Get the right start to your Lupron treatment
Whenever you start something new, whether it's going on a trip or fixing up your house. it's always good to prepare. The same is true for starting treatment with LUPRON DEPOT. Taking steps at the beginning of the treatment, like knowing what to expect, learning all you can, and even joining a support group, can help you throughout treatment. Take a look at some suggestions and information we put together for you.
What to expect at the start of treatment
While LUPRON DEPOT ultimately reduces testosterone in your body, during the first few weeks of therapy, your testosterone levels may rise before they fall. You may experience temporary new or worsening symptoms of prostate cancer, including urinary symptoms and bone pain.1,2 Notify your doctor if you develop any new or worsened symptoms after beginning LUPRON DEPOT treatment.
If your cancer has spread to the spine or urinary tract, urinary blockage or pressure in the spine may occur and can sometimes lead to paralysis, which may be life-threatening. You may require close medical attention during the first few weeks of LUPRON DEPOT therapy, which is why it’s important to notify your doctor if you develop new or worsened symptoms after beginning treatment.1
Remember, every man is different, so it is not possible to predict exactly what will happen in your body. However, after a few weeks of LUPRON DEPOT therapy, your testosterone levels should decrease.1
Tips for a better Lupron treatment experience
Making the choice to treat your advanced prostate cancer can have its rewards and its challenges. To help yourself have the best possible treatment experience, take an active role in your therapy. These suggestions may help.
If you start experiencing side effects, don't be silent. Talk to your doctor. He or she may have some ideas for helping to manage side effects. It’s also important to let your healthcare team know if you experience new or worsening symptoms.
Stay committed to your LUPRON DEPOT therapy by going to all of your appointments. Get all the doses you are prescribed so you can get the most from your LUPRON DEPOT therapy.
If you miss an appointment, schedule another one as soon as you can. If scheduling is a problem, talk to your doctor about any options he or she may have.
Get monitored regularly to check your progress. During your scheduled visit, your Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) should be tested (see below), and some doctors may also test your blood for testosterone levels to help your doctor determine how LUPRON DEPOT is working.1
Keep focused on the positive aspects of your life and the time you can spend with family and friends
Taking an active role in your treatment plan may help you feel more in control of what you're going through.
Keep track of your test scores with this handy chart
We’ve created a blank chart you can download and use to keep track of important test results, including your PSA, testosterone, and cholesterol levels, and your blood pressure. Just download the PDF, print it out, and bring it with you to your doctor’s office.
Keep an open dialogue with your doctor
Good communication is a key part of any relationship, and the relationship that you have with your doctor can make a difference during treatment.
Use your doctor visits as an opportunity to voice any concerns or questions you may have about your condition, including any change in symptoms, your LUPRON DEPOT therapy, or side effects. Don’t hold back. If your doctor doesn’t know what you’re feeling or thinking, he or she can’t help you.
Be sure to always mention any new conditions you become aware of and if you’re considering taking any new supplements. Be sure to have that conversation before you take any prescribed or over-the-counter medications.
TIPS FOR TALKING WITH YOUR HEALTHCARE TEAM3
Make a list of questions before each appointment.
Take notes or bring another person (spouse, child, or friend) to help you remember your questions and the answers.
Get the phone number of someone at your doctor's office who you can call with follow-up questions.
Keep a folder or notebook with all your medical papers and test results. Be sure to also keep a list of all medications you have been prescribed and are taking.
Make notes of any new or worsening symptoms or side effects you may experience, including when and where they occur, and report them to your doctor.
Talking to your doctor
SYMPTOMS THAT I'M HAVING
It’s important to let your doctor know about all the symptoms you’re experiencing so they can be addressed.
Some symptoms advanced prostate cancer may cause include:4
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Problems urinating (slow or weak stream, need to urinate more often, especially at night) |
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Blood in the urine or semen |
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Trouble getting an erection |
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Pain in the hips, spine, or ribs |
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Weakness or numbness in your legs or feet |
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Loss of bladder or bowel control |
SOME QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO ASK:
What does "advanced prostate cancer" mean for me?
How long will I be on LUPRON DEPOT treatment?
What side effects can I expect? What can I do about them?
Will my daily life be affected? Are there things I should stop doing?
What are the signs that the treatment is working?
How will other medicines or supplements affect my treatment?
What else can I do to stay healthy with diet or exercise?
What is my risk of recurrence after therapy?
What will you do for follow-up after treatment is completed?
How often will you check my PSA and testosterone levels?
Can you refer me to a mental health professional if I need help?
Taking care of yourself before and during treatment
Along with LUPRON DEPOT your doctor may have suggested other ways to help you stay healthier, like eating right, or starting or keeping up an exercise routine.
It’s always important to take care of yourself and do all that you can to keep healthy. The following tips can help you make good choices when it comes to eating and physical activity. Your doctor and/or nutritionist can help provide specific recommendations, and remember those suggestions are to help you, so do your best to follow the recommended plan.
HEALTHY EATING
The National Cancer Institute notes that eating well should be an important part of your care plan. So, work with your doctor and/or nutritionist to make sure that you:5,6
Eat a plant-based diet (vegetables, fruit, beans, whole grains)
Choose foods low in fat and low in salt
Get to and stay at a healthy weight
STAYING ACTIVE
Being physically active is one of the best things you can do for your body, especially as you age. The Prostate Cancer Foundation and the National Institute on Aging suggest:6,7
Endurance training, such as brisk walking, jogging, or dancing
Resistance or light weight training
Be sure to talk to your doctor before starting any type of exercise routine.
Ask your doctor to see if he or she can suggest any wellness programs for you.
All about insurance
MOST PRIVATE INSURERS AND MEDICARE COVER LUPRON DEPOT THERAPY
Before you begin therapy, be sure to check with Medicare or your health insurance provider to verify coverage amounts and any out-of-pocket costs. If you are concerned about the costs and insurance coverage of your LUPRON DEPOT therapy, talk to someone on your healthcare team for more information. We have years of experience helping men navigate insurance copays and questions, and we will work with your doctor’s office to make sure you get the financial help for which you’re eligible.
NEED HELP WITH TREATMENT COSTS?
If you need help paying for your LUPRON DEPOT therapy, there are several other programs available to help cover costs. Even if your dose changes, you can still continue to get help with payment.
myAbbVie Assist
1-800-222-6885
myAbbVie Assist provides AbbVie medicine to qualifying patients. To learn more, please call or visit our website.
Medicare Savings Program
Every state has programs for people with limited income and resources. These programs pay Medicare premiums and, in some cases, may also pay Medicare deductibles and coinsurance. Thanks to these programs, millions of people with Medicare save money each year. To learn more about Medicare Savings programs in your state, visit the Medicare website.
ZERO
1-202-463-9455
Known as the leading national nonprofit with the mission to end prostate cancer, ZERO advances research, improves the lives of men and families, and inspires action. Please find patient support services on the ZERO website.
Make more informed decisions by learning all you can about prostate cancer
How LUPRON DEPOT works
While LUPRON DEPOT is not a cure, it has been used to manage advanced prostate cancer for over 30 years.8
Find the right support groups
Support groups can really be beneficial during treatment. Get some tips that can help you find your perfect match.
