Comparison
Carbetocin vs. Degarelix
Two peptides side-by-side — identity, evidence base, legal status and known adverse events.
Identity
Category
Research other
Research other
CAS no.
37025-55-1
214766-78-6
Molecular weight
no data
1632.3 g/mol
Half-life
0.67 h
1320 h
Sequence
no data
Ac-D-2Nal-D-4Cpa-D-3Pal-Ser-4Aph(Hor)-D-4Aph(Cbm)-Leu-Ilys-Pro-D-Ala-NH2Mechanism of action
Carbetocin
Carbetocin is an oxytocin receptor agonist with prolonged duration. It triggers a sustained contraction of the uterus after birth, preventing atonic hemorrhage — unlike oxytocin, without a multi-hour infusion.
Degarelix
Degarelix is a competitive GnRH receptor antagonist. It binds reversibly and immediately to the pituitary GnRH receptors and blocks their activation. This rapidly suppresses the release of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which in turn lowers testosterone production in the testes. Unlike GnRH agonists (e.g., leuprorelin), which first cause a transient stimulation with a testosterone surge (flare), this direct antagonism lacks the initial stimulation phase, so testosterone declines without a preceding rise. This mechanism underlies the literature-described use in hormone-dependent prostate cancer.
Evidence base
Highest evidence
Human RCT
Human RCT
Studies
1
4
of which in humans
1
4
Effects recorded
2
4
Open conflicts
0
1
Documented adverse events
1
2
Legal status
Full entries
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between Carbetocin and Degarelix?
- Carbetocin is classified as "Research other", while Degarelix is classified as "Research other". Carbetocin: Carbetocin is a long-acting synthetic oxytocin analog (half-life ~40 minutes). It prevents postpartum hemorrhage as a single injection. Approved in Canada and the UK among others, NOT in the US. Degarelix: Degarelix (trade name Firmagon) is a synthetic decapeptide and a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor antagonist. Unlike GnRH agonists, it blocks the receptor directly and does not trigger an initial testosterone surge (flare). It is an approved prescription medicine for the treatment of advanced, hormone-dependent prostate cancer. This page neutrally summarizes the evidence base and legal status and is not a usage or dosing recommendation. This page contrasts both neutrally and source-based — with no usage or dosing recommendation.
- Which peptide is better supported by science, Carbetocin or Degarelix?
- The highest available evidence level is "Human RCT" for Carbetocin and "Human RCT" for Degarelix. A higher evidence level means more robust data, but says nothing about suitability for an individual. The full body of evidence is on each peptide's own page.
- What is the legal status of Carbetocin and Degarelix in Germany and the United States?
- Germany: Carbetocin — Prescription, Degarelix — Prescription. United States: Carbetocin — Unapproved, Degarelix — Prescription. These are factual summaries with source and review date on the individual pages.