Relugolix

• Relugolix is used to treat adult men with advanced prostate cancer

When should one not use Relugolix

• If you are allergic to relugolix or any other ingredient in this medicine, as a serious allergic reaction may occur

Common side effects of this drug are:

• Hot flushes and sweating
• Muscle and joint pain (musculoskeletal pain), including back pain, bone pain, and pain in the limbs
• Fatigue and weakness
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Increased blood sugar and triglyceride levels
• Decreased haemoglobin levels
• Low red blood cell count (anaemia), causing tiredness and breathlessness
• Breast swelling or tenderness (gynaecomastia)
• Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
• Feeling low or depressed
• Dizziness and headache
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Nausea
• Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) and skin rash
• Reduced sex drive (libido decreased)
• Weight gain
• Increased liver enzyme levels
• Hives (urticaria) and swelling under the skin (angioedema)
• Bone thinning (osteoporosis and osteopenia)
• Heart attack (myocardial infarction).
• Serious side effects requiring medical attention
• Allergic reactions, including angioedema
• Changes in the electrical activity of the heart (QT prolongation), particularly in patients with risk factors or medicines that also prolong the QT interval
• Cardiovascular problems associated with long-term androgen deprivation therapy
• Tell your doctor right away if you develop chest pain, an irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, fainting, or swelling of the face or throat.

Other General Warnings

• You develop chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden weakness, or numbness, as hormone therapy may increase cardiovascular risk.
• You have irregular heartbeats, dizziness, or fainting, as relugolix may affect heart rhythm.
• You have heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol, as treatment may affect cardiovascular and metabolic health.
• You develop swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, hives, or a widespread rash, which may indicate an allergic reaction.
• You have liver or severe kidney problems, as your doctor may need to monitor you more closely.
• You take P-gp inhibitors or strong CYP3A/P-gp inducers, as they can change relugolix levels.
• You develop bone pain or fractures, as long-term testosterone suppression can reduce bone density.
• You plan to have children, as treatment may affect fertility. Discuss fertility preservation with your doctor before starting treatment if appropriate.
• Take Relugolix exactly as your doctor prescribed. You can take it with or without food.
• Take it at about the same time each day.
• If treatment is interrupted for more than 7 days, contact your doctor before restarting.
• Unlike some older hormone injections, Relugolix does not cause an initial testosterone surge when treatment starts.
• Have your blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and bone health monitored regularly during treatment.
• Tell your doctor immediately if you develop chest pain, an irregular heartbeat, fainting, severe dizziness, or swelling of the face or throat.
• Men with partners who could become pregnant should follow their doctor's advice about contraception during treatment and after stopping treatment.
• Tell your doctors, dentists, and emergency healthcare providers that you are taking Relugolix.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.

How Does It Work?

Interactions with other medicines

• Some medicines can increase relugolix levels and may increase the risk of side effects. Your doctor may adjust treatment or monitor you more closely.
• Rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, and St. John’s wort can lower relugolix levels and may make it less effective. Generally, avoid these combinations unless your doctor advises otherwise.
• Medicines that can cause irregular heart rhythms should be used with caution, particularly if you have other risk factors for heart rhythm problems.
• Tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products you take, especially medicines for heart problems, seizures, infections, or cancer.
• Your doctor should review potential interactions before combining relugolix with other cancer medicines such as abiraterone, enzalutamide, darolutamide, or docetaxel.

Interactions with food items

Overdose

Missed a Dose