Abarelix

Abarelix is prescribed to men who have advanced prostate cancer that doesn’t respond well to other drugs. Patients take this drug in order to avoid castration if anti-cancer drugs don’t work. The drug is injected into the patient’s system in order to lower testosterone levels and inhibit cancer growth.

Warnings/Side Effects

Abarelix can cause a serious allergic reaction in some men within 30 minutes of onset. Men should take this injection only in a doctor’s office and should be monitored for 30 minutes to make sure they are not having symptoms of an allergic reaction such as face swelling, unusual itching or hives.

Other side effects include:

• Hot flashes
• Breast enlargement/pain
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea or constipation

  This drug is not intended for use by women. If it is used by a woman for an off-label purpose, she should be aware that it can cause serious birth defects.