General MedicinePrescription OnlyPregnancy Cat. Not classifiedFDA Yes
Firmagon
DEGARELIX
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE FIRMAGON ® is indicated for treatment of patients with advanced prostate cancer. FIRMAGON is a GnRH receptor antagonist indicated for treatment of patients with advanced prostate cancer. ( 1 )
Medically reviewed by MedCentralHub Medical Review Board, Licensed Pharmacists & Physicians ·
Brand names:FIRMAGON
Quick Reference
Medicine ClassGeneral Medicine
FDA ApprovedYes
PregnancyCategory Not classified
Quick Facts
- Active ingredient
- DEGARELIX
- Medicine class
- General Medicine
- Brand names
- FIRMAGON
- Availability
- Prescription only (Rx)
- Pregnancy category
- Not classified
- Half-life
- half-life of approximately 53 days
- FDA approved
- Yes
What Is Firmagon?
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE FIRMAGON ® is indicated for treatment of patients with advanced prostate cancer. FIRMAGON is a GnRH receptor antagonist indicated for treatment of patients with advanced prostate cancer. ( 1 )
Firmagon (DEGARELIX) belongs to the General Medicine class of medications. It was first approved by the FDA in Yes. This medication requires a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
Key Safety Information
- •Always follow the dose recommended by your healthcare professional. Taking more than prescribed increases the risk of side effects including serious complications.
- •Seek emergency care if you experience signs of an allergic reaction — hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, or rash. Stop the medication and call your doctor immediately.
- •Some medications can increase the risk of cardiovascular events. Tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, a history of heart attack or stroke, or any pre-existing health condition.
- •Avoid or limit alcohol while taking Firmagon. Do not drink alcohol without first discussing it with your healthcare provider as it may increase adverse effects.
- •Take Firmagon with food or a full glass of water if stomach upset occurs. Stop use and talk to your doctor if you experience persistent stomach pain or GI symptoms.
- •Tell your doctor about all medications, supplements, and vitamins you take. Some combinations significantly increase the risk of harm.
This is a summary only. Always read the full prescribing information and consult your healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.
Uses & Indications
Firmagon is prescribed for the following conditions. Some uses are FDA-approved indications; others may be evidence-based off-label uses. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE FIRMAGON ® is indicated for treatment of patients with advanced prostate cancer.
FIRMAGON is a GnRH receptor antagonist indicated for treatment of patients with advanced prostate cancer.
Dosage Guide
The following are general dosing guidelines only. Your actual dose should be determined by your healthcare provider based on your condition, renal/hepatic function, and other medications.
AD
Adult Dosage
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION FIRMAGON is for subcutaneous use only Starting Dosage: 240 mg given as two injections of 120 mg each ( 2.1 ) Maintenance Dosage: 80 mg administered as a single injection every 28 days ( 2.1 ) 2.1 Dosing information FIRMAGON is administered as a subcutaneous injection in the abdominal region only at the dosages in Table 1 below. Table 1: FIRMAGON Recommended Dosages Starting Dosage Maintenance Dosage – Administered once every 28 days 240 mg given as two subcutaneous injections of 120 mg at a concentration of 40 mg/mL The first maintenance dose should be given 28 days after the starting dose. 80 mg given as one subcutaneous injection at a concentration of 20 mg/mL 2.2 Reconstitution and Administration Instructions FIRMAGON is to be administered by a healthcare professional only . Before administering FIRMAGON read the Instructions for reconstitution and administration carefully. As with other drugs administered by subcutaneous injection, the injection site sho
Available Forms
Available Strengths
Side Effects
Common
- 6 ADVERSE REACTIONS Most common adverse reactions (≥10%) are injection site reactions (e.g., pain, erythema, swelling or induration), hot flashes, and increases in serum levels of transaminases and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Ferring at 1-888-FERRING (1-888-337-7464) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .
