibroid, which needed to be shrunk before a hysterectomy. High blood pressure 35 lb plus weight Gain, zero sex drive, vaginal dryness, fatigue, anxiety, depression, mood swings, night sweats I could go on and on. I was so disappointed with my doctor. I trusted her. She should have made me aware of the medicine. 

Hardon Augusta, taking the medication for six months to less than one year, shared her journey, stating, At 15, I was diagnosed with endometriosis in 1994. The doctor offered three options: laparoscopy, dealing with pain and hoping to have children before a hysterectomy or pregnancy. I chose surgery. After six months, the doctor resorted to birth control pills, and I continued without periods for 1.5 years. At 44, I believe Lupron has caused mental health issues and physical ailments. I do not recommend taking the medicine.

Henry, a man from Orlando, took the medicine for six months to less than one year. 

He said that the deep hip pain had been excruciating, interrupting sleep. He experienced Swelling and numbness in his legs.

Gigi, a Female patient, had taken the medicine Oll for 1 to 6 months. 

The 66-year-old woman took Lupron monthly injections in her late 30s to manage severe menstrual periods and clotting. She had two laparoscopic surgeries before taking the medicine. She added, “After the first injection, I went into menopause. Also experiencing hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, and mood swings. After stopping the injections, I had a hysterectomy at 45. I believe the medicine’s early menopause caused negative effects on my natural hormone system and was not informed by my doctor.”

Ber was on medication for 2 to less than five years. He reports different issues than most others. He shares that his teeth broke in his early 20s after the first round. Suffered Osteoporosis in his 20’s due to this. He kept pushing it even after the hysterectomy. He unleashes his frustrations, saying, “DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICATION. I had to change clothing several times a day because my hot flashes were awful. Migraines and vomiting.

I was told it would lessen my endometriosis and get me ready for IVF, says Sherry from Denver. Since using Lucrin, I’ve had sciatic pain that runs from my back down to my legs, excessive exhaustion, and hot flashes. Every few hours, I’ve had to take painkillers because I can hardly bear it. It was awful. It is necessary to take this medication off the market. 

Another female patient shares her terrifying story, stating, “for Breast Cancer, “After surgery and radiation therapy, I was unable to take Tamoxifen, so I got a 1-month shot of Lupron to prevent a recurrence of breast cancer. I had the three-month shot even though I had no symptoms, and I started having issues right away. I anticipated the uncomfortable hot flashes and dryness, but I wasn’t ready for the excruciating muscle and bone aches. I can tolerate some discomfort, but this was severe. The bone discomfort subsided after three months, but the muscular ache and injection site soreness persisted. After receiving a second 1-mo shot, I’ve been doing better. My left hand is now painful and swollen for no apparent reason.”

 Who Can’t Use Lupron?

Certain people should not use Lupron, and this includes:

• People with allergies to Lupron or similar meds.
• Those who have a history of bone weakening conditions, including osteoporosis.
• Breastfeeding or pregnant women.
• Those with abnormal vaginal bleeding.
• Patients who are suffering from heart disease.

Lupron side effects in females are more visible than in males. However, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider to determine if Lupron is suitable for your specific medical situation.

How Long Is It Safe to Take Lupron?

Photo Credit: medicalnewstoday.com

The safety and duration of Lupron depend on the specific condition and health it’s prescribed for. In some cases, doctors suggest to take the med for a limited period. But most often, it is used for long term. Here are a few examples:

Prostate Cancer: Doctors suggest taking Lupron for an extended period, to manage prostate cancer.

Endometriosis: In the case of this disease, the med is often prescribed for a shorter duration. It may take six months to a year to alleviate symptoms.

Precocious Puberty: Lupron is used until the child reaches an appropriate age for normal puberty to begin.

Alternatives of Lupron

Alternatives to Lupron can depend on the specific medical condition it is being used to treat. Here are some potential alternatives for different conditions:

How to Reverse Lupron Side Effects?

The reversibility of Lupron (leuprolide acetate) side effects varies depending on the specific side effect and its severity. While some side effects improve or resolve on their own after stopping it, others require additional medical intervention. Here are some general guidelines:

Hot Flashes and Mood Changes: These side effects often improve or go away after discontinuing the medicine.

Bone Density Changes (Osteoporosis): Osteoporosis related to Lupron improves. Generally, it takes time. Bone health you can manage through a healthy lifestyle, a rich diet of calcium and vitamin D, weight-bearing exercise, and medications to strengthen bones.

Reproductive Function: Some experience temporary infertility while on the med. The excellent news is fertility returns after discontinuing the medication. However, it takes several months for regular menstrual cycles and fertility to resume. Boston University School of Medicine states, phosphodiesterase type 5, inhibitors like Viagra, Cialis to help improve erectile function.

Other Side Effects: Muscle weakness or fatigue improves after stopping Lupron. But it varies from person to person. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What happens when you stop taking Lupron for prostate cancer?

Basically, taking Lupron doesn’t cure cancer or stop the growth. In fact, it is used to slow down the growth of cancer by lowering the production of testosterone. When someone stops taking the med, the testosterone level may rise, and the cancer cells regrow and spread fast. 

How long do the effects of lupron last?

Generally, Side effects like hot flashes and mood changes last a few weeks to a few months. Changes in bone density develop over time and may be long-lasting. Overall, the effects of lupron last for six months.

Does Lupron cause cramping?

Yes, Lupron or leuprolide acetate is a medication that sometimes causes cramping as a side effect. It is used to treat endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and certain types of cancer. It works by lowering the production of hormones in the body. Consequently, it leads to changes in the menstrual cycle and sometimes results in abdominal or pelvic cramping. 

Conclusion

Knowing about the lupron ruined my life; you can imagine how much it negatively impacted someone’s life. It is important to acknowledge the physical impact of using Lupron. While it has proven to be an effective treatment for various medical conditions, the adverse reactions that some people encounter are distressing and life-threatening. These experiences are valid, and they may solved by thorough discussion between doctors and patients.