Medicine Information

Firmagon

Name: Firmagon
Brand: Firmagon
Rating: 4.5 (117 reviews)

Subcutaneous Injection80 mgHormonal AntineoplasticsATC: L02BX02

Generic Name

Degarelix

Manufacturer

Ferring Pharmaceuticals

Country

Switzerland (origin), produced globally

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Price Details

Current market pricing information

Variant	Unit Price	Strip Price
firmagon 80 mg injection	৳ 23,867.00	N/A

Description

Overview of the medicine

Firmagon 80 mg injection contains degarelix, a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor antagonist used for the treatment of hormone-sensitive prostate cancer. It rapidly reduces levels of testosterone, suppressing tumor growth.

Uses & Indications

Advanced hormone-dependent prostate cancer

Dosage

Adults

Initial loading dose of 240 mg given as two subcutaneous injections of 120 mg each, followed by a monthly maintenance dose of 80 mg given as one subcutaneous injection.

Elderly

No specific dose adjustment required based on age.

Renal_impairment

No dose adjustment required for mild to moderate renal impairment. Caution advised in severe renal impairment.

How to Take

Administered as a subcutaneous injection into the abdominal region. Injection sites should be varied.

Mechanism of Action

Degarelix is a competitive GnRH receptor antagonist that binds to GnRH receptors in the pituitary gland, immediately reducing the release of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). This leads to a rapid and profound suppression of testicular testosterone production, without an initial testosterone surge.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Testosterone suppression within 7 days.

Excretion

Excreted primarily via the hepatobiliary system as peptide fragments, with a smaller portion excreted renally.

Half life

Approximately 23 to 53 days after repeated doses.

Absorption

Slow and sustained absorption after subcutaneous administration. Bioavailability is high.

Metabolism

Degarelix is primarily metabolized by peptide hydrolysis, not involving the cytochrome P450 system.

Side Effects

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to degarelix or any excipient.
Not indicated for use in women or pediatric patients.

Drug Interactions

Androgen receptor inhibitors

Concomitant use may have additive effects on prostate cancer treatment, but specific interaction data is limited.

Drugs that prolong the QT interval

Use with caution due to potential for QT prolongation with degarelix.

Storage

Store in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C). Do not freeze. Protect from light. Once reconstituted, it should be used immediately.

Overdose

No clinical experience with overdose. Management should be supportive and symptomatic.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Not indicated for women. Should not be used in pregnant or lactating women.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this medicine

Pack Sizes

1 vial of 80 mg powder and 1 pre-filled syringe of solvent

Shelf Life

Typically 36 months, varies by manufacturer and specific product formulation. Refer to packaging.

Availability

Hospitals, Specialty Pharmacies

Approval Status

Approved by FDA, EMA, and other regulatory bodies worldwide.

Patent Status

Patent expired in some regions, generic versions may be available. Original patent held by Ferring Pharmaceuticals.

Clinical Trials

Extensive clinical trials (e.g., studies CS30, CS31) have demonstrated degarelix's efficacy in rapidly and profoundly suppressing testosterone, leading to improved outcomes in prostate cancer patients compared to GnRH agonists.

Lab Monitoring

Serum testosterone levels (to confirm castration)
PSA levels (to monitor treatment response)
Liver function tests (LFTs)
Electrolytes (especially potassium and magnesium due to QT risk)
ECG (periodically in patients at risk for QT prolongation)

Doctor Notes

Educate patients on potential cardiovascular risks and bone health.
Monitor testosterone and PSA regularly.
Advise patients on injection site management and symptom reporting.

Patient Guidelines

Follow administration instructions carefully.
Report any severe injection site reactions.
Be aware of potential side effects like hot flashes and fatigue.
Maintain regular follow-up appointments and lab tests.

Missed Dose Advice

If a dose is missed, administer it as soon as possible. Subsequent doses should be given at the usual monthly interval. If more than a few days late, contact a healthcare professional.

Driving Precautions

May cause fatigue or dizziness; patients should be cautious when driving or operating machinery until they know how the medicine affects them.

Lifestyle Advice

Maintain a healthy diet and exercise to mitigate potential side effects like weight gain and bone density loss.
Discuss any concerns about sexual health with your doctor.

Alternative Medicines in Bangladesh

Similar medicines available in the market

No direct generic alternatives for Degarelix (Firmagon) are widely marketed in Bangladesh. Other GnRH agonists like Leuprolide or Goserelin are available as alternative treatment options for prostate cancer.