Degarelix
Also known as Firmagon
Degarelix is a GnRH receptor antagonist rather than an agonist, providing immediate blockade of pituitary GnRH receptors without the initial testosterone surge seen with agonists like leuprolide or triptorelin. It is approved for advanced prostate cancer, particularly when rapid androgen suppression is clinically important. Its antagonist mechanism makes it useful in situations where a flare in disease activity would be risky, such as impending spinal cord compression.
Reported benefits
- Rapid, castrate-level testosterone suppression
- Avoids the initial tumor flare associated with GnRH agonists
- Useful when urgent symptom control is needed
- Established option for advanced prostate cancer
How it works
Degarelix competitively binds and blocks pituitary GnRH receptors, producing an immediate reduction in LH, FSH, and downstream testosterone without an initial stimulatory phase, in contrast to the flare-then-suppress pattern of GnRH agonists.
Dosing ranges
| Tier | Dose | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Low | 80 mg | monthly maintenance, subcutaneous |
| Moderate | 160 mg | monthly, per individualized maintenance response |
| High | 240 mg | single starting dose, divided into two injections |
Estimate your dose
Dose estimator
Educational estimate for Degarelix, scaled to body size. Not medical advice.
Read before using
This tool produces a rough, educational estimate by scaling commonly-published research ranges to lean body mass. It is not a prescription, medical advice, or a substitute for a licensed clinician. Most peptides use fixed dosing, not weight-based dosing. Individual needs vary. You are solely responsible for how you use this information.
Mixing & syringe units
Target dose follows the estimate above. Change it there, or edit it directly below.
Reconstitution calculator
How much water to add and how many insulin-syringe units to draw for Degarelix. Educational only.
Draw to this mark
3,200units
= 32 mL for a 160 mg dose
Concentration
5 mg/mL
Doses per vial
0
This dose needs 3,200 units, more than a 100-unit syringe holds. Add more water, split the dose, or use a larger syringe.
A U-100 syringe reads 100 units per mL. This is a reconstitution math helper only, not a prescription or dosing advice. Verify every calculation and consult a qualified healthcare provider.
Possible side effects
Common protocols
Common questions
What is Degarelix used for?
Degarelix is a GnRH receptor antagonist rather than an agonist, providing immediate blockade of pituitary GnRH receptors without the initial testosterone surge seen with agonists like leuprolide or triptorelin. It is approved for advanced prostate cancer, particularly when rapid androgen suppression is clinically important. Its antagonist mechanism makes it useful in situations where a flare in disease activity would be risky, such as impending spinal cord compression. Reported benefits include rapid, castrate-level testosterone suppression, avoids the initial tumor flare associated with gnrh agonists, useful when urgent symptom control is needed.
What is a typical Degarelix dose?
Reported ranges run 80-240 mg. A low protocol is 80 mg monthly maintenance, subcutaneous, and a high protocol is 240 mg single starting dose, divided into two injections. This is reference information, not a dosing recommendation.
What is the half life of Degarelix?
Approximately 28 to 53 days (terminal), reflecting slow release from the depot formed at the injection site. That is what sets the dosing frequency, and it is why the timing guidance is as directed by your clinician.
How is Degarelix administered?
Subcutaneous: into fat, under the skin. Given as a deep subcutaneous injection into the abdominal area; not intramuscular or intravenous.
How long is a Degarelix cycle?
Continuous monthly maintenance per oncology protocol on, followed by Discontinued per prescriber decision off.
What are the side effects of Degarelix?
Reported side effects include injection site pain, erythema, and swelling (more common than with agonists), hot flashes, weight gain, liver enzyme elevation, qt interval prolongation risk. Evidence level for this compound is well studied.
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Educational use only, not medical advice. This profile is provided for research and educational purposes. Degarelix may be a research compound or a prescription medication; nothing here is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Dosing figures reflect commonly-published research ranges, not a prescription. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any health decision. Read the full disclaimer →