How long do you take Orgovyx for?
Orgovyx (relugolix) is taken once daily for as long as it remains effective and side effects are manageable. Prostate cancer often requires long-term hormone control, and in clinical trials, Orgovyx has been used for 48 weeks.
If treatment is paused for more than a week, your healthcare provider may restart with the higher initial dose to ensure effectiveness. Short breaks (under a week) allow patients to resume the regular daily dose.
What happens if you stop taking Orgovyx?
Stopping Orgovyx (relugolix), a hormone-blocking medication for advanced prostate cancer, triggers a gradual recovery of testosterone production. However, the process—and its effects—vary widely based on factors like age, treatment duration, and overall health.
After discontinuing Orgovyx, testosterone levels typically rebound faster than with injectable therapies like leuprolide. Clinical trials show 55% of patients regain baseline testosterone or above the lower limit of the normal range within 12 weeks.
The Bottom Line
Orgovyx is designed for long-term, daily use in advanced prostate cancer. While side effects vary, most patients tolerate it well. Treatment length depends on how the cancer responds and a person’s overall health. Always consult your healthcare provider before adjusting your regimen.
References
National Cancer Institute. 2021. Relugolix Approval Expected to Alter Treatment for Advanced Prostate Cancer. Accessed 03/07/2025 at https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2021/fda-relugolix-prostate-cancer-androgen-deprivation-therapy
Orgovyx [package insert]. Updated October 2024. Sumitomo Pharma America, Inc. Accessed 03/07/2025 at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=077a92f6-9f1b-479a-87c7-c92b5db6aa9c
Read next
Why has Xtandi stopped working and what do I take next?
Prostate cancer cells, like bacteria, can evolve over time and become resistant to treatments, including the hormone therapy and androgen receptor inhibitor Xtandi (enzalutamide). The cancer cells work to reprogram their environment and develop strategies that enable them to transform and survive.
If treatment with Xtandi stops working then other treatments may be offered, such as:
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
- Targeted therapy
- Radiotherapy
Stopping treatment with Xtandi may also result in an antiandrogen withdrawal response (AAWR), which can cause the cancer to stop growing or shrink for the period of time. Continue reading
How long does Xtandi work?
Xtandi is typically taken until prostate cancer starts to progress or spread (metastasize), or until the patient can no longer tolerate therapy because of the side effects or adverse events it causes.
In clinical trials, Xtandi was effective at delaying the time to disease progression in men with advanced prostate cancer. In men who had not received prior treatment with chemotherapy, Xtandi was also effective at delaying the need for treatment with a cytotoxic chemotherapy agent.
In the AFFIRM trial, treatment with Xtandi extended life by almost 5 months in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Continue reading
Why is prednisone prescribed with Zytiga?
Zytiga is taken with prednisone to help manage side effects that might occur with this prostate cancer treatment. Zytiga blocks the production of cortisol from your adrenal glands. Prednisone helps to replace the lost cortisol that can cause side effects such as low blood potassium levels, fluid build up (edema), or high blood pressure. Continue reading
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Drug information
- Orgovyx Information for Consumers
- Orgovyx prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Orgovyx (detailed)
- Orgovyx user reviews (22)
Related support groups
- Orgovyx (1 questions, 4 members)
- Prostate Cancer (59 questions, 158 members)