Prostate Cancer Drugs
Leuprolide (Lupron Depot, Eligard): what is it?
The short answer
Leuprolide is a hormone shot that lowers testosterone, which slows prostate cancer growth.
It's given every one to six months.
Worth knowing
It's used with radiation for some cancers, and for advanced cancer.
Side effects may include hot flashes, fatigue, and lower sex drive.
When to come in
If hormone therapy was recommended, schedule a visit to review your plan.
Talking it over with us
We’d be glad to talk this through with you at our Snellville Clinic & Surgery Center, 1557 Janmar Rd, Snellville, GA 30078, or our Conyers Clinic, 1366 Wellbrook Circle Suite B, Conyers, GA 30012. You can ask for a particular urologist by name, or let our scheduling team find the first opening.
How our urologists approach this
Hormone therapy is a big decision, and our urologists want you to understand why it’s being recommended for your cancer. We go over how lowering testosterone slows prostate cancer, how often your shots will be, and how this fits with radiation or other treatment. We also plan for side effects from the start. That means watching bone and heart health, and talking openly about energy, mood and sex drive.
What to expect when you see us
Your visits include PSA checks and time to talk about how you’re feeling. Bring a list of your medicines and any new symptoms. We’ll set up your injection schedule and tell you what to watch for between appointments.
Getting ready
Bring your PSA history and medicine list, and note any side effects. Bring any bone density results from other doctors.
When to call us
Call us if hot flashes or tiredness are hard to manage, if you notice new bone pain, or if you’re not sure when your next shot is due.
Questions we often hear
How often are the shots?
Leuprolide is given every one to six months, depending on the form.
What side effects are common?
Hot flashes, fatigue and lower sex drive are common, and we’ll help you manage them.
Watch a short video
Dr. Marc Greenstein shares an overview of prostate cancer care at Advanced Urology.
Keep reading
This is general education, not a diagnosis. All articles