Degarelix injection

What is this medication?

DEGARELIX (deg a REL ix) is used to treat men with advanced prostate cancer.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Degarelix, Firmagon

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• diabetes
• heart disease
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood
• osteoporosis
• an unusual or allergic reaction to degarelix, mannitol, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medicine is for injection under the skin. It is usually given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

If you get this medicine at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give this medicine. Use exactly as directed. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or healthcare provider to get one.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

Try not to miss a dose. If you do miss a dose, call your doctor or health care professional for advice.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• cisapride
• dronedarone
• pimozide
• thioridazine

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• other medicines that prolong the QT interval (abnormal heart rhythm)

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress and discuss any issues before you start taking this medicine.

Do not rub or scratch injection site. There may be a lump at the injection site, or it may be red or sore for a few days after your dose.

Your doctor or health care professional will need to monitor your hormone levels in your blood to check your response to treatment. Try to keep any appointments for testing.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• fever or chills
• irregular heartbeat
• nausea and vomiting along with severe abdominal pain
• pain or difficulty passing urine
• pelvic pain or bloating
• signs and symptoms of high blood sugar such as being more thirsty or hungry or having to urinate more than normal. You may also feel very tired or have blurry vision

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• change in sex drive or performance
• constipation
• headache
• high blood pressure
• hot flashes (flushing of skin, increased sweating)
• itching, redness or mild pain at site where injected
• joint pain
• trouble sleeping
• unusually weak or tired
• weight gain

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

This drug is usually given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

In rare cases, this medicine may be given at home. If you are using this medicine at home, you will be instructed on how to store this medicine. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date on the label.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.