Side Effects of Lupron Shots in Men for Prostate Cancer

Lupron, a brand name for leuprolide, is a synthetic form of a hormone classified as a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist. Lupron decreases testosterone levels in men and estrogen levels in women. It is administered by injection under the skin or into a muscle. One use for Lupron is to relieve symptoms of advanced prostate cancer. Many side effects are possible.

Most Common Effects

• Most side effects associated with Lupron shots are not serious. They include gastrointestinal effects such as lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea or constipation. Lupron also can cause dizziness, fatigue, headaches, muscle aches and weakness. There may be swelling in the hands, feet, ankles or lower legs (edema). Men may have an increased need to urinate, especially at night. There may be a reaction at the injection site, such as swelling, itching, redness or pain.

Hormonal Side Effects

• Specific hormonal side effects can occur in men taking Lupron for prostate cancer. These may include breast tenderness or enlargement, decrease in sex drive, decreased sexual ability, reduced testicle size, hair loss, skin dryness and scaling, and acne.

Psychological Side Effects

• Men taking Lupron shots also can experience psychological side effects. These include anxiety, depression, difficulty concentrating, insomnia, memory problems and nervousness.

Serious Side Effects

• Some Lupron side effects are more serious. Patients who experience numbness, pain, tingling or weakness in the feet or lower legs, or an inability to move their legs, should seek prompt medical attention. Pain or unusual sensations in the back and a loss of bladder control also are serious side effects. Other potentially serious side effects are prostate or testicular pain and bone pain. Painful or difficult urination or blood in the urine calls for medical attention. Rarely, some men have an allergic reaction to Lupron, with signs of difficulty breathing, facial swelling and a rash or hives.

Pituitary Gland Effects

• Rarely, serious pituitary gland problems have been linked to use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists such as Lupron. Symptoms include severe headache, severe drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, double vision, confusion, fainting and a slow heart rate, which can be life-threatening. Most of these episodes occurred within two weeks of the first dose.