Goserelin, Zoladex
Description: Antineoplastic Agent, Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonist; Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone Agonist
CSA NA – FDA Approved – REMS (N) – Can Ship
How Does It Work
Goserelin, Zoladex is an analog of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) that results in increased luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone. Chronic administration results in sustained suppression of pituitary gonadotropins.
Indications For Use
Breast Cancer; Endometrial Thinning; Endometriosis; Prostate Cancer
Precautions
Before starting Goserelin, Zoladex make sure your physician is aware of any allergies or medications you currently take, if you have cardiovascular disease, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, are pregnant, or breastfeeding. Goserelin, Zoladex use has been associated with rare but serious adverse events such as increased cervical resistance, decreased bone density, hypercalcemia, hyperglycemia, hyperglycemia, hypersensitivity reactions, injection site injury, pituitary apoplexy, and tumor flare.
Usual Dosing
Females: Subcutaneous: 3.6 mg every 28 days.
Males: Subcutaneous: 28-day implant: 3.6 mg every 28 days; 12-week implant: 10.8 mg every 12 weeks.
Pharmacist Tips On Using
How to Take: Administer implant by inserting needle at a 30- to 45-degree angle into the anterior abdominal wall below the navel line. Use caution while injecting goserelin into the anterior abdominal wall (due to the proximity of underlying inferior epigastric artery and its branches). Implant may be detected by ultrasound if removal is required. Monitor for signs/symptoms of abdominal hemorrhage. Use extra care when administering goserelin to patients with a low BMI and/or to patients receiving full dose anticoagulation.
You Need to Avoid: Goserelin is an implant; therefore, do not attempt to eliminate air bubbles prior to injection (may displace implant). Do not attempt to aspirate prior to injection; if a large vessel is penetrated, blood will be visualized in the syringe chamber (if vessel is penetrated, withdraw needle, and inject elsewhere with a new syringe). Do not penetrate muscle or peritoneum.
Side Effects
Vasodilation, peripheral edema, headache, emotional lability, depression, pain, dyspareunia, insomnia, diaphoresis, acne vulgaris, seborrhea, hot flash, decreased libido, increased libido, abdominal pain, nausea, vaginitis, breast atrophy, sexual disorder, breast hypertrophy, decrease in erectile frequency, pelvic symptoms, genitourinary signs and symptoms, tumor flare, infection, decreased bone mineral density, weakness
Note this is not a complete list of side effects, only the most common
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I do if side effects are intolerable?
If side effects are causing a lot of distress speak to your physician as soon as possible to discuss options.