has anybody ever taken the lupron depot shot and what were the side effects?

Question

would you recommend taking the injection to cure the endometriosis?

Answer 1

Lupron not a cure for Endometriosis by any means, nor is it intended as one. It is merely a stop-gap, hormonal therapy intended - if and when it works at all - to temporarily suppress the hormones and induce a medical menopause. Sometimes, for some women with Endo, the lack of a period translates into temporary relief from some of the monthly symptoms of the disease. However, the side effects are massive and some last long beyond the duration of treatment. This is not to say that some patients do not do extremely well with minimal side effects, but that is not the standard. Also, if you take addback therapy with the injections, it can help minimize some of the more debilitating side effects and the irreversible bone loss that occurs with GnRH therapy. Perhaps you will be one of the lucky ones in whom Lupron is effective and confers minimally negative, short-lived side effects.

However - it is important to be realistic about this drug. If we were to believe the doctors who prescribe it and Takeda Abbott Pharmaceutical's fancy marketing literature and website(s), everyone would think Lupron was the greatest thing since sliced bread. It's not. There is a reason that the Endo treatment centers do not use or prescribe Lupron in their practices (see http://www.endoexcision.com, http://www.centerforendo.com, http://www.endometriosistreatment.com and http://www.drcook.com).

Also, you will absolutely want to read the following information as you go through the information-gathering stage while you make your decision:

http://www.endocenter.org/pdf/surgery%20vs.%20gnrh.pdf and http://www.endocenter.org/pdf/PreDiagnosisGnRH.pdf for more explicit details on the drug - and its effects and shortcomings.

Side effects of Lupron are potentially extremely negative and long-lasting, and include (as reported by the manufacturer itself, not just those who hate the drug) Asthenia, General pain, Headache, Hot flashes/sweats, Nausea/vomiting, GI disturbances, Edema, Weight gain/loss, Acne, Hirsutism, Joint disorder, Myalgia, Decreased libido, Depression/emotional lability, Dizziness, Nervousness, Neuromuscular disorders, Paresthesias, Skin reactions at injection site, Breast changes/tenderness/pain, Vaginitis, Flu-like symptoms, Heart palpitations, Syncope, Tachycardia, Appetite changes, Dry mouth, Thirst, Ecchymosis, Lymphadenopathy, Anxiety, Insomnia/Sleep disorders, Delusions, Memory disorder, Personality disorders, Rhinitis, Alopecia, Hair disorder, Nail disorder, Conjunctivitis, Ophthalmologic disorders, Taste perversion, and Dysuria. And that's just a few. Check the prescribing literature or a PDR for the long list. It is unlikely your doctor will mention more than a passing few, related solely to the hypoestrogenic effects, and present them as temporary and mild. That's just not reality for many women on this drug.

As an aside, from an ethical standpoint, there have also been several lawsuits against TAP, including the largest one in federal history - ever - against a pharmaceutical company - $875 million, prosecuted under the RICO statutes (racketeer influenced criminal organization) for the kickbacks they gave prescribers to give the med to their patients. Unfortunately, while that lawsuit was huge and brought justice, it did not bring justice to those who are suffering the horrific long-term side effects, because the suits were about pricing not side effects.

See also http://groups.yahoo.com/group/erc to talk to thousands of others who are in your shoes and can offer insight and advice.

The key to successful treatment of Endometriosis is removal of disease - true removal, not superficial laser ablation or vaporization - and not ovarian suppression with a GnRH therapy. There is no guarantee with Lupron that you will be pain free for 6 minutes or 3 minutes, let alone 6 months or 3 months depending on your particular injection dosage. You will also experience the clinical flare that GnRHs all induce, which can be unbearable for some.

I do wish you luck, however, and hope that whatever you decide is the right answer for you. Entering into an educated treatment option is never wrong; just make sure you've asked all the questions and are satisified with the answers. Good luck no matter what you decide.

Answer 2

I had 3 lupron depot before I couldnt stand them anymore. My pain got worse with the shots not better. Then there was the hot flashes and mood swings. I wouldnt recommend the shots but that was just experience it might work for you.

Answer 3

I tried it for two months and it did absolutely nothing except make me more miserable. A friend of mine had them for six months and she was worse off than me. I remember having hot flashes and night sweats that were far worse than actual menopause. The shot definitely did not cure my endometriosis. I ended up having a total hysterectomy which was far better than those awful shots. Maybe other people have had good results with Lupron but I did not. Good Luck!!