Orgovyx (relugolix) is a brand-name oral tablet that’s prescribed to help treat advanced prostate cancer in adults. As with other drugs, Orgovyx can cause side effects, such as fatigue or hot flushes.

Orgovyx can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Orgovyx in clinical trials:

Mild side effects can occur with Orgovyx use. This list doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Orgovyx’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects that have been reported with Orgovyx include:

These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while taking Orgovyx and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch.

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.
† An allergic reaction is possible after using Orgovyx. To learn more, see the “Side effect specifics” section below.

Orgovyx may cause serious side effects. The list below may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Orgovyx’s prescribing information.

If you develop serious side effects while taking Orgovyx, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects that have been reported and their symptoms include:

  • Kidney injury. This could happen suddenly. Symptoms can include:
    • decreased urination
    • fatigue
    • confusion
    • swelling in your ankles or legs
  • Cardiovascular problems, such as heart attack or stroke. Symptoms can include:
    • feeling lightheaded or weak
    • chest pain or discomfort
    • pain in your arms, neck, jaw, or back
    • shortness of breath
    • numbness or inability to move, especially on only one side of the body
  • Abnormal lab results, which may include:
    • increase in liver enzyme levels
    • increase in blood sugar levels
    • increase in blood triglyceride levels
    • decrease in blood hemoglobin levels
  • Hemorrhage (internal bleeding). Symptoms may include:
  • Abnormal heart rhythm.*
  • Severe allergic reaction.†

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.
† An allergic reaction is possible after using Orgovyx. To learn more, see the “Side effect specifics” section below.

Orgovyx may cause several side effects. Here are some frequently asked questions about the drug’s side effects and their answers.

How do side effects of Orgovyx compare with side effects of Lupron?

Orgovyx and Lupron both treat advanced prostate cancer by lowering testosterone levels in the body. Some cancers, such as prostate cancer, require testosterone to grow and spread.

The side effects of Orgovyx and Lupon are very similar, which are mainly caused by having low testosterone levels.

Common side effects include hot flushes, muscle or joint pain, and fatigue.

One difference is that Lupron can cause what is called a “testosterone flare” when first starting the drug. This means that testosterone levels briefly rise before going down. This temporary increase in testosterone can cause symptoms to temporarily worsen, depending on where the cancer has spread to. Taking a certain type of drug for a couple of weeks before Lupron can help people avoid this.

Talk with your doctor if you have any questions about side effects you may experience with these medications.

How long do side effects of Orgovyx typically last?

Some side effects of Orgovyx may be mild, lasting a few days to weeks. They may go away over time as your body adjusts to the medication. However, many side effects will last for as long as you take the drug. If you stop taking Orgovyx, your testosterone levels will slowly rise again and some side effects will lessen. It may take several months after finishing treatment with Orgovyx for your side effects to go away.

It’s possible that Orgovyx can cause long-term side effects, such as fertility problems, which may affect your ability to have children in the future.

Talk with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about side effects that don’t go away or are bothersome. They can suggest additional ways to manage side effects. In some cases, your doctor may recommend a different cancer treatment.

Learn more about some of the side effects that Orgovyx may cause. To find out how often side effects occurred in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for Orgovyx.

Depression

Taking Orgovyx may cause depression in some people. This was a common side effect reported in clinical trials. Symptoms of depression may include:

  • loss of interest in activities you previously enjoyed
  • changes in sleep
  • tiredness
  • irritability
  • trouble concentrating

What you can do

Talk with your doctor if you notice symptoms of depression while taking Orgovyx. They can suggest ways for you to help manage the symptoms of depression.

Abnormal heart rhythm

Orgovyx can cause a type of abnormal heart rhythm called long QT syndrome. This was a rare side effect reported in clinical trials.

Long QT syndrome typically doesn’t cause any symptoms. Your doctor will likely notice it first on an electrocardiogram (EKG). If symptoms do occur, they may include:

You may be at higher risk of an abnormal heart rhythm if you have certain risk factors. These include:

  • being born with long QT syndrome
  • having heart failure
  • having frequent problems with your blood electrolytes
  • taking certain medications that can also increase the risk of QT prolongation

What you can do

During treatment with Orgovyx, your doctor may monitor your heart rhythm with an EKG and check your blood electrolyte levels. This helps them watch for signs of an abnormal heart rhythm.

If you notice any symptoms of an abnormal heart rhythm, talk with your doctor right away. Your doctor may have you stop taking Orgovyx if you develop this side effect. They can recommend other treatment options for you.

Allergic reaction

As with most drugs, Orgovyx can cause an allergic reaction in some people.

Symptoms can be mild or serious and can include:

  • skin rash
  • itching
  • flushing
  • swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
  • swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe

What you can do

For mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, call your doctor right away. They may recommend ways to ease your symptoms and determine whether you should keep taking Orgovyx. However, if your symptoms are serious and you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Orgovyx. This drug may not be the right treatment for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. These include:

Long QT syndrome: Orgovyx can cause long QT syndrome. If you have long QT syndrome or other heart problems, such as congestive heart failure, you may be at an increased risk of QT prolongation. Your doctor will monitor your heart and blood tests more closely while you’re taking Orgovyx. Before taking Orgovyx, be sure to tell your doctor about any heart problems you have.

Allergic reaction: If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Orgovyx or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Orgovyx. Ask your doctor what other medications may be better options for you.

Pregnancy: Orgovyx has not been studied in females* nor would it be prescribed to females. Because of how this drug works, Orgovyx may cause harm to a fetus or pregnancy loss if taken during pregnancy. Therefore, you should talk with your doctor before taking Orgovyx if you’re partner is pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding: Orgovyx has not been studied in females* nor would it be prescribed to females. It isn’t known whether relugolix, the active drug in Orgovyx, passes into breast milk or whether it could harm a breastfed child. Talk with your doctor about which cancer treatment is right for you.

Alcohol consumption: There are no known interactions between alcohol and Orgovyx. However, drinking alcohol while you’re taking Orgovyx can increase your risk of side effects, such as fatigue, hot flushes, or diarrhea. If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about how much alcohol is safe for you to drink while taking Orgovyx.

* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the term “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

Mild side effects are common while taking Orgovyx. Although rare, the medication may cause some serious side effects that require treatment. It is best to talk with your doctor if side effects become bothersome or serious.

If you’d like to learn more about Orgovyx, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can help answer any questions you have about side effects from taking the drug.

Besides talking with your doctor, you can do some research on your own. These articles might help:

  • More information about Orgovyx: For details about other aspects of Orgovyx, refer to this article.
  • Cost: If you’d like to learn about Orgovyx and cost, see this article.
  • Dosage: For information about the dosage of Orgovyx, view this article.
  • A look at cancer: For details about your condition, see our 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.