Do the lumps from Firmagon ever go aw... - Advanced Prostate...

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Do the lumps from Firmagon ever go away?

Grebit profile image
14 Replies

I had Firmagon May 2018 and Lupron since. One side is small and hard but the other is larger and softer. Has anyone experienced this?

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Grebit profile image
Grebit
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14 Replies
Andrevz profile image
Andrevz

Hi Grebit.. im still on Firmagon.. been 18 months.. my lumps went away

RyderLake2 profile image
RyderLake2

Hello, My experience of a year on Firmagon (degarelix) is that the swelling does go away after a couple of days. If it doesn't, the person giving you the injection might not be giving it to you correctly. Google "Firmagon and injection" for tips. Also make sure the medical practitioner alternates sides every month. Hope that helps.

dhccpa profile image
dhccpa

I've been on Lupron, but with the Lupron shortage, I got a 6-month Eligard shot in the arm in December. A mildly painful bump developed, but it is gone now.

farm15 profile image
farm15

I was on Firmagon for 12 months and it took almost 2 yrs for the hard and painful lumps if bumped to go away.

braddockroad profile image
braddockroad

I initially received Firmagon shots in February 2018 and then went on Lupron. Like farm15, the Firmagon lumps took 2 years to go away.

TJS-1 profile image
TJS-1

Same experience - several months for monthly maintenance shots, but a couple years for the first “loading dose” (which is a 2x shot/dose). Firmagon is delivered as a depot and timed release, so those hard lumps are the depot-reserve mechanism. These are separate issues from the general swelling and irritation at the injection site- that generally lasts 3-4 days for me after each shot. Apparently having belly fat will mitigate the irritation . . .???

JPnSD profile image
JPnSD

After 4 months of Firmagon, I've decided that the 3-4 days of pain and swelling and the hard plaques that form at the site of the injection and last almost 4 months....are no longer worth it. I begin oral Orgovix tablets tomorrow...and get to skip my monthly injection today. What a relief! Since the Orgovyx performs like Firmagon (no PSA Flare, etc.), I am keeping my fingers crossed that the side effects (hot flashes and lethargy mostly) will be the same...or if lucky less than the current situation. I will keep you posted on my progress. I hope to do a Patient Session on people's ADT experiences at this year's PCF Conference.

rmarkley profile image
rmarkley in reply toJPnSD

The only trouble with Orgovyx is that it is not approved for use with abiraterone. Firmagon is, hence I am staying on Firmagon. Otherwise my MO would have switched me to Orgovyx.

The depot lumps are a bit of a nuisance, but are not really painful or noticeable after 3-4 days. I have them do the injections as far around to the side as they can, since I am a stomach sleeper, and it was no fun lying on the first, albeit double injection.

TJS-1 profile image
TJS-1 in reply toJPnSD

Thanks JPnSD - please do report back on your experience with Orgovyx. I think many of us are interested in this alternative.

GeorgeGlass profile image
GeorgeGlass in reply toJPnSD

is there a study result that describes what the patients experienced in the trials when they were trying to get FDA approval? I'm curious if the pills will affect good gut bacteria and if vitamins and supplements should be given a few hours apart from this pills. Maybe you can raise these questions at the PCF conference. I just had an appt with Dr. Shore two days ago and he could not answer it. Maybe patients will have to look at blood tests to see if there are any abnormal results. What is the typical cost of the Orgovyx? Does insurance usually cover it?

GeorgeGlass profile image
GeorgeGlass in reply toJPnSD

This is all I can find about orgovyx trials:

I would like to know if people are getting the same T level reduction as they were on Lupron or Firmagon. <50 ng/dl doesnt cut the mustard. It needs to be at least <20.

"What are the benefits of this drug (results of trials used to assess efficacy)?

The primary efficacy outcome measure of the clinical trial was medical castration rate defined as achieving and maintaining serum testosterone suppression to castrate levels (< 50 ng/dL) by Day 29 through 48 weeks of treatment.

The efficacy results are shown in Table 1.

Table 1. Medical Castration Rates (Testosterone Concentrations < 50 ng/dL) from Day 29 through Week 48 in ORGOVYX-Treated Patients"

ARIES29 profile image
ARIES29

I was going on Firmagon soon but after reading the side effects here no way. Had Lupron but the side effects were too much so will try Orgovix tablets & post the results.The only thing that worked for me was the Lutethium 177 but they will not give it to me now, not even at $10,000 aud a shot?

GeorgeGlass profile image
GeorgeGlass

This is all I can find about orgovyx trials: I would like to know if people are getting the same T level reduction as they were on Lupron or Firmagon. <50 ng/dl doesnt cut the mustard. It needs to be at least <20.

"What are the benefits of this drug (results of trials used to assess efficacy)?

The primary efficacy outcome measure of the clinical trial was medical castration rate defined as achieving and maintaining serum testosterone suppression to castrate levels (< 50 ng/dL) by Day 29 through 48 weeks of treatment.

The efficacy results are shown in Table 1.

Table 1. Medical Castration Rates (Testosterone Concentrations < 50 ng/dL) from Day 29 through Week 48 in ORGOVYX-Treated Patients"

JPnSD profile image
JPnSD

I have been doing monthly PSA and T levels since starting Firmagon...so 4 months at undetectable PSA and 15-18 on T. Only one week on Orgovyx...so another 3 to go before a reading. Will let you know.

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