Degarelix (By injection)
deg-a-REL-ix
Treats advanced prostate cancer.
Drug classes
Antiandrogen (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Degarelix is used in men to treat advanced prostate cancer. Degarelix is a type of medicine called a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist. It helps treat prostate cancer by lowering the amount of testosterone hormone in the blood. In some patients, testosterone will cause prostate cancer to grow larger.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin. This medicine is given in the stomach area.
Missed dose: This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or treatment clinic for instructions.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines can affect how degarelix works. Tell your doctor if you are using medicine to treat heart rhythm problems, such as amiodarone, procainamide, quinidine, or sotalol.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to degarelix.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, heart rhythm problems, or a problem with minerals or electrolytes in the blood (such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, or sodium).
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Heart rhythm problem called QT prolongation Decrease in bone densityMedicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat, dizziness, faintness
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the shot was given
Weight gain
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Firmagon
There may be other brand names for this medicine.