This page contains brief details about the drug , it's indication, dosage & administaration, mechanism of action, related brands with strength, warnings and common side effects.
Background and Date of Approval
Degarelix is an anticancer medication that was approved for its medical use on 24th December 2008.
Mechanism of Action of undefined
Degarelix Injection is a biological agent that acts as hormonal drug therapy in cancer treatment. It is the only antagonist of Androgen Deprivation Therapy that works instantly to reduce testosterone levels. Degarelix is a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist that binds to the gonadotropin receptors of the pituitary gland. It lowers the release of gonadotrophin and testosterone, eventually inhibiting the development of cancer cells. Degarelix is prescribed alone and also with other anti-androgen medications to treat hormonal cancer.
Uses of undefined
Degarelix Injection has been developed to treat advanced prostate cancer in adult men.
undefined Drug administaration and Dosage available
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.
Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of undefined
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.
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.
Word Of Advice
Degarelix can cause hot flashes, hence it is advised to wear loose-fitting clothes to avoid discomfort. Eat a well-balanced diet. If you feel dizzy or tired, you should avoid driving or handling machines. Do not touch or rub your skin after injecting this medicine.
Frequently Asked Question
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 & Gilman’s, 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 & Gilman’s Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 13th Edition, 2018, 1237-1247.
Disclaimer
The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice, it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.
