Generic Name: degarelix (DEG a REL ix)Brand Names: Degarelix
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 other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
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 on a regular basis. Do not miss any follow-up visits to your doctor.
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication:
liver disease;
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.
Degarelix is given as an injection under the skin of your stomach. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection.
Degarelix is usually given once every 28 days. Follow your doctor's instructions.
The first time you receive degarelix, you will be given two injections. At your monthly follow-up visits you will receive only one injection.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood may need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any follow-up visits to your doctor.
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your degarelix injection.
Symptoms of a degarelix overdose are not known.
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
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;
sweating more than usual;
weight gain;
weakness, tired feeling;
joint pain;
back pain;
nausea, constipation, diarrhea;
impotence, loss of interest in sex, or trouble having an orgasm;
breast swelling or enlargement; 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.
Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially a heart rhythm medication such as:
amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone);
bretylium (Bretylan, Tosylate);
disopyramide (Norpace);
dofetilide (Tikosyn);
flecaininde (Tambocor);
ibutilide (Corvert);
mexiletine (Mexitil);
morizicine (Ethmozine);
procainamide (Procan, Procanbid, Pronestyl);
propafenone (Rythmol);
propafenone (Rythmol);
quinidine (Quinaglute, Quinidex, Quin-Release); or
sotalol (Betapace).
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with degarelix. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.