Health Library

Goserelin (By injection)

Goserelin (goe-se-REL-in)

Treats prostate cancer and breast cancer. In women, also used to treat endometriosis and to thin the lining of the uterus before surgery.

Brand Name(s):

Zoladex

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• 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.
• Missed dose: 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.

• Tell your doctor if you use birth control pills, implants, patches, or shots. You may need a second form of birth control while you receive this medicine.
• Tell your doctor if you are using a blood thinner (including warfarin).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
• Use a nonhormonal form of birth control (including condoms, vaginal spermicides, cervical caps, or a diaphragm) to prevent pregnancy while you are receiving this medicine and for at least 12 weeks after treatment.
• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have bone cancer, diabetes, heart or blood vessel problems, heart rhythm problems (including long QT syndrome), a history of depression, or a family history of osteoporosis. Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol or use tobacco. Tell your doctor if you have any unusual vaginal bleeding.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Loss of bone density
  • Increased risk of diabetes, heart attack, or stroke in men
  • Heart rhythm problems, including QT prolongation
  • Changes in mood or behavior
• For women: You will stop having monthly periods during treatment with this medicine. This is not an effective form of birth control. Tell your doctor if you continue to have normal periods while receiving this medicine.
• 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.
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

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
• Change in how much or how often you urinate, bloody or cloudy urine, painful urination
• Chest pain that may spread, trouble breathing, nausea, unusual sweating, fainting
• Depression, mood, or behavior changes
• Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat, dizziness, lightheadedness
• Numbness or weakness on one side of your body, sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking
• Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
• Stomach pain or bloating, dizziness, trouble breathing, confusion

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

• Change in breast size, dryness or itching in your vagina
• Diarrhea
• Headache, mild depression
• Hot flashes, sweating
• Pain, itching, bleeding, bruising, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the shot was given
• 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

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024