What is Zoladex (goserelin)?

Zoladex, also known as goserelin, is a prescription medication used in the treatment of various conditions influenced by hormones. It belongs to a class of drugs called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists. Zoladex works by suppressing the production of certain hormones in the body, such as estrogen or testosterone. It is commonly used in the treatment of prostate cancer, breast cancer, endometriosis, and certain gynecological disorders. Zoladex is administered via subcutaneous implant, typically placed under the skin of the abdomen, and provides a slow and continuous release of the medication over a specified period. The treatment duration and dosage may vary depending on the specific condition being treated. Regular monitoring and consultation with a healthcare professional are important for optimal management and potential side effects.

Zoladex (Goserelin)
Zoladex
Goserelin Acetate
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Prescription Required.Product of Canada.Shipped from Canada.

What is Zoladex (goserelin)?

Zoladex is an implant medication prescribed for the treatment of breast cancer and endometriosis in women and prostate cancer in men. Zoladex is administered under the skin by a healthcare provider.

Zoladex belongs to the drug class, antineoplastics, classified as a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH). These medications work by targeting and reducing certain hormones such as estrogen and testosterone.

What are the Indications for Zoladex?

In women, Zoladex is used to reduce and manage symptoms of breast cancer in patients who are perimenopausal or premenopausal. Zoladex may also be used to manage endometriosis symptoms as well as to treat endometriosis by thinning the lining of the uterus.

In men, Zoladex is used in combination with flutamide to manage locally confined prostate cancer. Zoladex may also be used to manage symptoms of advanced prostate cancer.

Zoladex is not recommended if you are allergic to Zoladex, have a known hypersensitivity to GnRH or GnRH agonist analogs, or have any sensitivity to any ingredients in Zoladex.

How is Zoladex used?

Storage

Zoladex will be stored by your healthcare provider. Zoladex should be stored in a cool, dry place below 25°C.

Instruction

Zoladex will be administered by your healthcare provider as follows:

  1. Clean the targeted abdomen area with alcohol.
  2. Remove the syringe from the storage pouch and inspect for any damage.
  3. Pinch the targeted abdomen skin and hold the needle at a 30° to 45° angle.
  4. Inject the needle until the sleeve touches the abdomen skin.
  5. Depress the plunger until you hear a “click”.
  6. Withdraw the needle and dispose of in an approved sharps container.

Dosage

Zoladex is available as an injectable implant form in the following strengths: 3.6 mg and 10.8 mg.

Zoladex is an implant that will be injected into your skin in the abdomen area either every 3 months or every 28 days depending on your treatment plan. The implant will slowly release the medication into your body until it is time for your next injection.

It is important to keep your appointments and reschedule any missed appointments as soon as possible. Missing appointments could result in a lapse between treatments and result in your cancer growing quicker.

Side Effects

It’s important to understand that although Zoladex is FDA-approved, it comes with side effects that may or may not affect you.

Before starting Zoladex, you should discuss possible side effects with your doctor or pharmacist.

Common Side Effects

Not all side effects require medical attention. As your body adjusts to Zoladex, side effects may go away.

Tell your doctor if you experience the following symptoms, and they become severe or do not go away on their own:

  • Swelling at the injection site
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Hot flashes/flushing
  • Increased sweating
  • Nausea
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Hair loss
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Change in breast sizes
  • Change in testicle sizes
  • Decreased sexual interest

Serious Side Effects

Severe adverse reactions while taking Zoladex can occur. Contact your doctor immediately, seek emergency medical care or call 911 if you experience any of the following symptoms:

  • Severe allergic reaction: severe rash or itching, swelling in the face, lips, tongue, or throat, rapid heartbeat, fainting or dizziness, or problems breathing or swallowing.
  • Stomach pain or swelling
  • Mental disruption (hallucinations, depression, mood swings, etc.)
  • Pain during intercourse for women
  • Breast pain or tenderness
  • Bone pain or broken bone
  • Burning feeling in vagina
  • Burning feeling in feet or toes
  • Severe back pain
  • Blood in urine
  • Painful or difficulty urinating
  • Stroke or heart attack

The information above does not list all possible side effects. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you experience any side effects not listed. You or your doctor may report side effects to the FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings & Precautions

Before taking Zoladex, tell your doctor or pharmacist:

  • If you are allergic to any medications such as Zoladex or any ingredients in Zoladex
  • If you have or have had a known hypersensitivity to GnRH or GnRH agonist analogs
  • If you have or have had diabetes
  • If you have or have had bone loss or a family history of bone loss (osteoporosis)
  • If you have or have had unexplained vaginal bleeding
  • If you have or have had heart disease including heart attacks
  • If you have or have had high cholesterol
  • If you have or have had a stroke
  • If you have or have had urinary blockage issues in men
  • If you have or have had spinal cord issues in men
  • If you are or plan to become pregnant
  • If you are or plan to breastfeed

Diabetes

Taking Zoladex can fluctuate your blood sugar making it harder to control. Consult with your doctor regularly while taking Zoladex to keep your blood sugar levels under control. Your doctor may have to adjust your diabetes care treatment while you’re taking Zoladex.

