Drugs are Bad, M'kay....

I've been meaning to post the complete list of possible side effects of the drug(s) that I am taking, I've a few free minutes, so not time like the present. Currently, I am only on the one med, Lupron, but I will be starting Follistim soon, so I am going to list all of its possible nastiness, too.

I've taken this info, verbatim, from the patient information sheets that came with the drugs from the pharmacy.

Leuporlide 1mg (Lupron)

Uses:

This medicate is a synthetic hormone. When it is used, the body stops producing testosterone hormone in males and estrogen in females. When the medication is stopped, hormone levels return to normal. Leuprolide is used in the treatment of prostate cancer in men, early puberty in children and anemia (due to uterine fibroid tumors) in women.

How to use:

This medication is given as an injection under the skin.

Side Effects:

Adults- This medication may cause nausea, vomiting, hot flashes, night sweats, bone pain, swelling of the feet and ankles, headache or difficulty urinating the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication. Notify your doctor if these symptoms become bothersome. This medication may case reduced sexual desire. Notify your doctor if you develop any of the following while using this medication: rapid heartbeat, chest pain, breathing difficulties, fever, chills, painful urination, testicular or prostate pain (men), persistent pain at the injection site. Tell you doctor immediately if any of the highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: severe headache, vision changes, severe drowsiness, unusual or one-sided weakness. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if this occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include : rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. (The remainder of the information sheet pertains to use in children)

Almost as fun as a bag full of cats, but read on, it get better!


Follistim AQ 600IU

Uses:

This medication is used to treat certain fertility problems in women. It provides the hormone (FSH) that helps stimulate healthy ovaries to produce eggs. This medication is usually used in combination with another hormone (hCG) for the growth and release of a mature egg (ovulation). This medication is not recommended for women whose ovaries no longer make eggs properly (primary ovarian failure).

How To Use:

Read the Patient Information leaflet before starting hits medication and each time you get a refill of this medication because new information may be available....Inject under the skin (subcutaneously) usually once a day or as directed by you doctor. Dosage and duration of therapy is based on you medical condition and response to therapy. Is the pen is stored in the refrigerator, allow the medication to warm to room temperature before use.

Side Effects:

Headache, stomach pain, bloating, redness/pain at the injection site, breast tenderness/pain, or dizziness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because of the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using the medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: vaginal/uterine bleeding, flu-like symptoms (e.g fever, chills, muscle aches, tiredness). Tell your doctor immediately if any of there rare but serious side effects occur: one-sided weakness, slurred speech, vision changes, sudden severe headache, pain/swelling of the calf muscles, chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling of the hands/feet. This medication may cause a condition knows as Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS). This condition may occur during therapy and after treatment has been discontinued. Rarely, serious OHSS causes fluid to suddenly build up in the stomach, chest, and heart area. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop the following side effects: severe pain or swelling in the lower abdominal (pelvic) area, nausea/vomiting, sudden/rapid weight gain, or a change in the amount of urine. ( The relevant remainder of the information sheet pertains to symptoms of an allergic reaction, which is repeating the info from the Lupron side effects).

Kinda scary, isn't it....I'm not worried about any side effects, I'm going to will myself thru this with little or no side effects. Or at least that's the plan.