Firmagon vs Prostap

[Jlcwonderboy]

Hello - following discussion my Dad's GP has suggested switching him off Firmagon (Degarelix) and on to Prostap after only one injection of the former.

Does anyone have any thoughts on this? I'm aware that Firmagon can prevent initial testosterone flare, and so it might make sense to switch to a different treatment, but do people think it's wise to do so so early?

I've heard that Prostap is quite a bit cheaper - might this be the reason for the suggested switch?

[JamesAtlanta]

Hi. Hope your dad is doing well with his treatment.

I was administered firmagon for my first injection. The concern was the metastasis in my spine would continue and further damage the bone and possibly my spinal cord. So administering the drug avoided the flare up you highlighted. But after the first injection they switched me to Lupron because of both the cost of the drug and because the concern of the flare up was gone. I think this is very common.

Best of luck to you and your dad!

[Jlcwonderboy in reply to JamesAtlanta]

Thanks very much for your message James.

So is Lupron the same as Prostap? I'm starting to get confused by brand names vs clinical names!...

[JamesAtlanta in reply to Jlcwonderboy]

I wasn't sure either. But I did a google search for Prostap vs Lupron before I replied to you and it looked like the same to me. Others on this forum might be more knowledgeable, though.

Have a great day!

[pjoshea13 in reply to JamesAtlanta]

It's the UK name. -Patrick