abarelix, a gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist. ▪ INDICATIONS: This drug is used in palliative treatment of prostate cancer. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: Pregnancy, latex allergy, lactation, and known hypersensitivity to this drug prohibit its use. It is also contraindicated for use in children. ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: Adverse effects of this drug include breast enlargement, nipple tenderness, pain on injection, local site reactions, and decreased bone density (with long-term treatment). Life-threatening side effects include anaphylaxis and systemic allergic reaction. Common side effects include headache, dizziness, fatigue, sleep disturbance, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, dysuria, urinary frequency, urinary retention, urinary tract infection, pain (including back pain), and hot flashes.
