degarelix

Generic Name: degarelix (DEG a REL ix)

Brand Names: Firmagon

What is degarelix?

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

Degarelix is used to treat prostate cancer.

Degarelix may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about degarelix?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to degarelix. Although degarelix is not for use by women, this medication should not be used by a woman who is pregnant or breast-feeding, 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 often. Visit your doctor regularly.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving degarelix?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to degarelix.

To make sure you can safely use degarelix, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

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  liver disease;

  
  


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  kidney disease;

  
  


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  a personal or family history of "Long QT syndrome";

  
  


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  heart disease, a heart rhythm disorder;

  
  


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  congestive heart failure; or

  
  


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

  
  

Although degarelix is not for use by women, this medication can cause birth defects if a woman is exposed to it during pregnancy. Degarelix should not be used by a woman who is pregnant. It is not known whether this medication passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Degarelix should not be used by a woman who is breast-feeding a baby.

How is degarelix given?

Degarelix is injected under the skin around your stomach. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

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

The first time you receive degarelix, you will be given two injections. At your monthly follow-up visits you will receive only one injection.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood may need to be tested often. Visit your doctor regularly.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your degarelix injection.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while receiving degarelix?

On the day of your injection, avoid wearing a belt, tight waistband, or tight clothing around your stomach where the injection will be given.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Degarelix side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

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  dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeat;

  
  


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  pain or burning when you urinate;

  
  


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  feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;

  
  


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  swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet; or

  
  


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  dangerously high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, uneven heartbeats, seizure).

  
  

Less serious side effects may include:

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  headache;

  
  


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  chills or hot flashes;

  
  


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  weight gain;

  
  


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  tired feeling;

  
  


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  joint pain;

  
  


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  back pain;

  
  


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  constipation;

  
  


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  impotence, loss of interest in sex, or trouble having an orgasm; or

  
  


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  pain, swelling, redness, 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.

What other drugs will affect degarelix?

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially a heart rhythm medication such as:

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  amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone);

  
  


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  bretylium (Bretylan, Tosylate);

  
  


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  disopyramide (Norpace);

  
  


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  dofetilide (Tikosyn);

  
  


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  flecaininde (Tambocor);

  
  


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  ibutilide (Corvert);

  
  


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  mexiletine (Mexitil);

  
  


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  morizicine (Ethmozine);

  
  


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  procainamide (Procan, Procanbid, Pronestyl);

  
  


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  propafenone (Rythmol);

  
  


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  quinidine (Quin-G); or

  
  


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  sotalol (Betapace).

  
  

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with degarelix. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

More Degarelix resources

• Degarelix Side Effects (in more detail)
• Degarelix Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Degarelix Drug Interactions
• Degarelix Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Degarelix - Add your own review/rating

Compare Degarelix with other medications

• Prostate Cancer

Where can I get more information?

• Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about degarelix.

See also: Degarelix side effects (in more detail)