Firmagon 80mg Injection 1

Firmagon 80mg Injection 1 is used for the following:

• Treating advanced hormone-sensitive prostate cancer

• Managing prostate cancer that has progressed beyond the early stages

• Controlling testosterone-dependent cancer growth

• Slowing the progression of metastatic prostate cancer

• Maintaining castration levels of testosterone

• Managing symptoms of advanced prostate cancer

• Hormonal therapy for patients with prostate cancer

• Alternative treatment when other hormonal therapies fail

Follow these instructions when Firmagon 80mg Injection 1 is administered:

• This injection must only be administered by a healthcare professional.

• The site of injection may be changed with each dose to reduce discomfort.

• Clean the injection site before administration.

• Avoid rubbing the area after the injection is administered.

• Report any unusual injection site reactions to your doctor.

Firmagon 80mg Injection 1 is administered via a subcutaneous route.

Firmagon 80mg Injection 1 contains degarelix (80 mg), which works on the body as follows:

• Blocks pituitary gland receptors: Degarelix directly attaches to specific receptors in your pituitary gland, which is located in the brain. This prevents the hypothalamus from sending important hormonal signals to the pituitary gland.

• Suppresses luteinising hormone: By blocking these receptors, the medicine prevents your pituitary gland from producing luteinising hormone, which normally triggers testosterone production.

• Reduces testosterone levels: Without luteinising hormone, your testicles stop producing testosterone. This creates a condition similar to surgical castration but achieved through medication.

• Inhibits cancer cell growth: Because prostate cancer cells depend heavily on testosterone for their growth and multiplication, reducing testosterone to extremely low levels helps restrict cancer progression.

• Store Firmagon 80mg Injection 1 in a refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C.

• Keep the injection protected from light in its original packaging.

• Do not freeze the medicine.

• Keep out of reach of children.

• Check the expiry date before use and never use after this date.

• Maintain adequate calcium and vitamin D intake through dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods to help reduce the risk of bone density loss that can occur during prostate cancer hormone therapy.

• Consider incorporating regular weight-bearing exercise (like walking or light resistance training) to help manage weight gain, which is a common side effect of testosterone-suppressing medicines.