Firmagon
(degarelix)
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Treats advanced prostate cancer.
Skip Upsides & Downsides section. Skip to side effects section.
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Our bottom line
Firmagon (degarelix) can be used to treat advanced prostate cancer without the flares that can happen with other medicines.
Quick facts about Firmagon
- Drug class: Men's health
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: No lower cost generic available
Upsides
- Firmagon (degarelix) is given once a month.
- Unlike Lupron-depot, Firmagon (degarelix) doesn’t cause your testosterone levels to rise initially.
- Firmagon (degarelix) is approved for all stages of advanced prostate cancer.
- Firmagon (degarelix) starts working rather quickly. About 96% of patients reach their testosterone goal within 3 days.
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What to expect from Firmagon, on one page
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Downsides
- Firmagon (degarelix) only comes as an injection, not a pill.
- It’s only available as a brand name medicine, so you might have a higher copay.
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What to expect from Firmagon, on one page
Download Fact SheetHow it works
Firmagon (degarelix) lowers testosterone in your body. High levels of testosterone can cause prostate cancers to grow.
Quick facts about Firmagon
- Drug class: Men's health
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: No lower cost generic available
Used for
- Advanced prostate cancer
Dosage forms
- Injection
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What to expect when you take Firmagon (degarelix) for Advanced prostate cancer
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Hot flashes
- Injection site reactions
- Weight gain
- Tiredness
- Chills
- Constipation
Side effect rates for Firmagon (degarelix)
From 207 clinical trials of Firmagon when taken for advanced prostate cancer (firmagon 240/80 mg subq)
- Injection site reactions35%35%
- Hot flashes26%26%
- Higher liver enzymes10%10%
- Weight gain9%9%
- High blood pressure6%6%
- Back pain6%6%
- Chills5%5%
- Joint pain5%5%
- Urinary tract infection5%5%
- Constipation5%5%
- Tiredness3%3%
0%
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Where we got our data »
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Firmagon.
Firmagon (degarelix)
Placebo
People taking Firmagon felt side effect more
People taking Firmagon felt side effect less
No difference
Risks and Warnings for Firmagon (degarelix)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Taking medications to control your heart rhythm
If you're taking medications to control your heart rhythm, taking Firmagon (degarelix) can make the rhythm worse. Talk to your doctor to see if you need to change your medicines.