New Relugolix Tablet

Hello DancerT . I can't answer your question about availability in the UK but my husband was switched from Prostap, which he had been on for almost 5 years, to Relugolix (Orgovyx) about 7 weeks ago. He found that his testosterone dropped from around 15 to 5ng/dL very rapidly. As we live in Greece we are aware of the cost of treatments and by comparison the Prostap 3 is 250 Euros compared to 190Euros for a months supply of Relugolix so you might find some resistance if this is taken into account. In my husband's case he has had no additional side effects although I have noticed that he is a little more emotional. 

I hope you get some more relevant replies but good luck in getting it.

Hi DancerT

I asked my oncologist about swapping from 4 weekly Degarelix injections onto Relugolix in December, at that time the trust hadn't approved it. However fast forward 6 months to the beginning of June and at my 6 monthly meeting with him I asked him if there was any update on it, to my surprise it was yes it's been approved and would you like to go on it.....yes please. I was due my next injection this coming Thursday 19th at my GP practice, however my 8 week treatment appointment is on Friday 20th therefore he's arranging for me to collect them then. 

When I asked in December he queried who would pay for them, the hospital or my GP, my response was I'm sure my GP will be happy to as Degarelix was approx £135 every 4 weeks plus taking up a nurse appointment whereas Relugolix is £85 for 28 days supply (December 2024 prices). I did read in the guidance that the consultant should prescribe and monitor initially before passing it over to my GP so in time that may happen. All I know is I'll be glad to stop the Degarelix as the pain at the injection site could be horrendous for up to 7 days

Hi my OH had 1 zoladex implant and was due his next 3 month one last week.  After discussion with his oncologist having completed 33 sun bed sessions it was agreed he would go on Relugolix which he started last week.  Doesn't appear to be any problem in getting these

Hello

Thank you for your responses.

We had an appointment this week with the Oncologist and he has said I need to give Prostap a fair crack, but it may be available later in the year, in our region. This is a fair response. Fingers crossed!

It would just make life so much easier to take a tablet once a day. 

Hello Alwayshope

I hope you are well. Ive been reading the discussion re Relugolix. I asked our Oncologist (Clatterbridge Wirral,England) and it was not yet avain our region. I will research again given optimistic comments on here.

A brief update (me brief??) 

Hisband had 5th chemo (70%) doing very well. Listens to his body, but busy and active.

Last psa 5 days ago 1.63.  Consistently dropped from that 4.432 in Oct 24. 

He had quite a bit of dependant oedema this time, reducing now 3 days Dexamethazone finished. 

Sending everyone all best wishes .

Sue

Hi Suekee

It's now been approved by the powers that be at Clatterbridge, I collected mine on Friday along with my Darolutamide

Hi Sprinter

Thank you for such helpful sharing about Relugolix from Clatterbridge.  We will discuss it again when we see the Oncologist in September. That is good news. We hope you have a smooth change over and good results from it. 

It was interesting to read your bio, thank goodness for Charlie! You are about 6 months ahead of us in this journey via Clatterbridge. 

When I walk our dog I regularly see 2 collie dogs & owners.  I shall think of you.

Sending all good wishes

Sue 

At the moment I can’t comment on any outcomes from Relugolix, however I know from my own research that the clinical trials suggest a decreased risk of a cardiac event - something that’s quite important to me! Unfortunately when I asked my consultant to prescribe it he flatly refused saying that there’s insufficient real world evidence to give him confidence. So for now it’s Prostap - just had my first quarterly injection.

Relugolix is a GnRH Antagonist, like Firmagon/Degarelix.
Zoladex, Prostap/Staladex/Lupron/Eligard, and Decapeptl are all GnRH Agonists.

The GnRH Antagonists have a slightly lower incidence of causing cardiovascular events. They also don't need the 28 days of Bicalutamide when starting them. They are much faster acting, typically 2 days versus 3 weeks (which can be important for someone initially diagnosed with painful bone mets).

Disclosure: I am a patient consultant for Accord who sell Relugolix in Europe.

Thank you for the clarification Andy62, am I right in thinking that when use of Relugolix ceases that side effects also end and do so more quickly than with Prostap?

I confess that I am really disappointed with the attitude of my consultant, when my wife and I met with him I began challenging his position but my wife asked me to step back a little and just get started on medication - meaning Prostap.

Since I’ve just had a three month injection at the GP I have a little time and I’m veering toward asking for a second opinion.