- 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
- FIRMAGON was studied in a randomized, open-label trial in which patients with prostate cancer were randomized to receive FIRMAGON (subcutaneous) or leuprolide (intramuscular) monthly for 12 months [see Clinical Studies (14) ] .
- The most common adverse reactions (≥10%) during FIRMAGON therapy are injection site reactions (e.g., pain, erythema, swelling or induration), hot flashes, and increases in serum levels of transaminases and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT).
- The majority of the adverse reactions were Grade 1 or 2, with Grade 3/4 adverse reaction incidences of 1% or less.
- Adverse reactions reported in ≥ 5% of patients treated with FIRMAGON (subcutaneous) 240 mg starting dose and then 80 mg maintenance dose once every 28 days or who were treated with 7.5 mg of leuprolide (intramuscular) every 28 days are shown in Table
- Table 2: Adverse Reactions Reported in ≥ 5% of Patients FIRMAGON 240/80 mg (subcutaneous) N = 207 Leuprolide 7.5 mg (intramuscular) N = 201 Any adverse reaction 79% 78% Body as a whole Injection site reactions Includes pain, erythema, swelling, induration, or nodule.
Serious
- 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Hypersensitivity: Anaphylaxis, urticaria and angioedema have been reported.
- Discontinue FIRMAGON if a severe hypersensitivity reaction occurs and manage as clinically indicated ( 5.1 ) QT Interval Prolongation: Androgen deprivation therapy treatment with FIRMAGON may prolong the QT interval.
- ( 5.2 ) Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: FIRMAGON can cause fetal harm.
- ( 5.4 , 8.1 ) 5.1 Hypersensitivity Reactions FIRMAGON is contraindicated in patients with history of severe hypersensitivity to degarelix or to any of the product components [see Contraindications (4) ].
- Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, urticaria and angioedema, have been reported post-marketing with FIRMAGON.
Rare
Medicine Interactions
Always inform your healthcare provider and pharmacist about ALL medications you take, including prescriptions, OTC medicines, vitamins, and supplements.
MajorModerateMinor
Warnings & Contraindications
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Hypersensitivity: Anaphylaxis, urticaria and angioedema have been reported. Discontinue FIRMAGON if a severe hypersensitivity reaction occurs and manage as clinically indicated ( 5.1 ) QT Interval Prolongation: Androgen deprivation therapy treatment with FIRMAGON may prolong the QT interval. ( 5.2 ) Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: FIRMAGON can cause fetal harm. ( 5.4 , 8.1 ) 5.1
How Firmagon Works
12.1 Mechanism of Action Degarelix is a GnRH receptor antagonist. It binds reversibly to the pituitary GnRH receptors, thereby reducing the release of gonadotropins and consequently testosterone.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Absorption FIRMAGON forms a depot upon subcutaneous administration, from which degarelix is released to the circulation
Half-Life
half-life of approximately 53 days
Metabolism
Metabolism Degarelix is subject to peptide hydrolysis during the passage of the hepato-biliary system and is mainly excreted as peptide fragments in the feces
Excretion
Excretion Following subcutaneous administration of 240 mg FIRMAGON at a concentration of 40 mg/mL to prostate cancer patients, degarelix is eliminated in a biphasic fashion, with a median terminal hal
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safety
Not classified
Breastfeeding
Many medications pass into breast milk in varying amounts. Before using Firmagonwhile breastfeeding, discuss the benefits and risks with your healthcare provider or pharmacist — they can weigh your dose, your infant's age, and available lactation safety data to find the safest option for you and your baby.
Storage & Handling
Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & References
- • FDA Prescribing Information — Official labeling and package insert for Firmagon
- • U.S. National Library of Medicine — MedlinePlus drug information
- • American Hospital Formulary Service (AHFS) — Clinical pharmacology monograph
- • PubMed / MEDLINE — View clinical studies
Last reviewed by MedCentralHub Medical Review Board · MedCentralHub Editorial Policy
Medical Disclaimer
The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist, or qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.