Firmagon (degarelix) is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed for advanced prostate cancer in adults. Firmagon comes as an injection that’s given by a healthcare professional.
Firmagon belongs to a drug class called gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor antagonists. It’s not available in a generic version.
Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Firmagon, including its strengths and how to receive the medication. For a comprehensive look at Firmagon, see this article.
Note: This article describes typical dosages for Firmagon provided by the drug’s manufacturer. However, your doctor will prescribe the Firmagon dosage that’s right for you.
The information below describes Firmagon’s typical dosages and other details about the drug.
Firmagon form
Firmagon comes as a powder in a single-dose vial. Your doctor or another healthcare professional will mix the powder with a liquid to form a solution. You’ll receive Firmagon as a subcutaneous injection at your doctor’s office.
Firmagon strengths
Firmagon comes in two strengths: 80 milligrams (mg) and 120 mg.
Typical dosages
The following information describes dosages that are commonly prescribed or recommended in adults. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for prostate cancer
Doctors may prescribe Firmagon to treat advanced prostate cancer.
If your doctor prescribes Firmagon, your starting dose will likely be 240 mg. This dose is given as two 120-mg injections. You’ll receive this dosage only once.
After 28 days, your doctor will give you your first maintenance dose. The maintenance dose of Firmagon is 80 mg, given as one injection. You’ll continue to receive this dose once every 28 days for as long as your doctor recommends.
For more information about your specific dosage, talk with your doctor.
Long-term treatment
Firmagon is meant to be used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Firmagon is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely receive it long term.
Before you receive Firmagon, your doctor will discuss your treatment plan with you.
Your doctor or another healthcare professional will give you your dose of Firmagon at their office.
First, your doctor will mix the powder form of Firmagon with a liquid to make a solution. Then, they’ll prepare the liquid solution for injection.
With a subcutaneous injection, your doctor will inject the medication under the skin of your abdomen. They’ll inject in a different area of your abdomen each time you receive Firmagon.
If you have questions about what to expect with Firmagon injections, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. The drug manufacturer’s website also provides more detail about what to expect with your injection.
If you miss your appointment for a Firmagon injection, call your doctor’s office as soon as possible to reschedule. They’ll adjust your dosing schedule as needed.
If you need help remembering your appointments, try setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.
Below are some frequently asked questions about Firmagon.
How long does it take for Firmagon to start working?
Firmagon starts to work after your first dose. Because of how the drug works, you likely won’t feel the drug working in your body. But your doctor will monitor your condition during treatment to check whether the drug is working to treat your condition.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about what to expect with Firmagon treatment.
Is there a typical dosage range for Firmagon?
Yes, the typical starting dose of Firmagon is a one-time dose of 240 mg. The maintenance dosage is 80 mg, given once every 28 days.
For more information about Firmagon dosages, see the “Firmagon dosage” section above. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Firmagon for you, they will prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.
If you have questions about the dosage of Firmagon that’s best for you, talk with your doctor.
Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Firmagon. These additional articles might be helpful:
- More about Firmagon: For information about other aspects of Firmagon, refer to this article.
- Details about your condition: For details about prostate cancer, see our prostate cancer hub.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.