Prostap/Zoladex and effect on vision?

[BusyLizzy]

Hello Peeps,

Just wondering whether anyone here with KC has been treated with the GnRH analogues such as Prostap/Zoladex for conditions. These are used to treat hormone-dependent conditions such as prostate cancer, endometriosis and uterine fibroids.

I have been offered a course of these injections to treat endometriosis, and have been told they can cause skin dryness. I already have eczema, so no doubt that could worsen. However, it would be helpful to know whether there have been any effects such as drier eyes or contact lens intolerance.

Since the drug is injected and remains in the system for months, the side-effects cannot be undone.

Any experience or input would be welcome. My optician couldn't answer this question, and neither could the consultant in the other specialty.

[GarethB]

Lizzy,

Once I made the link between dry eyes and my exzema and the type of asthema I have, there is every possibility.

My asthma is because the mucus is deficient in a surfact that allows the cells in the lungs move it to back of the throat where we swallow it. Apparently this surfactant is very similar to the one in tears I am deficient in. The surfactant in tears is what makes the fatty component mobile in the saline tears. A dermatologist told me one reson my skin drys so much is because my skin lacks a surfactatnt that allows the natural skin oils to cover it which is why bath oil is so good for my skin.

Yours may be completly differnt, but as I managed to get the spwecialists to talk to each other, they agree all three conditions are intrinsicaly linked. The treatment you desribe would likely to be used on me for prostate cancer in which case I would use it. Cancer is worse than KC. Get the cancer sougted can always go back to lenses.

Your case is different, so it is up to you. You should be able to stop it if it is making things worse. Has anyone said the side effects are definite or just a possibility?

[Andrew MacLean]

I think my dad had Prostap as a treatment for cancer. (He had one of those 'men's cancers' tht women cannot get).

I think that Zoladex can be used for the same condition. Are they commonly used in the treatment of endometriosis?

Andrew

[BusyLizzy]

Hi Andrew,

In response to your question, Zoladex and Prostap are commonly used to treat endometriosis.
They work on the pituitary by shutting down the production of hormones, including oestrogen. It is believed that endometriosis is fed by oestrogen, so depriving it of its supply helps lesions to shrink away.
However, this means inducing an artificial menopause, with accompanying side effects.
It's also only a short-term solution. The injections can only be prescribed for up to six months, and may specialists only prescribe one or an absolute maximum of two courses, because they reduce bone mineral density and can cause osteoporosis.