Generic Name: Eligard (leuprolide)
Eligard Reviews
For Prostate Cancer "Have had one month injection of Eligard and will not be taking another. Side effects including hot flashes, night sweats, fatigue, joint pains, mood swings, memory loss - I get the lot. Worst decision I ever made and hope the effects wear off ASAP. I would rather take my chances than be half the person I am now. Reading other comments where there seems to be no ending to the side effects gives me little hope for a reprieve. Oncologist gave me no impression I would be suffering like this. Just 'this is the standard treatment' - it does not cure the disease just supposedly slows it. Personally I would rather have less time and good quality of life."
For Prostate Cancer "I am 68 years old. Had 6-month injection in August 2018. Doctor told me hot flashes and night sweats were the side effects. That I could handle. What I could not handle was the loss of cognitive functions, mood swings, loss of muscle mass, weight gain, thoughts of suicide, total erectile dysfunction, shrunken penis, and testicles. It has destroyed my life. I have still not recovered all of the cognitive functions I lost, cannot get rid of the extra weight, and to top it all off, my cancer was not to the point where I needed the hormone. Eligard may have saved lives, but to me, the treatment has destroyed my quality of life."
For Prostate Cancer "Massive radical prostate surgery in 1997. Clear of the return of cancer until 2016, with a low PSA of 18 when discovered at my annual physical. No radiation, only Eligard every six months. Here it is 2020, and I am 86 years of age. Only side effects are an increase in weight (15 pounds), low energy level, and increased breast size. Never had hot flashes or sweating. COVID-19 has kept my wife and me housebound for the past 3 months, and we enjoy life in states of happiness, bliss, and joy. If one lives long enough, prostate cancer will eventually put you under. Too many symptoms to make a doctor's appointment. When I think it is cancer of the wrist, it's arthritis. When I think it's cancer of the lumbar region, it's vertebral discs. So why think you're going to live forever? Enjoy the love your wife, children, and friends offer and learn to appreciate how cancer progresses during the last phase of life. My wife has NEVER heard me complain."
For Prostate Cancer "Diagnosed with prostate cancer in April 2019, had a 6-month Lupron shot in May followed by 45 radiation treatments ending in early September. Went on vacation and able to do 2-3 mile hikes over rough terrain with only a little fatigue. Went in for a second shot in early November and they changed me to Eligard. They said it was virtually the same product. Within 2 weeks, I developed intense pain in my hips that has not gone away. Can hardly walk to the mailbox any longer due to the pain. Dealing with mood swings, minor depression, trouble sleeping, and have gained 30 pounds. Due to go back next Wednesday for another 6-month Eligard shot. Not going to happen."
For Prostate Cancer "Got the results back. In September 2020, I had a biopsy (thanks for the delay, COVID). It came back with a Gleason score of 9 and Grade 5! They tried to operate, but there was too much scar tissue. Next was the oncologist appointment, who said we need to do something now and that Eligard should stop it from growing. What they didn't say was that I would gain weight. The night sweats make you put covers on, take covers off all night, and I get up to pee up to 9 times a night. Feeling lethargic, dark thoughts and mood swings. An emotional wreck. Went to the GP who put me on antidepressant tablets, which have amplified my emotional state. Told the wife tonight that I'm not taking any more antidepressants, not doing Eligard, and not going to a planning day. I want to go out on my terms, feeling like myself, not juiced up on this rubbish. Facts are I could have some good years left without medication or go on feeling wound up and unintentionally pushing away those that care."
For Prostate Cancer "I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2014 at 64 years old. My doctor said my best option for getting rid of the cancer was to have it removed. I went through the surgery in August 2014, but the cancer was not gone. I had 38 radiation treatments in 2015, and that kept my PSA low for two years. It went up to 1.0, and the doctor started giving me Eligard injections every 3 months beginning in 2018. I have severe depression with dark thoughts concerning my death eventually from this cancer. I also have weight gain and no sexual desires at all. I have no tolerance or patience, and it makes me very irritable. I must admit it works as it has kept my PSA below 1.0 for the last two years! I don't think I will take it much longer. My doctor is saying they are looking for a different treatment soon. I have no idea what that will be. It has taken all the joy of life out of me, and I am not interested in almost anything..."
For Prostate Cancer "I was given a six-month injection of Eligard 45 mg, then three days later, I had a CV event in the emergency room. Other side effects that Eligard has given me are bone pain, severe neuropathy, night sweats, night terrors, brain fog, confusion, anxiety, and anger."
For Prostate Cancer "My side effects from Eligard are extreme bone pain, joint pain, testicular pain, my penis shriveled up like I had jumped in ice water and stayed icy cold for several days, night sweats, night terrors, nightmares, and brain fog. I had a CV event 3 days after, wound up in the emergency room with extreme difficulty and pain urinating, especially at night. According to the manufacturer, this is supposed to be used for palliative care. Well, I guess they don't know the meaning of palliative care. I wish I had never started this treatment."
