4 mins read

Overview: Firmagon is used to treat prostate cancer. Common side effects include pain, redness or discoloration, and swelling at the injection site. Serious side effects are rare, but include serious allergic reactions and heart problems. Firmagon is an injection that is given under the skin by a healthcare provider.

Uses

What is Firmagon used for?

Firmagon (degarelix) is commonly used to treat prostate cancer.

Firmagon may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does Firmagon work (mechanism of action)?

Firmagon works by attaching itself to certain receptors in the pituitary gland of your brain. By attaching to these receptors, it ends up decreasing the release of the hormone testosterone. Since most prostate cancer cells need testosterone to grow, Firmagon helps to block prostate cells from growing.

How is Firmagon supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Firmagon

Dosage forms and strengths

Firmagon is available in an injectable form that is given by a healthcare provider.

How should I store Firmagon?

Firmagon is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Firmagon?

The most common side effects of Firmagon are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of Firmagon that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Firmagon?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Firmagon are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Firmagon may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Heart Rhythm Changes. Firmagon may cause a rare, dangerous heart rhythm problem called QT prolongation and torsade de pointes. Some people have a higher risk of this, including people who are older, have other people in their family who have had these conditions, have low potassium or magnesium levels, or who take medicines that can prolong the QT interval. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you faint or have changes in your heart rate or rhythm, such as a fast or skipping heartbeat.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Firmagon?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Firmagon.

  • Degarelix
  • Firmagon
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Firmagon.

What should I know about Firmagon before using it?

Do not use Firmagon unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. 

Firmagon is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. It is given as an injection under the skin in your stomach area. It is important to not rub or scratch the area where you receive the injection. Make sure you do not have tight clothing or a belt or waistband against the injection site.

Your healthcare provider will monitor your body’s response to Firmagon with blood tests. It is important to attend all appointments so your healthcare provider can make sure it is safe for you to start and continue to use Firmagon. 

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Firmagon?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Firmagon is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

Pregnancy. Firmagon may cause harm to an unborn baby. Firmagon is usually not given to people who are able to become pregnant. Talk with your healthcare provider if this is a concern for you. 

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Firmagon passes into breast milk. Firmagon is usually not given to people who are able to breastfeed. Talk with your healthcare provider if this is a concern for you.  

Infertility. Firmagon can cause infertility. Talk with your healthcare provider if this is a concern for you.

How can I get more information about Firmagon?

For more information about Firmagon, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at firmagon.com or call them at 888-337-7464.

Interactions

Does Firmagon interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Firmagon and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Firmagon.

Does Firmagon interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Firmagon and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Firmagon?

If you or someone else has used too much Firmagon, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Firmagon?

Firmagon is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. Your healthcare provider will make sure you are receiving Firmagon as scheduled. If you miss an appointment to get your Firmagon dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.