degarelix (Firmagon)
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Introduction
FDA approved December 2008
Indications
- treatment of advanced prostate cancer
Adverse effects
- minimal to no initial surge in testosterone production
- injection site reactions (pain, redness, & swelling)
- hot flashes, increased weight, fatigue
- increases in serum ALT, serum AST
- prolongation of the QT interval[2]
Mechanism of action
- binds reversibly to GnRH receptors in the pituitary gland & inhibits their interaction with GnRH
- induces a rapid reduction in plasma LH & plasma FSH, & in turn, plasma testosterone
- slows growth & progression of prostate cancer by suppressing testosterone secretion by Leydig cells of the testes
Notes
- manufactured for Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc., Parsippany, N.J., by Rentschler Biotechnologie Gmbh, Laupheim, Germany
More general terms
References
- ↑ FDA News release http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01935.html
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Geriatrics at your Fingertips, 13th edition, 2011 Reuben DB et al (eds) American Geriatric Society
- ↑ MedlinePlus: Degarelix Injection http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a609022.html