Degarelix (Injection)

Introduction:

Degarelix (deg-a-REL-ix)

Treats advanced prostate cancer.

Brand Name(s):

Firmagon, Degarelix

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin. This medicine is always given in the stomach area.
• This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

If a dose is missed:

• This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or treatment clinic for instructions.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using medicine to treat heart rhythm problems, such as amiodarone (Cordarone®), procainamide (Procan®, Procanabid®, Pronestyl®), quinidine (Cardioquin®, Quinaglute®, Quinidex®), or sotalol (Betapace®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, heart rhythm problems (such as a prolonged QT interval), or a problem with minerals or electrolytes in the blood (such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, or sodium).
• This medicine may decrease bone mineral density when used for a long time. A low bone mineral density can cause weak bones or osteoporosis. If you have any questions about this ask your doctor.
• This medicine can cause a change in heart rhythm called prolongation of the QT interval. This condition may change the way your heart beats (faster or slower) and can cause chest pain, dizziness, fainting, or shortness of breath. Contact your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms or any questions.
• Your doctor will need to check your blood at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Bloody or cloudy urine.
• Change in how much or how often you urinate.
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.
• Fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat.
• Fever, chills, or increased sweating.
• Unusual tiredness or weakness.
• Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Back pain or headache.
• Breast swelling, pain, or tenderness.
• Constipation, diarrhea, or nausea.
• Decrease in the size of your testicles.
• Hot flashes or night sweats.
• Joint or muscle pain.
• Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the shot was given.
• Problems with sex.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Weight gain.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor: