Goserelin (Injection)

Introduction:

Goserelin (goe-se-REL-in)

Treats symptoms of prostate cancer and breast cancer. In women, also treats endometriosis and other benign (not cancer) problems with the uterus. Sometimes used before or with other treatments.

Brand Name(s):

Zoladex

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
• You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin near your stomach. This medicine may be given once every 28 days or once every 3 months. Your schedule depends on the reason you are using this medicine.
• If you will also be receiving radiation therapy for cancer, you will start using this medicine 8 weeks before starting radiation treatment.

If a dose is missed:

• This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or treatment clinic for instructions.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using other hormone medicines (such as Pregnyl®, Profasi®), a steroid (such as cortisone, prednisone), or medicine for seizures (such as Depakote®, Dilantin®).
• Birth control pills, implants, patches, or shots may not work while you are using Zoladex®. To keep from getting pregnant, use another form of birth control. Other forms include condoms, a diaphragm, or contraceptive foam or jelly.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you have bone cancer, spinal cord (back) problems, trouble urinating, blood pressure problems, or pituitary gland problems.
• Using this medicine while you are pregnant may harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. Use birth control during the time you are using this medicine and for at least 12 weeks after your last treatment. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
• For women, you will stop having menstrual periods while you are using this medicine. This is not an effective form of birth control. If you keep having normal periods while using this medicine, tell your doctor. If your periods do not return to normal after you stop using this medicine, tell your doctor.
• When you first start using this medicine for cancer treatment, some of your symptoms might get worse for a short time. You might also have new symptoms. You might have bone pain, back pain, or trouble urinating. These problems should improve within a few weeks. Tell your doctor if you have any new or worse symptoms. Ask your doctor or nurse how to treat these symptoms.
• This medicine might cause you to lose some bone density. Tell your doctor if you have risk factors for osteoporosis (thin or brittle bones). Some risk factors are alcohol abuse, smoking, a family history of osteoporosis, or using other medicines that might cause bone density loss, such as steroids or medicine for seizures.
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Lightheadedness or fainting
• Swelling in your hands or feet

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Dryness or itching in your vagina
• Headache, mood changes, mild depression, unusual tiredness
• Hot flashes, sweating, change in breast size
• Mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite
• Trouble having sex or loss of interest in sex

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor: