Zoladex 3.6 (Goserelin Acetate Implant) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Zoladex 3.6

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The prostate gland is an organ that is located at the base or outlet (neck) of the urinary bladder. (See the diagram that follows.) The gland surrounds the first part of the urethra. The urethra is the passage through which urine drains from the bladder to exit from the penis. One function of the prostate gland is to help control urination by pressing directly against the part of the urethra that it surrounds. The main function of the prostate gland is to produce some of the substances that are found in normal semen, such as minerals and sugar. Semen is the fluid that transports the sperm to assist with reproduction. A man can manage quite well, however, without his prostate gland. (See the section on surgical treatment for prostate cancer.)

In a young man, the normal prostate gland is the size of a walnut (<30g). During normal aging, however, the gland usually grows larger. This hormone-related enlargement with aging is called b...

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Zoladex 3.6

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Zoladex 3.6 Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving goserelin (Zoladex 3.6)?

You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to goserelin or to similar hormone medications such as leuprolide (Lupron, Eligard, Viadur), nafarelin (Synarel), or ganirelix (Antagon). Do not use goserelin if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use goserelin:

osteoporosis or low bone density;
diabetes;
painful or difficult urination;
a condition affecting your spine; or
if you have abnormal bleeding that your doctor has not checked.

Goserelin can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects. Before receiving goserelin, you may need a pregnancy test to make sure you are not pregnant. Do not use goserelin if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. Use effective birth control while you are using this medication and for at least 12 weeks after your treatment ends.

If you are a premenopausal woman, goserelin should cause your periods to stop during treatment. However, you must still use an effective barrier form of birth control (such as a condom or diaphragm with spermicide gel or inserts). Hormonal forms of contraception (such as birth control pills, injections, implants, skin patches, and vaginal rings) may not be effective during your treatment with goserelin.

After you stop using goserelin, you should begin having regular periods again. Call your doctor if your normal periods do not return within 12 weeks after your goserelin treatment ends.

It is not known whether goserelin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Goserelin can decrease bone mineral density, which may increase your risk of developing osteoporosis. This risk may be greater if you smoke, drink alcohol frequently, have a family history of osteoporosis, or use certain drugs such as seizure medications or steroids. Talk to your doctor about your individual risk of bone loss.

How is goserelin given (Zoladex 3.6)?

Goserelin is given in a tiny implant that is inserted through a needle injected under the skin of your upper stomach. You will receive this injection in a clinic or doctor's office.

You are not likely to be able to feel the implant through your skin, and it should not cause pain or discomfort. The implant will dissolve in your body over time.

A new goserelin implant is usually injected every 28 days, but the timing of your dose may be different if you are also receiving chemotherapy. Follow your doctor's instructions. It is very important to receive your goserelin injections on time each month.

If you are a premenopausal woman, you should stop having menstrual periods during treatment with goserelin. Call your doctor if you still have regular periods. Missing a dose can cause breakthrough bleeding.

While your homone levels are adjusting to goserelin, you may notice increased symptoms or new symptoms of your condition. This should be only temporary during the first few weeks of treatment. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after several weeks of using goserelin.

Your blood sugar may need to be checked while using goserelin, even if you are not diabetic. You may also need other blood tests at your doctor's office. Do not miss any appointments.

This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using goserelin.

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