Lupron Side Effects on Men With Prostate Cancer

Lupron is an intramuscular injection given to treat patients with prostate cancer. Like most medications, it has both common and more serious side effects, and patients should carefully note symptoms and inform their doctor immediately if side effects become worse.

Common Side Effects

• Some side effects of Lupron treatment on men with prostate cancer include flushing, sweats, lethargy, ankles swelling, dizziness, mood swings and mild bruising at the site of injection.

Serious Side Effects

• Less frequently, patients may experience the testicles shrinking or breast swelling. Sexual interest may also be reduced, as well as a drop in testosterone.

Numbness

• At times, patients experience numbness in the arms and legs and there may also be a tingling sensation, leaving the arms and legs weak. This may disappear a few weeks into the treatment.

Bone pain

• Some patients experience severe bone pain and the doctor should be informed immediately as this a rare side effect and the treatment course may need to be altered.

Urination Problems

• Some people experience blood in the urine and may find it difficult to urinate. This may also cause bladder pain when being treated with Lupron.

Headaches and Mood Swings

• Some patients may find it difficult to concentrate and be severely confused. This may cause disorientation and headaches and at times affect the vision and result in fainting spells.

Allergic Reaction

• While allergic reactions are rare, they can be serious. Patients should call the doctor immediately if they see a rash develop anywhere on the body, feel their face or tongue swelling and have trouble breathing.