8.5.3.1 Anti-gonadotrophin-releasing hormones

Specialist initiation only. Maintenance prescribing may be continued in primary care following initiation and administration of the starting dose in secondary care.

Degarelix for the treatment of advanced hormone-dependent prostate cancer should be initiated by a specialist who will prescribe the initial supply. The first dose of 240mg will be administered in Secondary care. Subsequent monthly SC injections of 80mg will be arranged by the GP and given in primary care. The responsibility for stopping treatment due to lack of effect or side effects remains with the specialist