Degarelix Reconstitution: Shaking Duration
Degarelix should NOT be shaken at all during reconstitution—instead, swirl the vial gently until the liquid is clear with no powder or visible particles. 1
Critical Reconstitution Instructions
The FDA label explicitly warns against shaking the vial, as this will cause bubbles that interfere with proper reconstitution. 1 After adding Sterile Water for Injection to the degarelix powder, the correct technique involves:
- Swirl gently with the syringe still attached to the vial adapter until the liquid is completely clear 1
- If powder adheres to the vial sides, tilt the vial slightly rather than shaking 1
- Reconstitution typically takes only a few minutes but can require up to 15 minutes 1
- A ring of small air bubbles on the liquid surface is acceptable 1
Concentration-Specific Reconstitution
The reconstitution process differs based on whether you're preparing the starting or maintenance dose:
Starting dose (240 mg): Each 120 mg vial is reconstituted with 3 mL Sterile Water for Injection to achieve a concentration of 40 mg/mL 1
Maintenance dose (80 mg): The 80 mg vial is reconstituted with 4.2 mL Sterile Water for Injection to achieve a concentration of 20 mg/mL 1
Time-Sensitive Administration
The reconstituted drug must be administered within one hour after adding Sterile Water for Injection. 1 This narrow window emphasizes the importance of proper technique without delays caused by excessive shaking or improper mixing.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Never shake the vial—this creates excessive bubbles that prolong reconstitution time and may interfere with accurate dosing 1
- Do not touch the vial adapter or vial top after wiping with alcohol to maintain sterility 1
- Ensure aseptic technique throughout the entire reconstitution process 1
- Discard any reconstituted solution not used within one hour 1