1st Firmagon/Degarelix Shots.

[JRPnSD]

I received my first Firmagon shots (2) on Monday 10/19/2020. Three days in and the pain is still very much present from the red swollen hard pot belly that resulted. Not sure I can face this monthly for 2-3 years, even if 1 shot going forward. Is the first treatment the worst from the large dose? Do you react less to it over time? Why would anyone choose this drug versus those that can be injected 3 or 6 months apart rather than monthly? For the most part, the side effects of loss of testosterone are not all that different despite the drug platform used? Right? So now that I have avoided the "flare"...why wouldn't one switch?

[Tall_Allen]

It's just the first two shots that get the injection site reaction. The dose is heavier to start. Some guys start with Firmagon to avoid the flare and then switch to multimonth Lupron shots. Firmagon has less risk of cardiac side effects, other than that, they are the same. Next year there will hopefully be daily pills.

[Ron53]

I had exact same results and thoughts as you! I just received the shot from the 2nd round and it was significanlty less painful - hardly felt it actually (and there is only one). Swelling was still there, but lasted only 3 days as opposed to a week or more the first time. I know everyone is different, but side effects are much less than Lupron for me. Hot flashes only occur every few hours instead of every 30 minutes.

[JPnSD in reply to Ron53]

When did your hot flashes start after the 1st injection? So far on day 4...very little heat reaction.

[Ron53 in reply to JPnSD]

I wish I could remember exactly, It definitely was at least a week, maybe two before they started.

[RyderLake2]

Hello,

I agree with other comments on this site. The first injection produces the most swelling. It gets progressively better after that. Make sure the person doing the Firmagon shot has done it before i.e. leaves the needle in your stomach for a little bit before withdrawing it. Hope that helps!

[JPnSD]

Many thanks to all....safe journey to all.

[Stevana]

Dear JR,

I can’t tell you whether Lupron is better than Firmagon since I started with Firmigam in late April and have not switched. My decision was based primarily on Lupron's higher long-term risk for developing cardio vascular decease. Also, from what I’ve heard Lupron is more of a concentrated shot that is released over three months, minimum, so side effects, e.g. hot flashes and fatigue are more severe at first before dissipating.

My experience with my first Firmagon shot was very similar to yours. I had a pretty severe shot-site reaction, redness, swelling and unable to bend at the waste without pain for several days. However, I’ve learned how to avoid this by instructing the nurses on how to properly administer the shot. The instructions, which are rarely read, indicate the shot should go in at the fattiest part of the abdomen at a 45 degree angle and, most importantly, push the drug in over a minimum 60 second period, or more. The slower the better. I swear using this method will almost completely eliminate the after-shot discomfort you’re experiencing. I had my seventh shot last Thursday and had little to no pain the next day. Only a little redness and sensitivity to touch. After a few days that went away.

A couple of other things to consider: 1) there is a pill form of Firmagon that is due to be available within the next few months so that form should eliminate discomfort from injections ; 2) there is currently a shortage of Lupron right now so it may not be readily available if you decide to switch.

Good luck and stay strong.

[JPnSD]

Your feedback is greatly appreciated. Many thanks. Smooth sailing.

[MateoBeach]

A point for others who may be started on Firmagon. I requested and received just one shot of 120 mg as a starting dose (not two) and had no local reaction at all. T level was castrate 20 in two days after anyway. Also remained castrate for 3 months after just the one shot. Although I was supplementing with Estradiol patch. So I, and perhaps others, can safely go two months between shots. Good for my extended trips to Mexico home. The point is to test the T response and confirm for oneself if your response to dosing keeps T castrate <20 mg/dL and for how long.

I know that the 240 mg loading dose was not required for me. And BTW the estradiol patch made me feel much better with lower SEs on the ADT.

[JRPnSD in reply to MateoBeach]

Hi MateoBeach. Thank you. It is too late for the initial shot...but next shot is scheduled for the 16th of Nov. Anyone have any research papers that show the 2 month approach and use of Estradiol Patch (dose?) is a practical approach to ADT? Many thanks.

[JRPnSD]

Hi MateoBeach. Thank you. It is too late for the initial shot...but next shot is scheduled for the 16th of Nov. Anyone have any research papers that show the 2 month approach and use of Estradiol Patch (dose?) is a practical approach to ADT? Many thanks.