Abarelix: Treatment for Prostate Cancer

Each year, millions of men suffer from symptoms of prostate enlargement. Of these, many men will seek out medical treatment and, unfortunately, be diagnosed with prostate cancer. In an effort to provide aggressive prostate cancer treatment, healthcare professionals, usually an oncologist, will develop specific treatment plans for men suffering from symptomatic, aggressive prostate cancer. As part of this aggressive treatment program, the use of an injection known as Abarelix, may be indicated. Understanding the use, dosing and side effects will equip men with a better understanding of the personal prostate treatment plan program.

Abarelix, manufactured by Praecis Pharmaceuticals, is used in the treatment of prostate cancer with success in slowing the progression of prostate cancer by reducing the level of testosterone. Dosing of Abarelix will depend on the stage in which the prostate cancer has progressed and the level of prostate cancer symptoms. As an injection, Abarelix is a convenient approach to fighting aggressive prostate cancer when given in 100 milligram doses once every two weeks over the first month and then monthly thereafter. Because severe side effects, attributed to an allergic reaction, are generally seen within the first few hours of administration of the first dose, prostate cancer patients, using Abarelix in treatment, should remain in the physician's office for up to one hour following the first injection to monitor for potential complications.

As with any FDA approved medication, Abarelix, in the treatment of prostate cancer, does not come without side effects. Side effects most common in the use of Abarelix may include back pain, edema including swelling around the face, arms, legs and chest. In addition, some patients, treating for prostate cancer, will suffer from flu type symptoms including runny nose, fever, sweating and diarrhea associated with Abarelix. In rare cases, syncope, skin rash with itching, tightness of chest with abnormal breathing may ensue and should be brought to the attention of the healthcare professional.

For individuals suffering from co-morbid health conditions, Abarelix is not indicated in the treatment of prostate cancer. Such conditions include cardiovascular complications, obesity and osteoporosis for which Abarelix may further complicate the co-morbid condition. In addition, as women do not possess a prostate, Abarelix should not be administered in females for any reason, even in those seeking to reduce levels of natural testosterone.

As with any form of cancer treatment, discussing options and side effects with the oncologist is crucial to obtaining optimal treatment outcomes. In men, when suffering from prostate cancer, discuss the use of Abarelix with the oncologist.