Relugolix
About Relugolix
Relugolix is indicated for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer in adult male patients. Advanced prostate cancer is a type of cancer that has spread beyond the prostate gland to other parts of the body. It is also known as metastatic prostate cancer.
Relugolix contains Relugolix, which works by blocking the production of testosterone, a hormone that is required by the prostate cancer cells to grow. Thereby, it helps slow or stop the growth and spread of advanced prostate cancer.
In some cases, Relugolix may cause side effects such as hot flashes, muscle pain, joint pain, diarrhoea, constipation, fatigue, sleeplessness and enlargement of the breasts. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, consult the doctor if any of these side effects persist or worsen.
Do not take Relugolix if you are allergic to any of its components. Relugolix may cause tiredness and sleepiness; therefore, do not drive or operate machinery unless you are alert. This medicine is not recommended for use in children and females. Keep the doctor informed about your health conditions and medications to prevent any interactions.
Uses of Relugolix
• Prostate Cancer Treatment: Relugolix used to treat advanced prostate cancer by lowering testosterone levels, thus slowing the cancer growth through GnRH receptor antagonism.
Medicinal Benefits
Relugolix contains Relugolix, which belongs to the group of medications called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor antagonists. It is used to treat advanced prostate cancer in adult men. Relugolix works by blocking the production of testosterone, a hormone that is required by the prostate cancer cells to grow. Thereby, it helps slow or stop the growth and spread of advanced prostate cancer.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Relugolix
- Hot flush
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Muscle and joint pain
- Tiredness
- Gynaecomastia (breast enlargement in men)
- Headache
- Hair loss
- Decreased interest in sex
- Nausea
Drug Warnings
Do not take Relugolix if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Inform your doctor if you or anyone in your family has or has ever had QT syndrome (changes in the heart's electrical activity). Also, tell your doctor if you have or have ever had an electrolyte imbalance, heart failure, diabetes, high triglycerides, anaemia, or kidney/liver problems. Relugolix is not recommended for use in women and children below 18 years; it is intended only for use in adult men. Inform your doctor about all the prescription and non-prescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking to rule out potential interactions.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Inform the doctor if you are taking calcium channel blocker (diltiazem), antiretroviral (nirmatrelvir+ritonavir), antacid (famotidine), antihistamine (fexofenadine), or laxative (polyethylene glycol).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have QT prolongation.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is not known if alcohol affects Relugolix. Consult your doctor for guidance.
Pregnancy
unsafeIt is unsafe to use Relugolix during pregnancy as it may harm your unborn baby and cause loss of pregnancy (miscarriage). However, Relugolix is not recommended for use in women as safety and effectiveness are not established.
Breast Feeding
unsafeIt is not known if Relugolix passes into your breast milk. However, Relugolix is not recommended for use in women as safety and effectiveness are not established.
Driving
cautionRelugolix may cause tiredness and dizziness. Do not drive unless you are alert.
Liver
cautionExercise caution before taking Relugolix in case of pre-existing liver disease. Please consult the doctor if you have any concerns.
Kidney
cautionRelugolix should be taken with caution if you have severe kidney disease. Consult your doctor if you have kidney problems.
Children
unsafeRelugolix is not recommended for use in children below 18 years, as safety and effectiveness are not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Focus on whole, unprocessed foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
- Increase omega-3 fatty acids by including flax seeds, fatty fish, and walnuts in your diet.
- Limit or avoid processed meats like hot dogs, sausages, and bacon, as well as red meat like beef, pork, and lamb.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and limiting sugary drinks.
- Maintain a healthy weight, as excess weight can increase the risk of prostate cancer progression.
- Try stress-reducing techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.
Special Advise
- Men with female partners who are able to become pregnant should use effective contraception during treatment and for 2 weeks after the last dose.
- Relugolix may decrease fertility in men, so it is essential to discuss the risks with your doctor if you are planning to father children.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Advanced prostate cancer: Advanced prostate cancer, also referred to as metastatic prostate cancer, is a stage where cancer cells have migrated beyond the prostate gland to distant parts of the body, such as bones, lymph nodes, or other organs. Although a cure is typically not possible at this stage, various treatments, including hormone therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, can effectively slow disease progression, alleviate symptoms, and enhance the patient's overall quality of life.
FAQs
Relugolix belongs to the group of medications called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor antagonists. It is used for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer in adult men.
Relugolix contains Relugolix, which works by blocking the production of testosterone, a hormone that is required by the prostate cancer cells to grow. Thereby, it helps slow or stop the growth and spread of advanced prostate cancer.
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms of QT prolongation (changes in the electrical activity of the heart), such as dizziness, fainting, palpitations, or chest pain. Watch for signs of allergic reactions, including swelling, trouble breathing, or rash. Additionally, seek help if you have sudden numbness, confusion, vision loss, or trouble walking.
Relugolix may cause diarrhoea as a common side effect. If you experience this side effect, drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, eat non-spicy meals, and take probiotics. Consult your doctor if diarrhoea persists. Do not take antidiarrheal medications on your own.
The common side effects of Relugolix include hot flashes, decreased sexual desire, weight gain, muscle pain, joint pain, diarrhoea, constipation, fatigue, difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, depression, and enlargement of the breast. Consult the doctor if any of these side effects persist or worsen.
Yes, Relugolix may cause fertility problems in males, affecting your ability to father children. Consult the doctor if you have any concerns.
No, this medicine may harm your unborn baby and cause loss of pregnancy (miscarriage) if used during pregnancy. Relugolix is indicated for use in adult men. It is not recommended for use in women as the safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Yes, males with female partners of reproductive potential should use contraception (effective birth control) during treatment with Relugolix and for 2 weeks after the last dose.
