Firmagon is not a medicine you take at home. It must be given by a healthcare professional. Here’s how it is used:

1. A nurse or doctor will prepare the injection.

    

2. It is given under the skin of the stomach (abdomen).

    

3. The injection area should be rotated each time to avoid skin problems.

    

4. After the injection, the area may be red, swollen, or sore for a few days. This is normal.

    

You will usually return to the clinic once a month to get your next dose.

Important: Do not try to inject Firmagon yourself unless your doctor says it is safe and you are trained.

Firmagon works by blocking a hormone in the brain called GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone). Normally, GnRH tells the body to make testosterone in the testicles.

By blocking this hormone, Firmagon stops the signal that tells the body to produce testosterone. As a result, testosterone levels drop very quickly—usually within a few days.

Because prostate cancer cells need testosterone to grow, lowering testosterone levels helps shrink or slow down the cancer.

Like all medicines, Firmagon can cause side effects. Some are common and mild, while others are rare but serious.

Common Side Effects:

• Injection site reactions (redness, pain, swelling, itching)

   

• Hot flashes

   

• Tiredness

   

• Weight gain

   

• Decreased sex drive

   

• Erection problems

   

• Sweating

   

• Chills or fever

   

Less Common But Serious Side Effects:

• Heart rhythm problems (irregular heartbeat)

   

• Liver problems (rare)

   

• Bone thinning (osteoporosis) if used long-term

   

• Depression or mood changes

   

Tell your doctor if you have chest pain, fast heartbeat, shortness of breath, or swelling in your legs.

Before using Firmagon, tell your doctor if you have:

• Heart problems or a history of heart disease

   

• Liver or kidney disease

   

• Diabetes

   

• A history of depression or mental health issues

   

• Low bone density (osteoporosis)

   

Important Warnings:

• Firmagon is only for men with prostate cancer.

   

• It is not for women, especially not during pregnancy.

   

• It should not be used in children.

   

• If you miss a dose, contact your doctor—do not try to inject yourself.

   

Regular blood tests may be needed to check testosterone levels, monitor liver function, or track the cancer’s progress.

Firmagon does not interact with many other medicines, but always tell your doctor if you take:

• Medicines for heart problems (like beta blockers or water pills)

   

• Other hormonal treatments

   

• Medicines that affect your electrolyte levels (like potassium or magnesium)

   

Your doctor may do blood tests or ECG (heart tests) before and during treatment to make sure it’s safe.

The dosage of Firmagon is usually the same for all adult men:

• First dose: 240 mg total (two injections of 120 mg)

   

• Maintenance dose: 80 mg injection every 28 days

   

Do not skip a dose. If you miss your scheduled injection, tell your doctor as soon as possible.

There is no need to take the medicine daily, as the monthly injection keeps testosterone levels low until the next dose.

Never stop Firmagon suddenly without talking to your doctor, even if you feel better. Stopping the medicine may cause testosterone levels to rise again and the cancer to grow.

Firmagon is a prescription-only medicine, which means:

• You must be diagnosed with prostate cancer by a doctor

   

• The medicine must be prescribed by a specialist, usually a urologist or oncologist

   

• It is not sold over the counter

   

• The injection must be given by a trained healthcare provider

   

Because Firmagon is used for serious medical treatment, it is usually covered by health insurance, though costs may vary. Some patients may qualify for patient assistance programs to help pay for treatment.

• What is Firmagon used for?
  It is used to treat advanced hormone-dependent (androgen-sensitive) prostate cancer in adult men.
  Firmagon helps reduce testosterone levels, which prostate cancer cells need to grow.

• What is the brand name?
  Firmagon® (U.S. and worldwide).

• What is the active ingredient?
  Degarelix acetate.

• How does Firmagon work?

  • It blocks gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptors in the pituitary gland.

  • This immediately stops the release of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).

  • As a result, testosterone production in the testes drops quickly, often within 2–3 days, reducing tumor stimulation.

• What type of medication is it?
  A GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone) antagonist used for androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in prostate cancer.

• How is Firmagon administered?

  • Given as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection by a healthcare professional.

  • Initial dose: Two injections of 120 mg each (total 240 mg) at different abdominal sites.

  • Maintenance dose: One injection of 80 mg every 28 days thereafter.

• What forms and strengths are available?

  • Powder for injection: 80 mg and 120 mg vials (reconstituted with sterile water before use).

• How long does it take to work?

  • Testosterone levels begin to fall within 3 days.

  • Castrate levels (very low testosterone) are usually achieved within 7 days of the first dose.

• What are the common side effects?

  • Injection site pain, redness, or swelling (most common)

  • Hot flashes or sweating

  • Weight gain

  • Fatigue

  • Nausea or diarrhea

  • Elevated liver enzymes

• Are there serious side effects?
  Rare but possible:

  • Heart rhythm changes (QT prolongation)

  • Liver dysfunction

  • Osteoporosis (bone thinning) with long-term use

  • Metabolic effects (increased blood sugar or cholesterol)

  • Allergic reaction (rash, swelling, trouble breathing)

• Who should not receive Firmagon?

  • Individuals allergic to degarelix or formulation components.

  • Not for use in women or children.

• Can Firmagon affect the heart?
  Yes — testosterone suppression can increase risk of heart rhythm abnormalities (QT prolongation), especially if combined with certain medications (e.g., antiarrhythmics).

• Can it be used with other prostate cancer treatments?
  Yes — often combined with antiandrogens, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy for advanced disease.

• Can it cause bone loss?
  Yes — long-term use may lead to osteoporosis; calcium and vitamin D supplements may be recommended.

• Can Firmagon be used in women?
  No — not approved or indicated for use in females.

• Can Firmagon be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
  No — contraindicated in women; harmful to fetuses.

• Does Firmagon interact with other medications?

  • QT-prolonging drugs (e.g., amiodarone, sotalol, quinidine) — additive cardiac risk

  • Diabetes medications — blood sugar monitoring may be needed

  • No significant CYP450 interactions known

• How should it be stored?

  • Store unmixed vials at 2°C–8°C (36°F–46°F) (refrigerated).

  • After reconstitution, use immediately.

  • Keep out of reach of children.

• Is there a generic available?
  No — Firmagon® (degarelix) is currently brand-only.

• Where can I get it?
  Administered in clinics or hospitals by healthcare professionals; not a self-injection drug.