Degarelix Acetate (Firmagon®)
Common name: Degarelix Acetate
Brand name: Firmagon®
What is Degarelix Acetate?
Degarelix Acetate is a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor antagonist used to treat advanced (metastatic) prostate cancer by blocking the release of testosterone.
How is Degarelix Acetate administered?
Degarelix Acetate is administered by subcutaneous injection in the abdominal area.
What are possible side effects of this treatment?
Everyone responds differently to hormone therapy – some experience many side effects while others experience very few. Below are some side effects experienced by those who received degarelix acetate. Tell your health care team about side-effects you are experiencing so they know how best to help you manage them.
- Back pain
- Breast enlargement
- Constipation
- Difficulties sleeping
- Fatigue
- Frequent urination
- Headaches
- Hot flashes
- Nausea
- Pain / redness at site of injection
- Reduced sex drive (low libido)
Is Degarelix Acetate covered in my province or territory?
Degarelix acetate is covered by provincial drug programs in:
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ontario
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Saskatchewan
- Yukon
Degarelix acetate is not covered by provincial drug program in:
Firmagon Care Program
Patient Assistance Programs are offered by pharmaceutical companies to provide medications and/or financial assistance to those who cannot afford to pay for their medicine.
Go to
http://www.ferring.ca/en/patient-assistance-programs/ for more information and to see if you qualify for this program. Patients can call 1-866-210-0399 for access to a free nurse injection clinic.
Last Reviewed: July 2017