Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Firmagon

Generic Name: degarelix (Pronunciation: DEG a REL ix)

• What is degarelix (Firmagon)?
• What are the possible side effects of degarelix (Firmagon)?
• What is the most important information I should know about degarelix (Firmagon)?
• What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving degarelix (Firmagon)?
• How is degarelix given (Firmagon)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Firmagon)?
• What happens if I overdose (Firmagon)?
• What should I avoid while receiving degarelix (Firmagon)?
• What other drugs will affect degarelix (Firmagon)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is degarelix (Firmagon)?

Degarelix is a man-made form of a protein that reduces the amount of certain hormones in the body, including testosterone.

Degarelix is used to treat prostate cancer.

Degarelix may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of degarelix (Firmagon)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeat;
• pain or burning when you urinate;
• feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
• swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet; or
• dangerously high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, uneven heartbeats, seizure).

Less serious side effects may include:

• headache;
• chills or hot flashes;
• weight gain;
• tired feeling;
• joint pain;
• back pain;
• constipation;
• impotence, loss of interest in sex, or trouble having an orgasm; or
• pain, swelling, redness, or a hard lump where the medicine was injected.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about degarelix (Firmagon)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to degarelix.

Although degarelix is not for use by women, this medication should not be used by a woman who is pregnant or breast-feeding, or who may become pregnant.

Before you receive degarelix, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, a personal or family history of "Long QT syndrome," congestive heart failure, or an electrolyte imbalance, such as low or high levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood.

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially a heart rhythm medication.

Degarelix is usually given once every 28 days. Follow your doctor's instructions.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood may need to be tested often. Visit your doctor regularly.

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