What is Degarelix?
Degarelix is a synthetic form of the protein that reduces certain hormones, such as testosterone, in the body. Degarelix is an injection used for the treatment of prostate carcinoma. The drug works by reducing testosterone levels in the body. This is what the cancer tumors need to grow. Degarelix may be safe and effective for children, but this is unknown.
Warnings
Although degarelix is not intended for women, it should not be taken by any woman who is breastfeeding, pregnant, or may become pregnant.
Tell your doctor before you start taking degarelix if you suffer from liver disease or kidney problems, have a family or personal history of the "Long QT Syndrome," heart failure congestive, or if there is an electrolyte balance, like low or high potassium levels or magnesium. Inform your doctor of all medications that you take, including heart rhythm medicines. Degarelix can be taken once every 28 to 30 days. Please follow your doctor's directions. Your blood might need to be regularly tested in order to ensure that this medication helps your condition.Avoid missing follow-up appointments with your physician.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to degarelix, then it is best not to use this product.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that this medication is right for you:
- Heart problems
- Long QT Syndrome
- Liver or kidney disease
- An electrolyte balance is a low or high level of calcium, potassium, or magnesium.
Degarelix should not be used by pregnant women. It can cause harm to an unborn child or cause a miscarriage. Degarelix is not for women who are pregnant. The medicine you take may have an effect on your fertility, regardless of whether or not you're a woman. Degarelix should also not be taken by women who are breastfeeding their babies.
Similar/related drugs
Estradiol, Premarin, Xtandi, Zytiga, Casodex, and Lynparza
How to take Degarelix?
Degarelix injections are given under your skin in the area around your stomach. This injection will be given by a healthcare professional. Avoid wearing tight clothes or a tight belt around the area of the stomach that will receive the injection. Degarelix can be taken once every 28 to 30 days. Please follow your doctor's directions. You will receive two injections the first time. You will only receive one injection at your monthly visits. Medical tests will be required frequently. Degarelix may affect certain tests. Inform any physician who treats you about your use of this medication.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for prostate cancer:
Initial Dose: 2 injections subcutaneously of 120mg each, at 40 mg/mL.
Maintenance Dose: Administer 80 mg as 1 subcutaneous infusion at 20 mg/mL once every 28 days.
Comment: Give the maintenance dose at least 28 days following the initial dose.
Advanced prostate cancer treatment
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are unable to attend your scheduled injection, call your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Do not rub or scratch the area where you received a degarelix shot. Degarelix may pass through body fluids such as urine, feces, and vomit. Avoid letting your body fluids come into contact with surfaces or your hands for at least 48 hours after receiving a dose. Rubber gloves should be worn by caregivers when cleaning up body fluids from a patient, changing diapers, or handling trash and laundry contaminated with the virus. Hands should be washed before and after gloves are removed. Separately, wash soiled linen and clothing.
Side effects of Degarelix
If you experience any of the following: itching, difficulty breathing, swelling in your lips, face, throat, or tongue, or hives, seek emergency medical attention.
If you experience:
- Fluttering or fast heartbeats
- Shortness of breath
- You may feel dizzy or faint.
- Severe headache with blurred vision or pounding of the neck and ears.
Degarelix may cause side effects such as:
- Hot Flashes
- Weight gain
- Abnormal liver function tests
- Pain, swelling, itchiness, or redness where the medication was injected.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Report side effects by calling the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with other drug
Degarelix may cause serious heart problems. You are at greater risk if you use other medications for asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, mental illnesses, HIV, malaria, or cancer. Degarelix may also interact with other drugs, such as vitamins and herbal remedies. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are taking and those that you stop or start using.
