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degarelix (Firmagon)
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:
1) binds reversibly to GnRH receptors in the pituitary gland & inhibits their interaction with GnRH
2) induces a rapid reduction in plasma LH & plasma FSH, & in turn, plasma testosterone
3) 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
General
receptor antagonist
antineoplastic endocrine agent
Database Correlations
PUBCHEM cid=16186010
References
- FDA News release
http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01935.html
- 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