Hypercalcemia

Taking Zoladex may cause you to have hypercalcemia where you have higher levels of calcium in your blood than normal. Your doctor will monitor and provide treatment, as necessary.

QT Prolongation

Taking Zoladex may increase your risk for QT prolongation resulting in irregular or fast heartbeats, especially if you are already taking other medications that put you at risk for QT prolongation. Taking Zoladex can also increase your risk if you have, have had, or have a family history of heart problems.

Though rare, QT prolongation can cause serious symptoms requiring immediate medical attention including severe irregular heartbeats, dizziness, and fainting. Consult with your doctor if you have any symptoms or concerns.

Pregnant or Planning to Become Pregnant

Taking Zoladex while pregnant is not recommended and can harm your unborn baby. Consult with your doctor on non-hormonal birth control options before using Zoladex. If you plan on becoming pregnant after taking Zoladex, wait 12 weeks after the last dose or until your period starts again to attempt to conceive.

Breastfeeding or Planning to Breastfeed

Taking Zoladex while breastfeeding is not recommended. There is not enough research to show if Zoladex will pass onto breastmilk and its implications to the infant. Consult with your healthcare provider before starting Zoladex.

Interactions & Contraindications

Before taking Zoladex, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you take any medications, herbal supplements, or vitamins. Currently, there are no known drug interactions with Zoladex and other medications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Revatio is a medication prescribed to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension and improve the blood flow between the patient’s heart and lungs.

The active ingredient in Zoladex is goserelin.

Zoladex may contain the following inactive ingredients: lactide/glycolide copolymer.

Zoladex is available in injectable form in the following strengths: 3.6 mg and 10.8 mg.

In women, Zoladex is used to reduce and manage symptoms of breast cancer for those who are perimenopausal or premenopausal. Zoladex may also be used to manage endometriosis and treat infertility.

In men, Zoladex is used in combination with flutamide to manage locally confined prostate cancer and to manage symptoms of advanced prostate cancer.

In women, Zoladex is used to reduce and manage symptoms of breast cancer for those who are perimenopausal or premenopausal. Zoladex may also be used to manage endometriosis and treat infertility.

In men, Zoladex is used in combination with flutamide to manage locally confined prostate cancer and to manage symptoms of advanced prostate cancer.

Zoladex is approved for patients 18 years of age and older.

You should not use Zoladex if you are allergic to Zoladex, have a known hypersensitivity to GnRH or GnRH agonist analogs, or have any sensitivity to any ingredients in Zoladex

Serious allergic reactions include severe rash or itching, swelling in the face, lips, tongue, or throat, rapid heartbeat, fainting or dizziness, or problems breathing or swallowing.

You should also not use Zoladex if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

Common side effects include Swelling at the injection site, Dizziness, Headache, Hot flashes/flushing, Increased sweating, Nausea, Difficulty sleeping, Hair loss, Vaginal dryness, Change in breast sizes, Change in testicle sizes, and Decreased sexual interest.

Although not very common, there are some side effects that last even after stopping Zoladex. These side effects include weak bones or decreased bone mineral density and increased risk for heart problems.

Contact your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms or concerns: severe allergic reaction, stomach pain or swelling, mental disruption (hallucinations, depression, mood swings, etc.), pain during intercourse for women, breast pain or tenderness, bone pain or broken bone, burning feeling in vagina, burning feeling in feet or toes, severe back pain, blood in urine, painful or difficulty urinating, or stroke or heart attack.

Zoladex is not a chemotherapy medication. Zoladex is a targeted therapy that works to block the growth of certain cancer cells from growing.

Zoladex will be given as an injection by a healthcare provider. After the injection, your healthcare provider will schedule the next injection appointment to ensure there is no lapse in treatment until your therapy ends.

Taking Zoladex can result in a condition called hypercalcemia where there is more calcium in your blood than normal. This can cause your bones to become weak making them easier to break. Your doctor will monitor your calcium level and start therapy as needed to reduce this impact.

The duration is dependent on your diagnosis and therapy treatment plan. Continue taking Zoladex until your doctor discontinues therapy. In the event you experience any severe side effects, contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical care.

Your doctor will take out the implant, if needed, by surgically removing it. You cannot take out the implant by yourself.

If you do miss your next injection appointment, make another appointment immediately as prolonged time lapse between appointments/injections may result in your hormone levels rising which can cause your cancer to grow rapidly.

Yes, with a prescription, you may be able to purchase Zoladex online. Buying medications online is convenient and often less expensive than purchasing at your local pharmacy.