Degarelix (deg-a-REL-ix)

Treats advanced prostate cancer.

Brand Name(s):

Firmagon

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 given in the stomach area.
• Missed dose: 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.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

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

• Some medicines can affect how degarelix works. Tell your doctor if you are using medicine to treat heart rhythm problems, such as amiodarone, procainamide, quinidine, or sotalol.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Women should not use this medicine, especially women who are pregnant or able to become pregnant. This medicine can harm an unborn baby. It can also cause birth defects if the father is using it when his sexual partner becomes pregnant. If a pregnancy occurs while you are using this medicine, tell your doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, heart rhythm problems, or a problem with minerals or electrolytes in the blood (such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, or sodium).
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Heart rhythm problem called QT prolongation
  • Decrease in bone density
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
• Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. 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
• Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat, dizziness, faintness

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

• Back pain
• Hot flashes
• Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the shot was given
• Weight gain

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

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088