For Prostate Cancer "Been taking Eligard 5x every 3 months, just over a year. Prostate taken out 10 years ago. I underwent radiation 45 times about 6 years ago. Eligard has been effective at reducing my PSA levels. Occasional hot flashes, tire easily, and often feel lightheaded. Little tolerance for BS and have been experiencing more headaches and breast enlargement. Thinking about stopping use."
For Prostate Cancer "I was prescribed Eligard by an oncologist due to a suspicion of prostate cancer. I was told my PSA of 80 was almost a certain indication of prostate cancer. Seven months ago, in February, I was given a three-month injection. Within an hour, I was nauseated. I vomited for three hours. After that, the effects of Eligard began to take effect. Hot flashes, going from sweating to cold within minutes, loss of libido for myself, no sexual satisfaction for my wife. Chest constriction, reduced ability to handle stress, disrupted sleep due to fluctuating temperature. Final comment: I conclude that no man would ever prescribe Eligard to another man if he had taken it himself. It is not a cure for prostate cancer, and it affected my life so negatively that I would never take it again, even if I knew I had cancer, which I don’t. I am writing to the Chief Medical Officer of my province that this drug is a poor choice for any purpose."
For Prostate Cancer "Been on Eligard for two months, and it has taken all the joy out of life. There will be no second injection. My life expectancy is better with cancer than with Eligard, and I'm fighting such dark thoughts almost every day, afraid I'm going to hurt someone. The mood swings are unpredictable and scary. Sex is becoming near impossible all the time."
For Prostate Cancer "I have had my second dose of Eligard 45 mg, 6 months apart. Radiology convinced me I should do this to prevent the recurrence of cancer. I had a Grade 4, contained to the prostate. Had 28 radiation treatments. My PSA now is at zero. I have told the doctors I "will not" take any more hormone injections. My life has been ruined. I am turning 76, but been an active walker, biker, lifted weights, etc. all my life. Now I have intense bone pain all over my body, my muscles are half what they were, and I have hot flashes all day and night. I force myself to exercise, but life is now hell. I get depressed and emotional. Wish I had never taken the first injection. Not sure if my body will ever recover. The doctors need to educate their patients with proper data and let them make a choice."
For Prostate Cancer "Husband got an Eligard shot to minimize the size of the prostate to prepare for radiation with a 6-month follow-up. When he returned, the cancer had spread to his bones, and PSA went from 32 to 182 in those 6 months with no additional PSA tests given. The shot was ineffective, and we were not informed that it could metastasize to other body parts, giving us a choice of a different treatment that would not limit his life.... Demand monthly PSAs!!!"
For Prostate Cancer "I am the wife of a man currently taking Eligard. I have to say it has worked to keep the prostate cancer from spreading, which is absolutely wonderful. However, it has caused a lot of other problems that have affected both of us. He has absolutely no sexual desire, he has developed what appears to be breasts, his penis has become inverted, and his testicles have decreased in size. His muscle mass has decreased as well, and the weight gain is mostly in his belly. I can only hope that he will regain his manhood if and when he is taken off this medication."
For Prostate Cancer "I must say if I only knew what this medication was going to do to me, I would have never taken it. At the age of 61, this medication has destroyed my life. After each injection, it caused deeper and deeper depression. What at one time brought joy to my life is gone. There is no sense of any type of sexuality at all. Nothing brings joy to one's life. After each shot, it just makes it worse. The hot flashes are so severe I will have to change my work shirt a couple of times a day. I will soak a shirt within minutes. One has to remember that the Eligard will get rid of all your hormones. We are not made to run that way and there is no support that will help you deal with that or tell you what to expect. You are no longer male but not female either."
For Prostate Cancer "Received a 6-month injection of Eligard. Approaching 8 months since the injection, and I am still having several hot flashes every day and night. Unfortunately, there is not a remedy that will bring an end to the episodes."
For Prostate Cancer "I was given two injections of Eligard before beginning radiation therapy. Following the 48 radiation treatments, I am still being monitored by my oncologist and urologist. My last PSA was 0.01. The side effects of hot flashes, lethargy, and muscle weakness are where I am today, although at my age, 79, I can't complain. The first of the injections was in April of 2008 and the second in August. Radiation began in early September 2008 and ended at the end of October. It was determined that I am not a candidate for Androgel as there is a possibility of developing cancer again. So, as you read from the preceding paragraph, I'm lucky to have passed my first year without problems."
For Prostate Cancer "I just got my 3rd shot of Eligard. Hard to say exact side effects, because I also have end stage COPD. I haven't got a PSA yet, prior to Eligard, it was 7, then 17, then 24. Due to Covid...I put off seeing an Oncologist for 7 months. I got both Moderna vacs in March...I started Radiation in April and finished on June 9. It seems each shot of Eligard is getting a bit worse. This last one hurt and burned longer.. a minor issue. Hot Flashes seem more frequent. I too go to bathroom about 9 or 10 times a nite...every 1 to 1.5 hours, but that was happening before Eligard. I am dizzy a lot...and I don't have much energy (I used to be quite active). I am 66 years old. My cancer rated as Stage 3...there were tumors on 8 of 12 biopsy samples. Surgery wasn't an option since scans showed it may have spread to lymph nodes. I will update this (if possible) with my PSA score this September. Good luck to everyone. I can't recommend Eligard or condemn it as of this writing."
