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degarelix
degarelix
What is the most important information I should know about degarelix?
What is the most important information I should know about degarelix?
Although degarelix is not for use by women, this medicine should not be used by a woman who is pregnant or breastfeeding, or who may become pregnant.
What is degarelix?
What is degarelix?
Degarelix is used to treat prostate cancer.
Degarelix may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving degarelix?
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving degarelix?
You should not use degarelix if you are allergic to it.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- heart problems;
- long QT syndrome (in you or a family member);
- liver or kidney disease; or
- an electrolyte imbalance, such as low or high levels of potassium, calcium, or magnesium in your blood.
Although degarelix is not for use by women, this medicine can harm an unborn baby or cause miscarriage if a woman is exposed to it during pregnancy. Degarelix should not be used by a woman who is pregnant.
This medicine may affect fertility (your ability to have children), whether you are a man or a woman.
Degarelix also should not be used by a woman who is breastfeeding a baby.
How is degarelix given?
How is degarelix given?
Degarelix is injected under the skin around your stomach. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.
On the day of your injection, avoid wearing a belt, tight waistband, or tight clothing around your stomach where the injection will be given.
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.
You will need frequent medical tests.
This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using degarelix.
What happens if I miss a dose?
What happens if I miss a dose?
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your degarelix injection.
What happens if I overdose?
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while receiving degarelix?
What should I avoid while receiving degarelix?
Avoid rubbing or scratching the skin where a degarelix injection was given.
What are the possible side effects of degarelix?
What are the possible side effects of degarelix?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest;
- shortness of breath;
- sudden dizziness (like you might pass out); or
- severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears.
Common side effects may include:
- hot flashes;
- weight gain;
- abnormal liver function tests; or
- pain, swelling, redness, itching, 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 other drugs will affect degarelix?
What other drugs will affect degarelix?
Degarelix can cause a serious heart problem. Your risk may be higher if you also use certain other medicines for infections, asthma, heart problems, high blood pressure, depression, mental illness, cancer, malaria, or HIV.
Other drugs may affect degarelix, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.
Where can I get more information?
Where can I get more information?
Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about degarelix.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
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