uses
What is Zoladex used for?Zoladex (goserelin) is commonly used to treat certain prostate cancers. Zoladex is also used to treat advanced breast cancer, endometriosis, and endometrial thinning.Zoladex may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.How does Zoladex work (mechanism of action)?Zoladex works by lowering the levels of certain hormones in the body. These hormones are estrogen and testosterone. Some cancers, such as prostate cancer, need hormones in order to keep growing. Zoladex lowers the levels of these hormones and causes cells that need the hormones to die, which allows it to treat cancer, endometriosis, and endometrial thinning.How is Zoladex supplied (dosage forms)?Brands and other namesZoladexDosage forms and strengthsZoladex is available as an implant that is placed under the skin by a health care provider.How should I store Zoladex?Zoladex is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.
how to use
pellet that is implanted under the skin
drug interactions
Does Zoladex interact with foods or drinks?There are no known interactions between Zoladex and foods or drinks.It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Zoladex, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight cancer.Does Zoladex interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?Zoladex may interact with certain medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
side effects
What are the most common side effects of Zoladex?The most common side effects of Zoladex are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.Hot flashesDecreased sex drive or problems getting or keeping an erectionKidney or bladder infectionHeadacheSweatingAcneMood swingsDepression (see below)Vaginal infectionBreast shrinkageFluid retentionThere may be other side effects of Zoladex that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.What are the serious side effects of Zoladex?While less common, the most serious side effects of Zoladex are described below, along with what to do if they happen.Severe Allergic Reactions. Zoladex may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.Breathing problems or wheezingRacing heartFever or general ill feelingSwollen lymph nodesSwelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throatTrouble swallowing or throat tightnessItching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hivesNausea or vomitingDizziness, feeling lightheaded, or faintingStomach crampsJoint painTumor Flare. Zoladex can cause your tumor to grow or cancer symptoms to get worse, which is called tumor flare. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of tumor flare.Lymph nodes that are sore or swollenPain or swelling at your tumor siteChest painCoughTrouble breathingHigh Blood Sugar. Zoladex may increase your blood sugar levels and risk of developing diabetes. Talk to your health care provider about how to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Keep all appointments with your health care provider for blood tests. Call your health care provider if you have the following symptoms of high blood sugar.Thirsty more than usualPeeing more than usualIncrease in hungerTirednessFeeling sick to your stomachConfusionYour breath smelling fruityHeart Attack and Stroke. Zoladex can increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke that can lead to death. This risk is higher in people who already have heart disease. It also increases with longer use of Zoladex and higher doses. Do not use Zoladex if you have had a recent heart attack without talking to your health care provider. This could increase your risk of having another heart attack. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of a heart attack or stroke.Chest pain or pressureFast or abnormal heartbeatTrouble breathingPain in your back, jaw, throat, or armSweating, upset stomach, vomiting, or dizzinessSudden weakness on one side of your bodySudden and severe headacheSlurred speech or trouble understanding speechHigh Calcium Levels (Hypercalcemia). Zoladex can cause high calcium levels, also called hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia can lead to serious problems with your kidneys, heart, or bones. Call your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms.Peeing frequentlyFeeling thirstyTirednessConfusion or dizzinessPoor appetiteNausea or vomitingConstipationMuscle weaknessBone painAbnormal heart rhythmHeart Rhythm Changes. Zoladex may cause a rare, dangerous heart rhythm problem called QT prolongation and torsade de pointes. Some people have a higher risk of this, including people who are older, have other people in their family who have had these conditions, have low potassium or magnesium levels, or take medicines that can prolong the QT interval. Tell your health care provider right away if you faint or have changes in your heart rate or rhythm, such as a fast or skipping heartbeat.Injection Site Injuries. Zoladex may cause injuries where the implant is placed under the skin. These may be mild, or they may be serious and include pain, bruising, bleeding, and hemorrhagic shock. Tell your health care provider about any pain or symptoms you have at the injection site.Depression. Zoladex may cause depression to occur or worsen. If you have any thoughts of harming yourself, call 911 or call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.New or increased thoughts of suicide or deathSuicide attemptNew or increased feelings of anxiety, depression, or other unusual changes in your mood or behavior
overdose and misseddose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Zoladex?If you or someone else has used too much Zoladex, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.What should I do if I miss a dose of Zoladex?Zoladex is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital. Your health care provider will make sure you are receiving Zoladex as scheduled.If you miss an appointment to get your Zoladex implant, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.
warnings and Precautions
Who should not use Zoladex?Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Zoladex.GoserelinZoladexAny other GnRH agonistsAny of the ingredients in the specific product dispensedYour pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Zoladex.Pregnancy. Do not use Zoladex if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, contact your health care provider right away. See the Pregnancy section for more details.What should I know about Zoladex before using it?Do not use Zoladex unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Zoladex is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic.Depending on your sex assigned at birth, side effects with Zoladex may be different. Talk with your health care provider about what you can expect from using Zoladex.Zoladex can alter test results in pituitary-gonadotropic and hormone function tests while you are using the medicine and for 12 weeks after your last dose. Tell any health care provider you are seeing that you are using Zoladex.What should I tell my health care provider before using Zoladex?Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Zoladex is right for you.In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.Diabetes or high blood sugarHeart problems, including long QT syndromeDepressionProblems with your calcium levelPregnancy. Zoladex can harm a fetus. Your health care provider will make sure you are not pregnant before you start using the medicine. If you are able to get pregnant, you will need to use effective birth control while using Zoladex and for 12 weeks after your last dose. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.If you are using Zoladex for advanced breast cancer, it may be possible to use the medicine while pregnant. Talk with your health care provider if this is a concern for you, and they will help to determine the risks versus benefit of using Zoladex while pregnant.Breastfeeding. It is not known if Zoladex passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should stop breastfeeding or stop Zoladex.How can I get more information about Zoladex?For more information about Zoladex, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.zoladex.com or call them at 855-686-8725.
about
Zoladex is commonly used to treat cancer. Common side effects include hot flashes, decreased sex drive, and problems with erections. Zoladex is an implant that is placed under the skin by your health care provider.