Relugolix is used to treat prostate cancer in men. It is
not a cure. Most types of prostate cancer need the hormone testosterone to
grow and spread. Relugolix works by reducing the amount of testosterone
that the body makes. This helps slow or stop the growth of cancer
cells.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start using relugolix and each time you get a
refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as
directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Swallow the tablets whole. Do
not chew, crush, or split the tablets.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and other
medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist
about all the products you use (including prescription drugs,
nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Do not increase your dose or take this drug more often
than directed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of
side effects will increase.
Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each
day.
Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and
lungs and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become
pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the
tablets.
Hot flashes (flushing), muscle/joint pain, tiredness,
constipation, and diarrhea may occur. Reduced sexual interest/ability and
weight gain may also occur as a result of lowered testosterone levels. If
any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- signs of kidney problems (such as a change in the amount of
urine)
- easy bleeding/bruising
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious
side effects, including:
- chest pain
- fast/slow/irregular heartbeat
- severe dizziness
- fainting
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking relugolix, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product
may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or
other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history.
Relugolix may cause a condition that affects the heart
rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely
fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe
dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right
away.
The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have
certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT
prolongation. Before using relugolix, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all
the drugs you take and if you have any of the following
conditions:
- certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT
prolongation in the EKG)
- family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in
the EKG, sudden cardiac death)
Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may
also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you
use certain drugs (such as diuretics/"water pills") or if you have
conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your
doctor about using relugolix safely.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects
of this drug, especially QT prolongation (see above).
This medication should not be used by women, especially
during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Consult your doctor for more
details. Men with female partners of childbearing age should use reliable
forms of birth control during treatment and for 2 weeks after stopping
treatment. If your partner becomes pregnant or thinks she may be pregnant,
tell the doctor right away.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Other medications can affect the removal of relugolix
from your body, which may affect how relugolix works. Examples include
erythromycin, among others.
This medication may interfere with certain lab tests
(including pituitary gonadal function), possibly causing false test
results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this
drug.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as PSA/testosterone
levels, liver function, blood glucose, triglyceride levels) should be done
while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab
appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If
it is more than 12 hours after the missed dose, skip the missed dose. Take
your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store in original container at room temperature away
from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep the drying
agent (desiccant) in the bottle. Tightly close the bottle when not in use.
Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.