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Zolodex vs prostap

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User
Posted 12 Jun 2015 at 07:45
My husband has been changed from Zolodex to Prostap I guess it is cost cutting method. I know it is similar medication and works in the same way, but the side effects are somewhat marked, he is very shaky, low energy and seems quite low.
Has anyone experienced a similar reaction? He is also taking bicalutamide dIly
User
Posted 12 Jun 2015 at 08:46
Hi Judi

I've been having Prostap injections since January 2013, I don't seem to have the energy I used to have but that may be due to the radiotherapy. The only really noticeable difference is that I've put on weight around the middle and have hot flushes from time to time.

Arthur
User
Posted 12 Jun 2015 at 09:01

I have taken prostap since Jan 2012. The two medicines are more or less interchangeable with prostap being an easier injection usually. Although over this time I have had an increasing degree of tiredness I have managed to continue to work. I think the more likely culprit is bicalutamide (casodex). An older drug it does have a reputation for side effects. I started taking it in January this year and I feel noticeably more tired and have some breathlessness.

We do of course all react individually to these drugs and I am guessing if you have had RT then this needs to be factored in, I have bone met spread so not been treated with RT or RP.

You are right prostap appears a little cheaper but it is not inferior and does the same job. Hope the symptoms settle down if not check out with your medics.

User
Posted 12 Jun 2015 at 18:44
Originally Posted by: Online Community Member

Hi Judi
I've just begun the journey in January.
Initially I was put on bicalutamide tablets for 3 weeks - I was told this was to prevent a sudden increase in the PSA before the 3 monthly Prostap injections were started.
I can't say that I had any side effects but then was only on the bicalutamide for 3 weeks.
I'm surprised though that both are being prescribes cor the Prostap does the job.

I'd check that out maybe too many drugs

Best of luck

Paul



Hi Healey,
The drugs work quite differently - bicalutamide disguises the testosterone so that the cancer can't find it to feed from. Prostap and zoladex stop the body from producing testosterone so the cancer starves. Some men need both - the Prostap stops most of the testosterone and the bicalutamide disguises what is left.

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard
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User
Posted 12 Jun 2015 at 08:46
Hi Judi

I've been having Prostap injections since January 2013, I don't seem to have the energy I used to have but that may be due to the radiotherapy. The only really noticeable difference is that I've put on weight around the middle and have hot flushes from time to time.

Arthur
User
Posted 12 Jun 2015 at 09:01

I have taken prostap since Jan 2012. The two medicines are more or less interchangeable with prostap being an easier injection usually. Although over this time I have had an increasing degree of tiredness I have managed to continue to work. I think the more likely culprit is bicalutamide (casodex). An older drug it does have a reputation for side effects. I started taking it in January this year and I feel noticeably more tired and have some breathlessness.

We do of course all react individually to these drugs and I am guessing if you have had RT then this needs to be factored in, I have bone met spread so not been treated with RT or RP.

You are right prostap appears a little cheaper but it is not inferior and does the same job. Hope the symptoms settle down if not check out with your medics.

User
Posted 12 Jun 2015 at 15:24

Hi Judi
I've just begun the journey in January.
Initially I was put on bicalutamide tablets for 3 weeks - I was told this was to prevent a sudden increase in the PSA before the 3 monthly Prostap injections were started.
I can't say that I had any side effects but then was only on the bicalutamide for 3 weeks.
I'm surprised though that both are being prescribes cor the Prostap does the job.

I'd check that out maybe too many drugs

Best of luck

Paul

User
Posted 12 Jun 2015 at 16:14

Paul,


 


Some men are prescribed a short course of  bicalutamide to prevent 'tumour flare up', then the main hormone treatment, prostap or zoladex injections are commenced and the bicalutamide discontinued. Bicalutamide can also be prescribed in its own right at another stage of treatment.


Fiona.

User
Posted 12 Jun 2015 at 18:44
Originally Posted by: Online Community Member

Hi Judi
I've just begun the journey in January.
Initially I was put on bicalutamide tablets for 3 weeks - I was told this was to prevent a sudden increase in the PSA before the 3 monthly Prostap injections were started.
I can't say that I had any side effects but then was only on the bicalutamide for 3 weeks.
I'm surprised though that both are being prescribes cor the Prostap does the job.

I'd check that out maybe too many drugs

Best of luck

Paul



Hi Healey,
The drugs work quite differently - bicalutamide disguises the testosterone so that the cancer can't find it to feed from. Prostap and zoladex stop the body from producing testosterone so the cancer starves. Some men need both - the Prostap stops most of the testosterone and the bicalutamide disguises what is left.

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard
User
Posted 13 Jun 2015 at 19:59
I understand why the drugs are prescribed, my husband had a RP plus radiotherapy. after two years on hormone therapy he stopped. Then after approximately four years he was diagnosed with lung and bone cancer and then was prescribed hormone therapy including Zolodex then, after a MDT meeting he was recalled and prescribed bicalutamide daily. But since changing from Zolodex to Prostap he has been quite unwell. I just wondered if that was the case in others.
 
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