Managing Side Effects of Prostate Cancer Drugs - Eligard
There are many things you can do to help manage side effects, including general
lifestyle changes that could help you feel better during treatment.
This web site offers tips on how to manage the most common side effects of ELIGARD:
- Hot flashes
- Fatigue
- Reduction of the size of the testes
- Dizziness
- Stomach and intestinal upset
Please note that this information is not meant to replace your doctor's advice.
Always talk to your doctor or nurse before making any changes to your diet or exercise
routine.
Hot Flashes
If you have hot flashes, you are not alone. Hot flashes happen to many patients
taking LHRH agonists for prostate cancer, including ELIGARD. Hot flashes are sometimes
described as a sudden rush of warmth in the face, neck, chest, and back, lasting
a few seconds to an hour. With ELIGARD, the hot flashes were, overall, mild in severity,
meaning they were well-tolerated. In severe cases, some hot flashes may be relieved
by treatment.
What to Do About Hot Flashes
If you have hot flashes, discuss them with your doctor or nurse to determine the
most appropriate course of action. Estrogen or female hormone medication (such as
megestrol acetate) may help manage hot flashes. Estrogen is the major female hormone,
just as testosterone is the major male hormone. Some antidepressant medications,
in low doses, can minimize hot flashes.
"Fatigue" or Extreme Tiredness
Some men have reported extreme tiredness or "fatigue," while taking ELIGARD. It
can feel like exhaustion, depression, or difficulty concentrating.
Causes of Fatigue
Fatigue can be related to a number of causes:
- Inactivity
- Depression
- Low red blood cell counts
- Poor sleep
- Side effects
It's important to talk to your doctor or nurse about your fatigue to determine the
cause.
What to Do About Fatigue
- First talk to your doctor or nurse to determine the cause of your fatigue.
- Get enough rest.
- Don't push yourself to do more than you can manage.
- Take short walks and exercise, if possible.
- Eat foods that give you energy (see the next section, "Lifestyle Changes").
- Try some stress-management techniques (see the next section, "Lifestyle Changes").
Atrophy of the Testicles
Some men have reported that their testicles (male reproductive glands) get smaller.
While this does not happen to every man, it's important to be aware of it.
What to Do About Atrophy of the Testicles
If you believe you are experiencing this side effect, talk to your doctor or nurse.
There is no known way to prevent this side effect, although stopping hormonal therapy
for prostate cancer temporarily may be helpful.
Dizziness
You can become lightheaded when blood vessels in the brain become dilated or expand.
Blood vessels can expand due to high temperature, excitement, hyperventilation,
alcohol consumption, or prescription medications such as drugs to lower blood pressure
and antidepressants.
What to Do About Dizziness
If you feel faint, giddy, or light-headed, it may either be a side effect, or it
may indicate something more serious. Talk to your doctor or nurse.
Stomach or Intestinal Upset
Some men report stomach or intestinal problems, such as "
gastroenteritis,"
an inflammation of the lining in the stomach or intestines.
What to Do About Stomach or Intestinal Upset
If you experience stomach or intestinal upset, you also may be feeling dehydrated,
so be sure to drink plenty of fluids. Discuss gastrointestinal problems with your
doctor, nurse, or nutritionist to see what types of food or medication can help.
- What side effects am I likely to experience?
- Can you recommend ways to manage side effects?
- Are the side effects permanent or temporary?
- Are there certain foods that might help?
- What form of exercise is right for me?