Plenaxis (Abarelix) Patient Information: Side Effects and Drug Images at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Plenaxis

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The prostate gland is an organ that is located at the base or outlet (neck) of the urinary bladder. (See the diagram that follows.) The gland surrounds the first part of the urethra. The urethra is the passage through which urine drains from the bladder to exit from the penis. One function of the prostate gland is to help control urination by pressing directly against the part of the urethra that it surrounds. The main function of the prostate gland is to produce some of the substances that are found in normal semen, such as minerals and sugar. Semen is the fluid that transports the sperm to assist with reproduction. A man can manage quite well, however, without his prostate gland. (See the section on surgical treatment for prostate cancer.)

In a young man, the normal prostate gland is the size of a walnut (<30g). During normal aging, however, the gland usually grows larger. This hormone-related enlargement with aging is called b...

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Plenaxis

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Please Note: This Brand Name drug is no longer available in the US.
(Generic versions may still be available.)

Plenaxis Patient Information Including Side Effects

Brand Names: Plenaxis

Generic Name: abarelix (Pronunciation: a BAR eh lix)

What is abarelix (Plenaxis)?

Abarelix reduces the amount of testosterone produced in the body.

Abarelix is used in the palliative treatment of advanced prostate cancer.

Abarelix may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of abarelix (Plenaxis)?

In some cases, the use of abarelix has resulted in serious allergic reactions. An allergic reaction may occur after any injection of the medication, including, but not limited to the first dose. Patients should be observed in the doctor's office for at least 30 minutes following each dose so that immediate treatment of an allergic reaction can be obtained if needed.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Talk to your doctor if you experience

hot flashes;
sleep disturbances;
breast enlargement or pain;
diarrhea or constipation;
swelling;
nausea;
dizziness;
headache;
fatigue; or
changes with or difficulty urinating.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What is the most important information I should know about abarelix (Plenaxis)?

Treatment with abarelix may become less effective over time in some patients. Monitoring blood levels of testosterone will be done on a regular basis with blood tests to monitor the effectiveness of the medication.

Abarelix is not intended for use by women. Abarelix is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that abarelix will cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not use this medication if you are pregnant or if you could become pregnant during treatment.

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