goserelin (injectable) Health Article

Generic name(s):

goserelin (injectable)

Brand name(s):

goserelin, Zoladex

What is the most important information I should know about goserelin?

Goserelin may cause decreased bone mineral density with prolonged use. Smoking, frequent alcohol use, family history of osteoporosis, and the use of certain medications may increase the risk of bone loss. Talk to your doctor about the risk of decreased bone mineral density.

Initially, goserelin may cause symptoms of your condition to worsen temporarily. Contact your doctor if symptoms do not improve within several weeks of starting treatment.

If you are a pre-menopausal female, notify your doctor if your menstrual period continues to occur. Goserelin usually stops menstruation. Delayed or missed doses of goserelin may cause ovulation or menstrual bleeding. Following treatment with goserelin, there may be a delay before the return of regular menstrual periods. Check with your doctor if your period does not restart within a few months of ending treatment.

Do not take goserelin if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Goserelin is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. A nonhormonal method of birth control must be used during treatment with goserelin to ensure prevention of pregnancy. Although goserelin may stop ovulation and menstruation, a nonhormonal method of birth control must also be used. If a dose of goserelin is missed or delayed, ovulation and/or breakthrough bleeding may occur. A nonhormonal method of birth control must also be used until the return of menstruation or for at least 12 weeks following treatment with goserelin.

What is goserelin?

Goserelin is a man-made protein that is like a hormone in the body called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). Goserelin decreases levels of testosterone in men and estrogen in women.

Goserelin is used in the treatment of endometriosis, to thin the endometrial layer (lining of the uterus) prior to surgery for abnormal uterine bleeding, and some types of prostate and breast cancer.

Goserelin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking goserelin?

Do not use goserelin without first talking to your doctor if you have

• osteoporosis or low bone density;

• pain or difficulty passing urine; or

• spinal cord injury.

You may not be able to take goserelin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Do not take goserelin if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Goserelin is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. A nonhormonal method of birth control must be used during treatment with goserelin to ensure prevention of pregnancy. Although goserelin may stop ovulation and menstruation, a nonhormonal method of birth control must also be used. If a dose of goserelin is missed or delayed, ovulation and/or breakthrough bleeding may occur. A nonhormonal method of birth control must also be used until the return of menstruation or for at least 12 weeks following treatment with goserelin. It is not known whether goserelin passes into breast milk. Do not take goserelin without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.