Zoladex LA (Goserelin)

What is Zoladex LA?

Zoladex (goserelin) is an artificial hormone similar to a natural one, called Luteinizing Hormone Releasing Hormone or LHRH. It stimulates body’s own production of certain hormones and regulates several processes in the body.

What is Zoladex LA used for?

Zoladex is indicated for the treatment of symptoms of prostate cancer in men and certain breast cancers in women. It is also used to treat certain uterus disorders such as endometriosis and to thin the lining of the uterus (endometrium) in order to treat abnormal uterine bleeding in women.

How does Zoladex LA work?

Zoladex works by lowering testosterone hormones in men and estrogen hormones in women.  This helps slow down or stop the growth of cancerous cells and uterine tissue that require these hormones to grow and multiply.

How to use Zoladex LA

Zoladex is usually injected under the skin (on the lower abdomen, below the navel). The 3.6-milligram syringe is injected every month and the 10.8-milligram syringe is injected every 3 months.  Consult your doctor about the kind of dose you require.

Do not stop taking the dose unless advised by your doctor. Get your blood tested on a regular basis.

Zoladex LA warnings and precautions

Do not use this drug if you are allergic to goserelin, leuprolide (Eligard, Lupron, Viadur), ganirelix (Antagon), or nafarelin (Synarel).

Prior to taking Zoladex, tell your doctor if you have diabetes, osteoporosis (low bone density), pain or difficulty in urination, abnormal bleeding, or if you are suffering from a condition affecting your spine.

While using Zoladex, avoid smoking and drinking alcohol as it can increase the risk of bone loss.

The medicine may stop menstrual periods in women. Inform your doctor immediately if regular periods continue after 2 months of treatment with this medication. Pregnant women should not use this drug as it could cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Lactating women should consult their doctors before taking the medicine.

What do I do if I have missed a Zoladex LA dose?

Missing a dose can cause excessive bleeding. If you have missed your Zoladex dose, contact your doctor right away.

What do I do if I have taken a Zoladex LA overdose?

Zoladex contains a specific amount of medication and therefore, it is unlikely that you receive an overdose.

Zoladex LA interactions

Before taking Zoladex, consult your doctor if you are taking hormonal birth control medication or medicines that can cause bone loss (for example, corticosteroids such as prednisone). These medicines can interact with Zoladex.

Tell your doctor about all prescription and non prescription drugs that you use including mineral and vitamin supplements that you may be using. Also, do not start taking any medicine without consulting your doctor.

Zoladex LA side effects

Zoladex side effects include hives, breathing trouble, back ache, numbness or tingling in legs or feet, decreased frequency of urination, pale skin, bruising, problems with balance and coordination, muscle weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, chest pain, uneven heart rate, pain or burning sensation while urinating, fatigue, loss of appetite, confusion, increased thirst; swelling of face, tongue, lips or throat, and other allergic reactions. If you get any of these side effects after using Zoladex, contact your doctor right away.

Mild nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, headache, dizziness, increased sweating, vaginal dryness, decreased or increased sex drive, impotence, insomnia, mild skin rash or acne, and breast tenderness are some less serious side effects of Zoladex.