Zoladex

This page contains drug information on Zoladex.
The information provided includes the following:
what is Zoladex
the possible side effects of Zoladex
what happens if you miss a dose of Zoladex
what happens if you overdose with Zoladex
the most important information about Zoladex
how to use Zoladex
other drugs that may affect Zoladex
what to avoid while using Zoladex
 
Generic Name: goserelin (injectable) (gaw SEH reh lin)
Brand Names: Zoladex
 
What is the most important information I should know about zoladex?
 •  zoladex may cause decreased bone mineral density with prolonged use. Smoking, frequent alcohol use, family history of osteoporosis, and the use of certain medications may increase the risk of bone loss. Talk to your doctor about the risk of decreased bone mineral density.
 •  Initially, zoladex may cause symptoms of your condition to worsen temporarily. Contact your doctor if symptoms do not improve within several weeks of starting treatment.
 •  If you are a pre-menopausal female, notify your doctor if your menstrual period continues to occur. zoladex usually stops menstruation. Delayed or missed doses of zoladex may cause ovulation or menstrual bleeding. Following treatment with zoladex, there may be a delay before the return of regular menstrual periods. Check with your doctor if your period does not restart within a few months of ending treatment.
 •  Do not take zoladex if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. zoladex is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. A nonhormonal method of birth control must be used during treatment with zoladex to ensure prevention of pregnancy. Although zoladex may stop ovulation and menstruation, a nonhormonal method of birth control must also be used. If a dose of zoladex is missed or delayed, ovulation and/ or breakthrough bleeding may occur. A nonhormonal method of birth control must also be used until the return of menstruation or for at least 12 weeks following treatment with zoladex.

What is zoladex?
 •  zoladex is a man-made protein that is like a hormone in the body called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). zoladex decreases levels of testosterone in men and estrogen in women.
 •  zoladex is used in the treatment of endometriosis, to thin the endometrial layer (lining of the uterus) prior to surgery for abnormal uterine bleeding, and some types of prostate and breast cancer.
 •  zoladex may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking zoladex?
 •  Do not use zoladex without first talking to your doctor if you have
      · osteoporosis or low bone density
      · pain or difficulty passing urine or
      · spinal cord injury.
 •  You may not be able to take zoladex, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you have any of the conditions listed above.
 •  Do not take zoladex if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. zoladex is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. A nonhormonal method of birth control must be used during treatment with zoladex to ensure prevention of pregnancy. Although zoladex may stop ovulation and menstruation, a nonhormonal method of birth control must also be used. If a dose of zoladex is missed or delayed, ovulation and/ or breakthrough bleeding may occur. A nonhormonal method of birth control must also be used until the return of menstruation or for at least 12 weeks following treatment with zoladex.
 •  It is not known whether zoladex passes into breast milk. Do not take zoladex without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take zoladex?
 •  zoladex is administered by a healthcare professional as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection into the abdomen (stomach). If zoladex is being administered at home, your healthcare provider will give you detailed instructions regarding how to administer the injection.
 •  zoladex is administered every 28 days or every 12 weeks, depending upon the formulation being used and the condition being treated. Your doctor will tell you how often you will need an injection. It is very important to receive each injection at the scheduled time, to maintain effectiveness of the medication.
 •  Initially, zoladex may cause symptoms of your condition to worsen temporarily. Contact your doctor if symptoms do not improve within several weeks of starting treatment.
 •  Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with zoladex to monitor progress and side effects.
 •  Your healthcare provider will store zoladex as directed by the manufacturer. If you are storing zoladex at home, your healthcare provider will provide storage instructions. 

What happens if I miss a dose?
 •  It is important not to miss a dose of zoladex. Contact your doctor immediately if you miss a dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?
 •  An overdose of zoladex is unlikely to threaten life. Notify your doctor immediately or call an emergency room or poison control left for advice if an overdose is suspected.
 •  Symptoms of a zoladex overdose are not known.

What should I avoid while taking zoladex?
 •  Avoid activities such as smoking and frequent alcohol use that may increase the risk of bone loss. zoladex may cause decreased bone mineral density with prolonged use. Talk to your doctor about the risk of decreased bone mineral density.

What are the possible side effects of zoladex?
 •  zoladex may cause decreased bone mineral density with prolonged use. Smoking, frequent alcohol use, family history of osteoporosis, and the use of certain medications may increase the risk of bone loss. Talk to your doctor about the risk of decreased bone mineral density.
 •  Initially, zoladex may cause symptoms of your condition to worsen temporarily. Contact your doctor if symptoms do not improve within several weeks of starting treatment.
 •  If you are a pre-menopausal female, notify your doctor if your menstrual period continues to occur. zoladex usually stops menstruation. Delayed or missed doses of zoladex may cause ovulation or menstrual bleeding. Following treatment with zoladex, there may be a delay before the return of regular menstrual periods. Check with your doctor if your period does not restart within a few months of ending treatment.
 •  Seek emergency medical attention or notify your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following serious side effects:
      · an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing closing of the throat swelling of the lips, tongue, or face or hives)
      · menstrual bleeding or breakthrough bleeding
      · difficulty passing urine or
      · pain, redness, or irritation at the injection site.
 •  Other side effects may also occur. Notify your doctor if you experience
      · decreased sexual desire or ability (impotence)
      · dizziness or drowsiness
      · depression or mood changes
      · headache
      · hot flushes or sweating
      · decreased appetite, nausea, or diarrhea
      · breast swelling or tenderness, or decrease in breast size
      · vaginal dryness
      · insomnia or
      · skin rash.
 •  Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect zoladex?
 •  It is not known whether other medications will interact with zoladex. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products during treatment with zoladex.