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Does Goserelin Have Less Side Effects Than Lupron?

Goserelin is a hormone therapy drug used to treat breast cancer, prostate cancer and endometriosis. This drug is given through injection. Lupron is also a hormone therapy drug used to treat prostate cancer in men and endometriosis in women. There are many adverse side effects associated with both of these treatments. It is important to speak with your doctor about the best treatment for you.

  1. Goserelin Side Effects: Genitourinary/Gastrointestinal

    • Genitourinary side effects are quite common in those being treated with Goserelin. Women have reported vaginal bleeding, vaginitis, increase and decrease in libido, vaginal dryness, breast pain, swelling of the breast and pain during intercourse. Sexual dysfunction, erectile dysfunction, urinary tract problems and breast enlargement have been reported by men. Gastrointestinal side effects have included constipation, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, gas, increase in appetite and diarrhea in both men and women.

    Goserelin Side Effects: Nervous System/Cardiovascular/Respiratory

    • Nervous system side effects of Goserelin include dizziness, lethargy, tingling, weakness, insomnia and nervousness. Abnormal thinking, mood changes and depression have also been reported by those using this drug. Cardiovascular side effects can be very serious and include edema, chest pain, abnormal heart rate, high blood pressure, varicose veins, migraine, palpitations, and in some cases, congestive heart failure. Inflammation of the pharynx and changes in voice have also been experienced by those treated with Goserelin.

    Lupron Side Effects: Endocrine/Nervous System

    • Endocrine side effects associated with Lupron include hot flashes, breast tenderness, breast enlargement, diabetes, decrease in the size of the testicles and impotence. Depression, mood changes, insomnia, anxiety, nervousness, decrease libido in both men and women and increase in libido in women and memory loss are possible psychiatric side effects. Nervous system side effects include headache, dizziness, blurred vision, tiredness, numbness, spinal fracture, convulsions and paralysis.

    Lupron Side Effects: Genitourinary/Gastrointestinal/Cardiovascular

    • Possible genitourinary side effects of Lupron include vaginal hemorrhaging, vaginal dryness, urinary frequency, blood in the urine, testicular pain, breast soreness or pain, testicular atrophy, erectile dysfunction and decrease in the size of the penis. Gastrointestinal side effects include constipation, anorexia, constipation, nausea, vomiting, gas and weight changes. Cardiovascular side effects have been reported and include restriction in blood supply (ischemia), murmurs, high and low blood pressure, edema, chest pain and possible heart attack.

    Considerations

    • It is apparent that there are many side effects associated with both drugs that can be harmful to the body. Though drugs.com shows that the amount of side effects connected to both are nearly equal, it also describes the side effects associated with Lupron as being more harmful to the body than those of Goserelin. People react differently to drugs, thus it is ultimately up to you and your doctor to decide which one is right for you.

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