For Prostate Cancer "My husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer 2 years ago. Underwent surgery to have prostate removed as well as lymph nodes and some cancer that was on his bladder. He started the Eligard injections every 3 to 4 months since. His PSA levels have remained at a 1.0 until recently. A friend suggest he take a multi vitamin of Quercetin, zinc, stinging nettle root, Vitamin C and D3. He has been taking it for 3 weeks and just went back in for another injection. His PSA was 0 but yet they still gave him the injection. If his PSA is 0 why would he need another injection. He continues to suffer from all the same side effects of night sweats, frequent urination, mood swings, depression, and loss of memory. I want him to stop the shots but wondering if anyone else has quit taking the shots with a PSA of 0."
For Prostate Cancer "I was given my first injection with Eligard on December 1st, 2010. I started to have bone pain a little before this and a PSA of 116. It took control in about 2 days and the pain went. As I decided to wait until the pain returned (to see how long it would last), I had to have another one 6 1/2 months later. My PSA dropped to 0.17 the first time and 2.6 the second (where it is now). I will take a 3rd one in 5 months' time and see if it goes beyond the 4 months for the 30 mg to have effect. The date is 8th December 2011, and the 3rd one is due in March 2012."
For Prostate Cancer "I was diagnosed with prostate cancer around Thanksgiving 2020 and given a one month dose of Eligard about 2 months later. Then two more 6 month hormone shots of Eligard. I have also had SBRT and brachytherapy. So while it is difficult to assign the side effects I am experiencing to the Eligard alone, I am affected by nearly all its known side effects. I have zero libido, 4 or 5 hot flashes per day, major loss of strength and energy, genital shrinkage, body hair loss, weight gain, frequent urination at night, some short term memory loss, mood changes, apathy, and increased frequency of bowel movements. I have trouble carrying groceries up the stairs where I live now because of my loss of strength. I have continued to exercise and I take calcium, vitamin D, and multi-vitamin supplements, but I am still getting progressively weaker. The good news is my PSA is around zero now, and if it doesn’t increase I won’t have to get another Eligard injection when this last one wears off."
For Prostate Cancer "I started Eligard in 2006, and it worked well until 2012. I started taking Casodex with the Eligard injections, and that worked well until early 2014. I came off the Casodex at that time and continued to take the Eligard, with my PSA back up to 7.1 and cancer mets to my T3, T4 spine. I had radiation to my spine and am now waiting for financial assistance on new medicine."
For Prostate Cancer "Eligard has ruined my life. I have no ambition to do anything, I have mood swings and tire easily. In addition, I have developed an irregular heartbeat as one of the side effects and have a pacemaker. I can no longer go for long bike rides or walks on the beach. I have refused to take my next injection and hopefully will get my life back. What a horrible medication why it is on the market is beyond me."
For Prostate Cancer "I was given despite having informed the Radiation Oncologist that I had absolutely no interest in receiving this castrating hormone. He didn't properly convey my wishes and a VA Urologist ordered it anyway. It's been a complete and utter disaster. I have suffered night sweats, lost muscle mass, increased insomnia, testicular shrinkage, and lost libido. It should be emphasized that I had only intermediate level prostate cancer after 11 years and therefore was not an appropriate candidate for this "chemical garbage"."
For Prostate Cancer "Hello. This is an update...I posted last year (2021). I have now had 5 shots of 3 months Eligard. I only have 3 left to complete the 2 year treatment. I had (have) Stage 3 prostate cancer, it spread to the lymph nodes, but no further (they think!). No surgery since it spread...I had my last (45th) Radiation treatment 6/9/21. Back to the Eligard. I was about to stop (after 3) or slow down the injections due to the crappy side effects, but Oncologist talked me into continuing. I am counting the months until I am done. My biggest side effect is bad headaches for several weeks after each injection. Yes, I get the hot flashes, I'm dizzy...sleep sucks, joint pain....and now my knees are very painful. My PSA did drop from mid 20's to .06 (almost nothing). That's the good part, I guess. I'm just hoping I can tolerate it all. GOOD LUCK!"
More about Eligard (leuprolide)
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Pricing & coupons
- Reviews (36)
- Drug images
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: gonadotropin releasing hormones
- En español
Patient resources
- Eligard drug information
Other brands
Lupron Depot, Camcevi, Fensolvi, Viadur
Professional resources
- Eligard prescribing information
- Leuprolide (AHFS Monograph)
Other brands
Lupron Depot, Camcevi, Fensolvi, Lupron Depot-PED, Lupron Depot-Gyn
Related treatment guides
- Prostate Cancer
