Why Testosterone and PSA Matter

Testosterone is a hormone that can stimulate prostate cancer growth⁷

Growth and function of the prostate gland depend on testosterone, a male sex hormone (or androgen) made mainly in the testicles.

Prostate cancer develops when cells of the prostate show uncontrolled growth—high levels of testosterone may fuel this growth.

The goal of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is to lower the level of testosterone in the body²

What to know about prostate-specific antigen (PSA)

PSA is a protein produced by cells in the prostate gland. When PSA levels are high on blood tests, it can mean that cells in the prostate gland are abnormal.⁴

Because PSA levels are often elevated in men with prostate cancer, it is used to help diagnose it and track the effects of treatment. As part of treatment, you will likely have regular tests to check your PSA level.⁸*

WHILE NO PARTICULAR PSA LEVEL IS CONSIDERED “NORMAL” OR “ABNORMAL,” THE CLASSIFICATIONS BELOW ARE OFTEN USED^4,6

Classifying chart showing a downward slope of columns: >20 ng/mL as elevated, >10 to 20 ng/mL as moderately elevated, >2.5 to 10 ng/mL as slighty-to-moderately elevated, and 0 to 2.5 ng/mL as low

FIRMAGON began reducing testosterone on day 1 by 88% and maintained PSA reduction over 12 months of treatment^1,9

PSA is a measure that may indicate that your prostate cancer has gotten worse. These results, which show a reduction of PSA, should be interpreted carefully. There is no proof that how quickly PSA drops has clinical benefit. Therefore, PSA level should not be seen on its own as evidence of the effectiveness of FIRMAGON.¹

Understanding APC How Firmagon Works

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Indication

FIRMAGON^® (degarelix for injection) is a prescription medicine used in the treatment of advanced prostate cancer.

Important Safety Information

Do not receive FIRMAGON if you are allergic to degarelix or any of the ingredients in FIRMAGON
FIRMAGON can cause serious side effects.

Serious allergic reactions. Get medical help right away if you get any of these symptoms:

Trouble breathing or wheezing
Severe itching
Swelling of your face, lips, mouth, or tongue

Disorders of the heart’s electrical activity. Your healthcare provider may do tests during treatment with FIRMAGON to check your heart for a condition called long QT syndrome.

Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not take FIRMAGON. FIRMAGON can harm an unborn baby when given to a pregnant woman.
Before receiving FIRMAGON, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you have any heart problems including a condition called long QT syndrome, have problems with blood levels such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, have kidney or liver problems.
The common side effects of FIRMAGON include: hot flashes, injection site pain, redness and swelling, weight loss or gain, increase in some liver enzymes, decreased sex drive, and erectile function problems.

Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that bother you or that does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also contact Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc. at 1-888-FERRING.