Sunday, February 21, 2010

Let The Shots Begin!

I started my Lu.pron (Leuprolide acetate) shots this morning.

For purposes of IVF, Lu.pron is used to suppress the ovaries prior to stimulation to prevent untimely ovulation.  This is important so the the eggs can be retrieved before ovulation occurs.  I will be taking 20 units of Lu.pron in the morning, for at least 10 days, then the dosage will be reduced later.

For a while there, I was confused if I should be taking this once or twice a day.  I received a kit in the mail that included a 14-day supply vial of Lupron, 14 disposable syringes with needles, and 28 alcohol swabs.  In addition, I also got an a bag of disposable insulin syringes that is to be used with Lu.pron.  It made me question if I should be taking this once or twice a day, though I know the nurse that did the consult with me said mornings only.  So I am assuming these are spare syringes, just in case I need it.

Luckily, I double checked the handout I received during our shots class, and it did say only mornings for regular Lu.pron.  Now if I were on the micro-dose Lu.pron, then I would need to take it both in the mornings and evenings.   Another confusing thing is regular Lu.pron does not need to be refrigerated, but the micro-dose ones do need to be refrigerated.  All these discrepancies got me a little nervous last night and it took me a while to fall asleep.

Though I have never been on Lu.pron before this, the shots are very similar to the Supre.fact injections I had from my last IVF cycle a year ago.  Small doses using a small insulin syringe.

The injection went well this morning, I did it right before we left for church.  I gave myself the shot in my tummy like I did in the past.  It helps that I have a nice roll of fat that is perfect for stabbing a needle into!  DH was there to watch and support me, though I think it was more out of curiosity.  He offered to give me the shot, but I said no.  It's easier and less painful if I do it myself.  He is so looking forward to stabbing me with a needle in my a$$ for the HCG shot (he won't admit it, but I can just see it in his eyes!).  It stung a little, I think because I hesitated a bit when sticking the needle.  But the medication did not sting when I pushed the plunger, though a tiny drop of blood popped up after I removed the needle.

According to Dr. Goo.gle, Lu.pron's side effects include constipation, dizziness, general body pain (what the heck does that mean?), headache, hot flashes, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, stuffy nose, trouble sleeping and weakness.  Oh what fun......

I'm not one to experience much side effects when on medication, so we'll have to see what, if any side effects I experience.  Then again, it could also mean that I am just clueless and don't pay enough attention to even know that I am experiencing any.

What side effects have you experienced on Lu.pron?  I'll make sure to blog about it if/when I notice them.

26 comments:

  1. Lupron was uneventful for me, I had no real side effects until I start my stims. Blesisngs on a new cycle.

    ICLW

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  2. Lupron can have tons of side effects...I hope you end up with NONE of them. I had a nasty horrid migraine on the first day after starting...but not much else to speak of after that. Hang in there!
    ICLW

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  3. I have experienced hot flashes and headaches. Neither was unbearable. I also started to get snippy. The good news is once you start the stims, these side effects dissipate. Good luck on your new cycle, I am about a week ahead of you. Also working towards TTC #1.

    ICLW
    Jess
    http://jesstutt.blogspot.com/

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  4. i had every side effect that you just mentioned, with the worst one being trouble sleeping. i usually sleep like a baby for 9 hours straight, so the bad sleep of late is making me more and more tired!

    i'm one of those ppl that reacts to every medication i take though, so hopefully you'll be spared from the side effects :o)

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  5. I was on microdose lupron and did not have many side effects. I hope that lupron has minimal side effects for you and the injections continue to go smoothly for you.

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  6. hi... i have been on both leuprolide and the lupron microdose (this time around). I didn't have many side effects...just a few hot flashes and a couple of headaches.

    i had embryo transfer on saturday...we transferred 3 in. :-) I am bedresting it for a few days. this is round 2 with IVF with an FET added in there. after first IVF round I had a miscarriage at 9 weeks. :-(

    i am at babiesforthebrowns.blogspot.com

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  7. YEA!!!! Can't wait for your IVF journey!!

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  8. Praying you don't have any side effects and this cycle is a success!

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  9. Congrats on starting Lupron...now you are just one step closer!! I hope you don't get any of the nasty side effects.

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  10. When I was on Lupron I had hot flashes and I was very moody and snippy. I'm praying and hoping that this cycle is a success for you!

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  11. Yes! I did Lupron a few times. I remember hot flashes, trouble sleeping and moodiness. It's not fun but the positive end result is so worth it! Happy ICLW! I just followed and added you on to my blogroll!

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  12. I had a few headaches and some trouble sleeping. But it was not bad for the most part. Good luck with this cycle!

    ICLW

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  13. I hope you don't get any of the side effects I've heard they can be pretty nasty. All the very best with this cycle. ICLW

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  14. I wasn't put on Lupron for my IVF cycle. But I hope you don't have any nasty side effects. Good luck with everything!! :)

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  15. Yeah for starting! I have never taken Lupron but I am sure one of the stims I was taking is similar. I have never got too many side effects other than being really extra friendly for weeks at a time. LOL, Happy ICLW girl!

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  16. Hi,
    stopping by from ICLW, I've read abit about your story and I'm so sorry it's so difficult for us to have a family. I just got my BFN after my third fresh ICSI so I'm also a little low in energy and hope. I will keep everything crossed for your cycle to work, 2010 has to be a better year!
    Love Fran
    ICLW #51

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  17. Just popping in for the first time and wanted to wish you good luck for this cycle.

    I too didn't have Lupron but a friend of mine had bad headaches.

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  18. Good luck on this cycle! I hope you don't have any side effects! I will be checking in on you!
    ICLW

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  19. Here's hoping you don't have any of those side effects, yuck!! And you ROCK for giving yourself the shot...i'm a totally baby and have hubby do it. And yes, I think a little tiny bit he likes to inject me...like he feels all Dr.ish or something, too funny!!!

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  20. Thanks for dropping by and saying Hi! Glad you did! My first thought on Lupron was - EEEK! When I was researching for cures for endometriosis, Lupron was commonly offered as treatment. I didn't know they used it too for IVF until recently. After learning about its side-effects and the fact that it didn't cure endo, I turned it down. I was told that your voice can permanently change too (becomes lower, like a man's) - not quite a good thing unless you naturally sound like Mickey Mouse! Of course that occurs only after long term use... Hope you sail through this without it making you go crazy! Good luck with IVF, and hopefully you'll never have to go through this again! Baby dust, baby dust, baby dust.... ;-)

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  21. no major side effects on lupron for me. this is my second time on it (20 units). i do the injection at night and i often get hot while i'm sleeping, but nothing throwing the covers off can't cure. no other side effects of note besides that. good luck!

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  22. Stopping by to wish you luck! I'll be starting microdose Lupron on 2/28 for my first IVF cycle. Our estimated retrieval dates are very similar!

    I hope the Lupron plays nice with both of us. GOOD LUCK!

    ICLW

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  23. Ready, set, GO! Kudo's to you for giving yourself that shot :)

    As for side effects, a dear friend who took the Luperon had severe constipation...so up the water and fiber ahead of time. She was also very tired, but that could be attributed to stress. Anyway, her IVF #3 worked!

    Hugs and know that I'm sending you love and prayers as you journey on to success!!!

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  24. Good luck to you, I am starting my first IVF. Started Lupron a week ago tomorrow.

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  25. Just wanted to stop by and lend my support! I'm hopeful for you that this will be a successful IVF. Way to go on starting the shots, and I hope you'll experience NONE of those yucky side effects. Thinking of you!

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