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Home > Drug Category > Prostate Medication (BPH) > Orgovyx and Equivalent

Orgovyx Information

Orgovyx (Relugolix) is primarily used to treat advanced prostate cancer in adult men. It is typically used in patients who respond well to hormonal therapy. Advanced prostate cancer involves cancer cells that have spread beyond the prostate or are no longer well-controlled with local treatments. These cells typically rely heavily on testosterone for growth, hence why hormonal therapy (androgen-deprivation therapy) is central to the management of this condition.

Relugolix belongs to the class of medications called gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonists. Since most prostate cancer cells rely on the hormone testosterone to grow, relugolix’s effectiveness stems from blocking the gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptors in the pituitary gland, which, in turn, stops the body from signaling the testicles to produce testosterone. This rapid and significant drop in testosterone, sometimes called medical castration, starves the cancer cells of the hormone they need to survive and multiply.

Unlike some older medications with the same effects, Relugolix lowers testosterone levels much faster. This can be particularly beneficial for patients who require a prompt reduction in their testosterone.

Orgovyx Side Effects

Because this medication works by dramatically lowering testosterone, many of the side effects are similar to symptoms of low testosterone, though others are metabolic.

Some common side effects include hot flashes (flushing), muscle and joint pain, tiredness, constipation, diarrhea, reduced sexual interest and ability, and weight gain. Contact your doctor if these mild side effects persist or worsen. Others include increased blood sugar levels and increased blood fat (triglyceride) levels.

Stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects, including the following:
• Allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, body itching, body rash, skin blistering, swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, lips, or throat;
• Signs of abnormal electrical activity of the heart, such as dizziness, fainting, chest pain, and feeling that your heart is pounding or racing

Orgovyx Precautions

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to relugolix, other ingredients in Orgovyx, or any other medications. Before you start taking this medication, ensure that you inform your doctor about any prior or current medical conditions, including the following:
• Electrolyte imbalances such as low potassium in the blood;
• Heart disease;

This medication should not be used or handled by pregnant women as it can be absorbed into the body through the skin, potentially causing harm to the unborn fetus and loss of pregnancy. Men taking this medication should make use of effective forms of birth control methods during treatment and until 2 weeks after stopping this medication, especially when they have a female partner of childbearing age. This medication may cause fertility problems in men, which may affect your ability to father children. Talk to your doctor if this is a concern for you. Inform your doctor if your partner gets pregnant while you are taking this medication.

Some medications, such as antibiotics, may interact with relugolix, causing adverse drug interactions. Therefore, before using this medication, please inform your doctor about any other medications you are currently taking, including herbal medicines and supplements, to determine whether it is safe to use with Orgovyx. Take Orgovyx tablets orally as directed, with or without food. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose and duration of treatment for you, taking other factors into account. Swallow each tablet whole; do not chew or crush it. Do not take more than two doses within 12 hours to make up for a missed dose. Take this medication regularly as directed by your doctor for optimal effectiveness. Store this medication at room temperature (below 30°C) and keep it away from children and pets.

Do I need a prescription to order Orgovyx?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Orgovyx.