Degarelix is used to treat men with prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.
Degarelix is to be injected subcutaneously (into the fatty layer under the skin) in the stomach area.
Make sure your injection site is free from any pressure (e.g. belts, waistbands or other types of clothing). Do not rub or scratch the injection site.
The injection site will vary each time you receive a dose of Degarelix.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your condition.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Degarelix.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
Do not use Degarelix if you ever had an allergic reaction (rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine.
Degarelix is not for use in women. This medicine must not be given to pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart disease e.g. history of heart rhythm disorder, or at risk for heart rhythm problems e.g. heart failure, electrolyte imbalance (imbalance of minerals in the body)
- diabetes
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- osteoporosis (brittle bones), or any condition that affects the strength of your bones
If you are going for certain diagnostic tests, inform your doctor that you are on Degarelix treatment.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- You may need to have routine blood tests (e.g. prostate-specific antigen, testosterone, electrolyte) while you are being treated with Degarelix.
- Regular monitoring of heart and liver function may also be needed. Your doctor will advise you on how often you will need to have these tests.
Degarelix may cause dizziness or tiredness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects may include any of the following: weight gain, nausea, constipation, diarrhoea, chills, fever, back pain, breast enlargement, erection problems, hot flushes, excessive sweating, and injection site pain, redness or swelling.
If you develop rashes, breathlessness, swollen mouth or eyes, inform your doctor quickly. These could be signs of an allergic reaction.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience fast or irregular heartbeat.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for heart disease e.g. amiodarone, dofetilide, ibutilide, sotalol, disopyramide, quinidine
- medicines for mood disorder
- methadone (medicine for pain relief and part of drug addiction detoxification)
- moxifloxacin (an antibiotic)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Degarelix.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
As this is a cancer medicine, unused or expired medicine must be returned to the clinic, hospital or pharmacy for disposal.
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