DEGARELIX INJECTION REACTION

Dear BOOGEE ~

Not a fun experience for you folks at all ! What caused the reaction this time, I truly wonder ?

Some months ago, I tried the DEGARELIX (Brand Name: FIRMAGON) hormone shots ... I know that many doctors are prescribing them quite effectively and many people here are having positive results ... it has a different chemical composition than LUPRON and does not create the initial testosterone flare that LUPRON shots often do when initially injection ...

Somewhat like your experience ... within a day or two after the FIRMAGON shots (DEGARELIX), then my abdomen would swell, a huge burning welt would begin to form into a hard knot, and then the burning sensation would begin and last for about a week after the injection --- felt like an intense hornet sting for several days.

Obviously, in my case, I was experiencing site injection reactions ... very uncomfortable, swollen, and intense stinging sensation ...

We tried this kind of shot for just a few months, and it happened every time --- I had heard VERY positive things about the effectiveness of these shots, as an alternate to LUPRON, so I had high hopes going into the experience --- and I know that many people are having tremendous success with this brand of shot, so I think it's important for me to state that ...

I would have been willing to put up with the uncomfortable site injection reactions each month, but we didn't see my testosterone or PSA going down, as we had hoped --- so the DEGARELIX (FIRMAGON) shots and I parted ways --- I've been on LUPRON, then FIRMAGON, and now I'm on ZOLADEX injections, all in the attempt to suppress my testosterone more effectively to keep my P.S.A. down to the lowest level possible.

I will say that with the DEGARELIX (FIRMAGON) shots --- those have to be injected VERY skillfully, by someone who has been specifically trained --- I always had to wait for a special oncology nurse who had been trained in giving these injections ...

Meanwhile --- I hope your experience never repeats itself again ! You've been on this medication for quite some time, so it is surprising that you had this experience, out of the blue.

I know it helps to hear from others who can relate to what you're going through, so thought I'd add onto your post ---

All my best,

"Cyclone" From Iowa State University

Thanks guys,

We usually do cold and then hot comprasses and he always gets the hard lump. My husband has just learned to live with that and it usually goes away within 1 week.
Our Oncol. seemed to protect his nurse and said she is trained to do it correctly and that he has never seen this kind of reaction. I just sent him pictures of my husbands stomach which as I said looks like a map of red lines connecting everywhere. Most of his pain was in his back however so whether the medicine headed to his back by his liver, that's where he is still experiencing pain bu t80% better.
It may be time to find another Oncol. but as some of you know we have been with him for 4 years and like his protocal for treatments, and it's scarry to move.
Thanks for all your support.

BOOGEE

Teddy,

The first time is usually the worst with Firmagon, both because your body hasn't had time to get used to the drug and because the first dose is that double shot. The reaction you describe on your right side is not that unusual for a first dose of Firmagon. Men often describe Firmagon reactions (especially with the first shot) as feeling like they have been stung by a hornet. Sounds like the nurse got lucky on your left side and hit a better spot.

By all means call your doctor and tell him (or his nurse who handles that sort of thing) about your reaction. It's part of the service -- part of the reason you pay them the big bucks. They will probably tell you to treat the area with cold, not heat, and call back if it isn't improving in a few days.

Usually the reaction is not as bad for the second dose and isn't much of a problem for doses after that. But your mileage may vary.

Our Oncol. called us yesterday and basically protected his nurse says that she followed proper protocal. I sent him pictures of my husbands abdomen, not that he asked for it, he actually said he had never experienced this kind of adverse reaction to the injection, and I told him well you have now.
The main pain was in his back. and it just did not let up for 24 hours except with morphine.

I hope someone on this forum can shed some light why this has happened. I have googled this question to no avail.

Thank you,

BOOGEE

YES I HAVE HEARD OF BONE PAIN BUT THIS WAS HORRIBLE BACK PAIN IN WHAT WE THOUGHT WAS HIS KIDNEYS. AS I SAID THE HOSPITAL THOUGHT AT FIRST HE WAS TRYING TO PASS A KIDNEY STONE. I AM WAITING FOR THE REPORT FROM THE HOSPITAL AND WILL TAKE THAT WITH DIRECTIONS MY HUSBAND COPIED OFF THE NET ON HOW TO INJECT AT A 45 DEGREE ANGLE.
I WILL TALK TO OUR ONCOL. about FREEZING THIS MED.
BY THE WAY HOW IS YOUR HUBBY DOING NOW?

BOOGEE

I am so saddened to hear of Dave's passing and followed your story for a time. As I mentioned I have not been on HW for awhile so hoping you are doing O.K.

Where do I look for the caregivers site?

Take care!

BOOGEE

Thank you Peter!