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n.

A synthetic peptide analogue of gonadotropin-releasing hormone used to treat prostate cancer, endometriosis, and advanced breast cancer.

[Blend of gonadorelin (from GONADO(TROPIN-)REL(EASING HORMONE) + –IN) and SERINE.]

Brand names: Zoladex®

Español:
• Inyección de goserelín

Goserelin injection

What are goserelin implants?

GOSERELIN (Zoladex® 3.6 mg Implant, Zoladex® 3-month Implant) is a man-made protein that is like a hormone in the body called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). Regular injections of goserelin decrease the levels of testosterone in men and estrogen in women. Goserelin can be used for the relief of endometriosis, or for the treatment of prostate cancer and breast cancer. Women receive the Zoladex® 3.6 mg implant only, and injections are given every 4 weeks. Men may receive the Zoladex® 3.6 mg implant every 4 weeks, or may receive a Zoladex® 3-month implant instead. Generic goserelin implants are not yet available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions (some only apply to women):
• menstrual bleeding problems
• osteoporosis or low bone density
• pain or difficulty passing urine
• spinal cord injury
• vaginal bleeding
• an unusual or allergic reaction to goserelin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Goserelin implant is for injection subcutaneously (injection under the skin) into the upper abdominal wall. It is only administered under the supervision of a health care professional. You will need one injection a month, or one injection every three months (for men only) depending on the strength of implant used.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

It is important not to miss a dose. Call your prescriber or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment. You should receive your dosage within the specified time (every 4 weeks or every 3 months, depending on the implant strength)

What drug(s) may interact with goserelin?

• cimetidine
• herbal or dietary supplements, like black cohosh, chasteberry, or DHEA
• female hormones, like estrogen
• male hormones, like testosterone
• methyldopa
• metoclopramide
• prasterone
• some medicines for mood or mental problems
• reserpine

Tell your prescriber or other health care professional about all other medicines you are taking including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also, tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check before stopping or starting any of your medications.

What should I watch for while taking goserelin?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. During the first week your symptoms may get worse; check with your prescriber or health care professional if they do not improve after 2 weeks.

If you are a pre-menopausal female, notify your prescriber or health care professional if your period continues to occur. Goserelin therapy will normally stop menstruation. However, goserelin is not certain to work as a contraceptive, and you should use non-hormonal methods of contraception while you receive goserelin treatment in order to avoid pregnancy. If you think you might be pregnant, contact your health care professional. After your treatment with goserelin is finished there may be a delay before the return of regular menstrual periods. Check with your prescriber or health care professional if menstruation does not restart in a few months.

Goserelin can cause decreased bone mineral density with prolonged use. If you smoke or frequently drink alcohol, you may increase your risk of bone loss. A family history of osteoporosis, chronic use of drugs for seizures (convulsions), or corticosteroids can also increase the risk of bone loss. Talk to your prescriber regarding things you can do to help maintain strong bones.

What side effects may I notice from receiving goserelin?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible (some only apply to women):
• difficulty breathing
• chest pain
• pain in your legs or groin
• numbness in your legs
• pain, redness or irritation at the injection site
• continue to have a regular menstrual cycle
• breakthrough menstrual bleeding
• difficulty passing urine
• severe headache
• visual changes
• vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome) (some only apply to women):
• breast swelling or tenderness, or decrease in breast size
• decreased sexual desire or ability (impotence)
• depression, or mood changes
• diarrhea
• dizziness or drowsiness
• hot flashes (sudden feelings of warmth or sweating)
• loss of appetite
• muscle and joint, or bone pains
• nausea
• pain during sexual intercouse
• skin problems (acne)
• swelling of the feet and legs
• vaginal dryness

Where can I keep my medicine?

This does not apply. You will receive goserelin in a hospital or clinic setting by a trained health care professional and will not usually need to store this medication at home.

This injection is usually stored at room temperature below 25 degrees C (77 degrees F) until ready for use. Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date on the label.

Last updated: 7/1/2002

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.

(gō'sə-rĕl'ĭn)
n.

A synthetic peptide analogue of gonadotropin-releasing hormone used to treat endometriosis and some forms of cancer.

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