DEGARELIX
Background and Date of Approval
Degarelix is an anticancer medication approved for medical use on 24th December 2008.
Uses
Degarelix Injection has been developed to treat advanced prostate cancer in adult men.
How is it administered?
Degarelix is available as a vial for injection in doses 80mg and 120mg. It is intended for administration through the subcutaneous route. The recommended initial dose is 240mg given as two 120 mg injections and 80mg is injected every 28 days as a maintenance dose.
Side Effects
The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Degarelix Injection are injection site reactions, weight gain, chills, hot flash, hypertension, asthenia, tiredness, fever, constipation, back pain, urinary tract infection, changes in liver enzymes, dizziness, headache, insomnia, etc. If you experience any allergic reactions or discomfort after taking this injection, report to your doctor immediately.
Warnings
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience dizziness, fever, or infection. During the Degarelix injection treatment, your doctor may periodically monitor your blood pressure, blood sugar, electrolytes, heart, liver and kidney parameters to prevent serious complications. Report to your doctor if you have been diagnosed with problems in your heart, liver or kidneys.
Precautions
Degarelix has the potential to impair the fertility of males and females of reproductive potential. Degarelix Injection is not recommended during pregnancy due to its ability to harm the foetus and cause miscarriage. It is not known if Degarelix passes into the breastmilk. However, it is advisable to tell your physician before starting this treatment if you are a breastfeeding mother or planning to breastfeed your child.
Word of Advice
Degarelix may cause hot flashes. Wearing loose-fitting clothes can help minimise discomfort. Maintain a well-balanced diet. If dizziness or fatigue occurs, avoid driving or operating machinery. Do not touch or rub the skin at the injection site after administering this medicine.
References
Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc., US Food & Drug Administration, [Revised on Feb 2020] [Accessed on 29th Aug 2022], https://d2hu1op93domjx.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2021/06/24085313/Firmagon-USPI-25feb2020.pdf Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc, US Food and Drug Administration, [ Revised on Feb 2015] [ Accessed on 23rd March 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2015/022201s009lbl.pdf Goodman & Gilmanâs, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Natural products in cancer chemotherapy: Hormones and related agents, 12th edition, 2011, 1764. Claudine Isaacs, Anton Wellstein, and Anna T. Riegel, Hormones and Related Agents in the Therapy of Cancer, Goodman & Gilmanâs Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 13th Edition, 2018, 1237-1247.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Degarelix Injection used as a monotherapy to treat cancer?
Degarelix is prescribed alone and also with other anti-androgen medications to treat hormonal cancer.
Is it safe to use Degarelix Injection during pregnancy?
Degarelix Injection can harm an unborn baby and result in miscarriage. Hence Degarelix Injection is not recommended during pregnancy.
How is Degarelix Injection administered?
Degarelix is available as a vial for injection in doses of 80mg and 120mg. It is intended for administration through the subcutaneous route. The recommended initial dose is 240mg given as two 120 mg injections and 80mg is injected every 28 days as a maintenance dose.
What are the common side effects of Degarelix Injection?
Injection site reactions, weight gain, chills, hot flashes, hypertension, asthenia, tiredness, fever, constipation, back pain, urinary tract infection, changes in liver enzymes, dizziness, headache, and insomnia are the most common side effects of Degarelix Injection.