 is a prescription hormonal implant used to treat prostate cancer and breast cancer. It is also used for other conditions unrelated to cancer such as endometriosis and abnormal bleeding of the uterus. Zoladex implant is in a class of medications called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists. It works by decreasing testosterone production in men and estrogen production in women.This medication comes in the form of an implant that is inserted just under the skin of the... "Pin It")
Zoladex Overview
Zoladex (generic: goserelin) is a prescription hormonal implant used to treat prostate cancer and breast cancer. It is also used for other conditions unrelated to cancer such as endometriosis and abnormal bleeding of the uterus. Zoladex implant is in a class of medications called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists. It works by decreasing testosterone production in men and estrogen production in women.
This medication comes in the form of an implant that is inserted just under the skin of the stomach every 4 weeks. Some people will receive an injection once every 12 weeks.
Common side effects of Zoladex include hot flashes, sexual dysfunction, and headaches.
Uses of Zoladex
Zoladex implant is a prescription medicine used in men to treat prostate cancer, and in women to treat breast cancer, endometriosis, and to help with the treatment of abnormal bleeding of the uterus.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Side Effects of Zoladex
Zoladex has been found to be generally well tolerated. The most commonly reported side effects during Zoladex therapy are due to the expected physiological effects from decreased testosterone levels. These include hot flashes, sexual dysfunction and decreased erections.
Other side effects of Zoladex therapy include: dizziness, headache, increased sweating, decreased sexual interest/ability, trouble sleeping, nausea, change in breast size, hair loss, or mental/mood changes (such as depression, mood swings, hallucinations).
Pain, bruising, bleeding, redness, or swelling at the injection site may also occur. In women, vaginal dryness may also occur.
Zoladex Interactions
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Zoladex may cause negative interactions when combined with certain other medicines. Your doctor may need to change the dose of your medicines or monitor you for side effects.
Zoladex Precautions
Tumor Flare Phenomenon: Temporary worsening of tumor symptoms may occur during the first few weeks of treatment with Zoladex, which may include ureteral obstruction and spinal cord compression.
Hypersensitivity: Systemic hypersensitivity has been reported in patients receiving Zoladex implants.
Hyperglycemia and Diabetes: Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and an increased risk of developing diabetes have been reported in men receiving GnRH analogs.
Cardiovascular Diseases: Increased risk of myocardial infarction (heart attack), sudden cardiac death and stroke has been reported in association with use of GnRH analogs in men.
Zoladex Food Interactions
Medicines can interact with certain foods. In some cases, this may be harmful and your doctor may advise you to avoid certain foods. In the case of Zoladex there are no specific foods that you must exclude from your diet when receiving Zoladex.
Inform MD
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Zoladex may harm your unborn baby. This medicine is not recommended for use during pregnancy, unless you are being treated for advanced breast cancer.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if Zoladex is excreted in human milk. It may harm your nursing baby.
Tell your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms of high blood sugar, such as unusual increased thirst and urination. If you already have diabetes, this drug may make it harder to control your blood sugar levels. Check your blood sugar levels regularly. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medicines.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had osteoporosis (a condition in which the bones become thin and weak and break easily), or if you have or have ever had a compressed spinal cord, diabetes, unusual vaginal bleeding, urinary obstruction in men (blockage that causes difficulty urinating), or heart or liver disease.
Zoladex and Pregnancy
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Zoladex may harm your unborn baby.
Zoladex and Lactation
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if Zoladex is excreted in human breast milk or if it will harm your nursing baby.
Zoladex Usage
Zoladex comes as an implant to be inserted with a syringe subcutaneously (under the skin). It is placed by a health care professional by injection of the lower abdomen below the navel (an area of the stomach). An implant with 3.6 mg of Zoladex is usually inserted every 4 weeks. An implant with 10.8 mg of Zoladex is usually inserted every 12 weeks. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Your doctor will determine how long you should use Zoladex implant.
Zoladex may cause an increase in certain hormones in the first few weeks after insertion of the implant. Your doctor will monitor you carefully for any new or worsening symptoms during this time.
Zoladex Dosage
Your doctor will determine the best dose and schedule for you. An implant with 3.6 mg of Zoladex is usually inserted every 4 weeks. An implant with 10.8 mg of Zoladex is usually inserted every 12 weeks.
Zoladex Overdose
If overdose is suspected, call your local Poison Control Center or seek emergency medical attention right away.
Forms of Zoladex
ZOLADEX 10.8 mg implant is supplied as a sterile and totally biodegradable D,L-lactic and glycolic acids copolymer (12.82-14.76 mg/dose) impregnated with goserelin acetate equivalent to 10.8 mg of goserelin in a disposable syringe device fitted with a 14-gauge x 36 +/- 0.5 mm siliconized hypodermic needle with protective sleeve [SafeSystem™ Syringe] (NDC 0310-0951-30). The unit is sterile and comes in a sealed, light- and moisture-proof, aluminum foil laminate pouch containing a desiccant capsule. Store at room temperature (do not exceed 25°C [77°F]).
Other Requirements
Keep all appointments with your doctor. Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as blood sugar, hormone levels) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects.
If you miss an appointment to receive your next dose, reschedule the appointment as soon as you remember.In women, sudden/unusual vaginal bleeding (breakthrough bleeding) may occur if a dose is missed.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
