goserelin

Generic Name: goserelin (GOE se REL in)

Brand Names: Zoladex

What is goserelin?

Goserelin is a man-made form of a hormone that regulates many processes in the body. Goserelin overstimulates the body's own production of certain hormones, which causes that production to shut down temporarily.

Goserelin is used in men to treat symptoms of prostate cancer, and in women to treat breast cancer or endometriosis. Goserelin is also used in women to prepare the lining of the uterus for endometrial ablation (a surgery to correct abnormal uterine bleeding).

If you are receiving goserelin to treat prostate cancer, use any other medications your doctor has prescribed to best treat your condition. Goserelin treats only the symptoms of prostate cancer but does not treat the cancer itself.

Goserelin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about goserelin?

Goserelin can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects. Unless you are being treated for advanced breast cancer, you should not use goserelin during pregnancy. Use effective non-hormonal (barrier) birth control during treatment and for at least 12 weeks after treatment ends. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. You should not breast-feed while you are using goserelin. You should not use this medication if you are allergic to goserelin or to similar hormone medications such as leuprolide (Lupron, Eligard, Viadur), nafarelin (Synarel), or ganirelix (Antagon).

Before you receive goserelin, tell your doctor if you have osteoporosis, diabetes, urination problems, a condition affecting your spine, a history of heart attack or stroke, risk factors for coronary artery disease (such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, or being overweight), or if you have abnormal bleeding that your doctor has not checked.

Goserelin can decrease bone mineral density, which may increase your risk of developing osteoporosis. This risk may be greater if you smoke, drink alcohol frequently, have a family history of osteoporosis, or use certain drugs such as seizure medications or steroids. Talk to your doctor about your individual risk of bone loss. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as severe numbness or tingling in your legs or feet, muscle weakness, problems with balance or coordination, loss of bladder or bowel control, urinating less than usual, pain or burning when you urinate, blood in your urine or stools, easy bruising, increased thirst or urination, fruity breath odor, trouble breathing, sudden numbness or weakness, sudden severe headache, confusion, problems with vision or speech, or chest pain spreading to the arm or shoulder.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving goserelin?

You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to goserelin or to similar hormone medications such as leuprolide (Lupron, Eligard, Viadur), nafarelin (Synarel), or ganirelix (Antagon). Do not use goserelin if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

To make sure you can safely use goserelin, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

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  osteoporosis or low bone density;

  
  


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  diabetes;

  
  


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  a history of heart attack or stroke;

  
  


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  risk factors for coronary artery disease (such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, or being overweight);

  
  


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  urination problems;

  
  


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  a condition affecting your spine; or

  
  


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  if you have abnormal bleeding that your doctor has not checked.

  
  

FDA pregnancy category X. This medication can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects. However, goserelin is sometimes given to pregnant women being treated for advanced breast cancer. Unless you are being treated for advanced breast cancer, you should not use goserelin during pregnancy.

Before receiving goserelin, you may need a pregnancy test to make sure you are not pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. Use effective birth control while you are using this medication and for at least 12 weeks after your treatment ends.

If you are a premenopausal woman, goserelin should cause your periods to stop during treatment. However, you must still use an effective barrier form of birth control (such as a condom or diaphragm with spermicide gel or inserts). Hormonal forms of contraception (such as birth control pills, injections, implants, skin patches, and vaginal rings) may not be effective during your treatment with goserelin.

After you stop using goserelin, you should begin having regular periods again. Call your doctor if your normal periods do not return within 12 weeks after your goserelin treatment ends.

It is not known whether goserelin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using goserelin. Goserelin can decrease bone mineral density, which may increase your risk of developing osteoporosis. This risk may be greater if you smoke, drink alcohol frequently, have a family history of osteoporosis, or use certain drugs such as seizure medications or steroids. Talk to your doctor about your individual risk of bone loss.

How is goserelin given?

Goserelin is given in a tiny implant that is inserted through a needle injected under the skin of your upper stomach. You will receive this injection in a clinic or doctor's office.

You are not likely to be able to feel the implant through your skin, and it should not cause pain or discomfort. The implant will dissolve in your body over time.

A new goserelin implant is usually injected every 28 days, but the timing of your dose may be different if you are also receiving chemotherapy. Follow your doctor's instructions. It is very important to receive your goserelin injections on time each month.

If you are a premenopausal woman, you should stop having menstrual periods during treatment with goserelin. Call your doctor if you still have regular periods. Missing a dose can cause breakthrough bleeding.

While your hormone levels are adjusting to goserelin, you may notice increased symptoms or new symptoms of your condition. This should be only temporary during the first few weeks of treatment. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after several weeks of using goserelin.

Your blood sugar may need to be checked while using goserelin, even if you are not diabetic. You may need other blood tests at your doctor's office. Visit your doctor regularly.

This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using goserelin.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your goserelin injection.

What happens if I overdose?

Since the goserelin implant contains a specific amount of the medication, you are not likely to receive an overdose.

What should I avoid while receiving goserelin?

Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase your risk of bone loss while you are being treated with goserelin. Avoid smoking, which can increase your risk of bone loss, stroke, or heart problems.

Goserelin side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

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  back pain, severe numbness or tingling in your legs or feet;

  
  


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  muscle weakness, problems with balance or coordination;

  
  


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  loss of bladder or bowel control;

  
  


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  urinating less than usual or not at all;

  
  


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  pain or burning when you urinate;

  
  


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  blood in your urine or stools;

  
  


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  feeling like you might pass out;

  
  


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  trouble breathing;

  
  


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  pale skin, easy bruising;

  
  


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  nausea, loss of appetite, increased thirst, muscle weakness, confusion, and feeling tired or restless;

  
  


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  high blood sugar (increased thirst, increased urination, hunger, dry mouth, fruity breath odor, drowsiness, dry skin, blurred vision, weight loss);

  
  


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  sudden numbness or weakness, sudden severe headache, confusion, problems with vision or speech; or

  
  


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  chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling.

  
  

Less serious side effects may include:

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  hot flashes, sweating, headache, dizziness;

  
  


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  mood changes, increased or decreased interest in sex;

  
  


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  vaginal dryness, itching, or discharge;

  
  


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  impotence, fewer erections than normal;

  
  


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  breast swelling or tenderness;

  
  


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  bone pain;

  
  


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  diarrhea, constipation;

  
  


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  sleep problems (insomnia); or

  
  


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  acne, mild skin rash or itching.

  
  

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Goserelin Dosing Information

Usual Adult Dose for Prostate Cancer:

For the palliative treatment of advanced carcinoma of the prostate:
3.6 mg or 10.8 mg subcutaneously into the upper abdominal wall once.
The 3.6 mg dosage may be repeated every 28 days.
The 10.8 mg dosage may be repeated every 12 weeks.

Intended for long-term administration unless clinically inappropriate.

For use in the treatment of Stage B2-C prostate cancer: When administered in combination with radiotherapy and flutamide for patients with Stage T2b-T4 (Stage B2-C) prostate cancer, treatment should be started 8 weeks prior to initiating radiotherapy and should continue during radiotherapy.

Usual Adult Dose for Endometriosis:

For use in the management of endometriosis, including pain relief and reduction of endometriotic lesions for the duration of therapy: 3.6 mg subcutaneously into the upper abdominal wall once.
The 3.6 mg dosage may be repeated every 28 days.

The recommended duration of therapy is 6 months.

Usual Adult Dose for Breast Cancer--Palliative:

For use in the palliative treatment of advanced breast cancer: 3.6 mg subcutaneously into the upper abdominal wall once.
The 3.6 mg dosage may be repeated every 28 days.

Intended for long-term administration unless clinically inappropriate.

Usual Adult Dose for Bleeding:

For use as an endometrial thinning agent prior to endometrial ablation for dysfunctional uterine bleeding: 1 or 2 of the 3.6 mg subcutaneous depot injections (with each depot given four weeks apart). When one depot is administered, surgery should be performed at 4 weeks. When two depots are administered, surgery should be performed within 2 to 4 weeks following administration of the second depot.

What other drugs will affect goserelin?

There may be other drugs that can interact with goserelin. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

More goserelin resources

• Goserelin Side Effects (in more detail)
• Goserelin Dosage
• Goserelin Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Goserelin Drug Interactions
• Goserelin Support Group
• 8 Reviews for Goserelin - Add your own review/rating

• goserelin Subcutaneous Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Goserelin MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Goserelin Acetate Monograph (AHFS DI)


• Zoladex Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Zoladex Consumer Overview

Compare goserelin with other medications

• Bleeding Disorder
• Breast Cancer, Palliative
• Endometriosis
• Prostate Cancer

Where can I get more information?

• Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about goserelin.

See also: goserelin side effects (in more detail)