Degarelix

Generic name: Degarelix
Brand names: Firmagon

Usage of Degarelix

Degarelix is a man-made form of a protein that reduces the amount of certain hormones in the body, including Testosterone.

Degarelix injection is used to treat prostate cancer. It works by decreasing the amount of testosterone in the body, which the tumor needs to grow.

It is not known if degarelix is safe or effective in children.

Degarelix side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to degarelix: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest;

shortness of breath;

sudden dizziness (like you might pass out); or

severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears.

Common degarelix side effects may include:

hot flashes;

weight gain;

abnormal liver function tests; or

pain, swelling, redness, itching, or a hard lump where the medicine was injected.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Degarelix

You should not use degarelix if you are allergic to it.

To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

heart problems;

long QT syndrome (in you or a family member);

liver or kidney disease; or

an electrolyte imbalance, such as low or high levels of potassium, calcium, or magnesium in your blood.

Although degarelix is not for use by women, this medicine can harm an unborn baby or cause miscarriage if a woman is exposed to it during pregnancy. Degarelix should not be used by a woman who is pregnant.

This medicine may affect fertility (your ability to have children), whether you are a man or a woman.

Degarelix also should not be used by a woman who is breastfeeding a baby.

How to use Degarelix

Usual Adult Dose for Prostate Cancer:

-Initial Dose: 240 mg administered as 2 suBCutaneous injections of 120 mg each at a concentration of 40 mg/mL. -Maintenance Dose: 80 mg administered as 1 subcutaneous injection at a concentration of 20 mg/mL every 28 days. Comments: Administer the first maintenance dose 28 days after the initial dose. Use: Treatment of advanced prostate cancer

Warnings

Although this medicine is not for use by women, degarelix should not be used by a woman who is pregnant or breastfeeding, or who may become pregnant.

Before you receive degarelix, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, a personal or family history of "Long QT syndrome," congestive heart failure, or an electrolyte imbalance, such as low or high levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood.

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially a heart rhythm medication.

Degarelix is usually given once every 28 days. Follow your doctor's instructions.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood may need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any follow-up visits to your doctor.

What other drugs will affect Degarelix

Degarelix can cause a serious heart problem. Your risk may be higher if you also use certain other medicines for infections, asthma, heart problems, high blood pressure, depression, mental illness, cancer, malaria, or HIV.

Other drugs may interact with degarelix, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Disclaimer

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