Firmagon Side Effects

Generic name: degarelix

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 7, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Firmagon Side Effects associated with degarelix. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Firmagon.

Applies to degarelix: subcutaneous powder for solution.

Serious side effects of Firmagon

Along with its needed effects, degarelix (the active ingredient contained in Firmagon) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking degarelix:

More common side effects

• back pain
• blurred vision
• dizziness
• fever
• flushing or redness of the skin
• hard lump
• headache
• nervousness
• pain
• pounding in the ears
• slow or fast heartbeat
• small lumps under the skin
• swelling
• unusually warm skin

Less common side effects

• bladder pain
• bloody or cloudy urine
• chills
• decrease in testicle size
• decreased interest in sexual intercourse
• difficult, burning, or painful urination
• difficulty in moving
• frequent urge to urinate
• inability to have or keep an erection
• increased sweating
• loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
• lower back or side pain
• muscle pain or stiffness
• pain in the joints

Rare side effects

• chest pain or discomfort
• fainting
• irregular heartbeat
• pounding heartbeat

Incidence not known

• cough
• difficulty swallowing
• hives, itching, or skin rash
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips or tongue
• tightness in the chest
• trouble breathing
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Other side effects of Firmagon

Some side effects of degarelix may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)
• feeling of warmth
• increased weight
• redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
• sudden sweating

Less common side effects

• diarrhea
• lack or loss of strength
• nausea
• night sweats
• swelling of the breasts or breast soreness
• trouble sleeping

For healthcare professionals

Applies to degarelix: subcutaneous powder for injection.

Hepatic adverse events

• Very common (10% or more): Increased liver transaminases (47%), increased gamma-glutamyltransferase (10%)
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Increased bilirubin, increased alkaline phosphatase^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Injection site reaction (including pain, erythema, swelling, induration, nodule; 44%), pyrexia (10%), fatigue (10%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Chills, asthenia, influenza-like illness^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Very common (10% or more): Decreased hematocrit (40%), decreased hemoglobin (15%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Anemia
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Neutropenic fever^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Very common (10% or more): Hot flush (26%), QT/QTc interval prolongation (20%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Hypertension
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Cardiac arrhythmia (including atrial fibrillation), palpitations, vasovagal reaction (including hypotension)
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Myocardial infarction, cardiac failure^[Ref]

Renal

• Very common (10% or more): Abnormal BUN (15%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Abnormal creatinine level
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Renal impairment^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Very common (10% or more): Increased weight (11%), decreased weight (10%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Abnormal potassium level
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hyperglycemia/diabetes mellitus, increased cholesterol, decreased appetite, blood calcium changes^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Very common (10% or more): Antibody formation (10%)^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Hyperhidrosis (including night sweats), rash
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Urticaria, skin hyperpigmentation, skin nodule, alopecia, pruritus, erythema^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Nausea, constipation, diarrhea
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Vomiting, abdominal pain, abdominal discomfort, dry mouth^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Common (1% to 10%): Urinary tract infection, gynecomastia, testicular atrophy, erectile dysfunction
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Pollakiuria, micturition urgency, dysuria, nocturia, incontinence, testicular pain, breast pain, pelvic pain, genital irritation, ejaculation failure^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Common (1% to 10%): Back pain, arthralgia, musculoskeletal pain and discomfort
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Osteoporosis/osteopenia, arthralgia, muscular weakness, muscle spasms, joint swelling/stiffness^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness, headache
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Mental impairment, hypoesthesia^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Insomnia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Loss of/decreased libido, depression^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hypersensitivity reaction
• Postmarketing reports: Anaphylaxis, angioedema^[Ref]

Ocular

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Blurred vision^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dyspnea^[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

• Is Firmagon (degarelix) the same as Lupron?
• How long does it take for Degarelix to work?

Further information

Firmagon side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer