home > drugs a-z list > zoladex 3.6 (goserelin acetate implant) drug center > zoladex 3.6 (goserelin acetate implant) drug - patient side effects and images

Brand Names: Zoladex

Generic Name: goserelin (Pronunciation: GOE se REL in)

• What is goserelin (Zoladex 3.6)?
• What are the possible side effects of goserelin (Zoladex 3.6)?
• What is the most important information I should know about goserelin (Zoladex 3.6)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving goserelin (Zoladex 3.6)?
• How is goserelin given (Zoladex 3.6)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Zoladex 3.6)?
• What happens if I overdose (Zoladex 3.6)?
• What should I avoid while receiving goserelin (Zoladex 3.6)?
• What other drugs will affect goserelin (Zoladex 3.6)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is goserelin (Zoladex 3.6)?

Goserelin is a man-made form of a hormone that regulates many processes in the body. Goserelin overstimulates the body's own production of certain hormones, which causes that production to shut down temporarily.

Goserelin is used in men to treat symptoms of prostate cancer, and in women to treat breast cancer or endometriosis. Goserelin is also used in women to prepare the lining of the uterus for endometrial ablation (a surgery to correct abnormal uterine bleeding).

If you are receiving goserelin to treat prostate cancer, use any other medications your doctor has prescribed to best treat your condition. Goserelin treats only the symptoms of prostate cancer but does not treat the cancer itself.

Goserelin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of goserelin (Zoladex 3.6)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• back pain, severe numbness or tingling in your legs or feet;
• muscle weakness, problems with balance or coordination;
• loss of bladder or bowel control;
• urinating less than usual or not at all;
• pain or burning when you urinate;
• feeling like you might pass out;
• trouble breathing;
• pale skin, easy bruising;
• chest pain or heavy feeling, changes in heart rate; or
• nausea, loss of appetite, increased thirst, muscle weakness, confusion, and feeling tired or restless.

Less serious side effects may include:

• hot flashes, sweating, headache, dizziness;
• mood changes, vaginal dryness, increased or decreased interest in sex;
• impotence, fewer erections than normal;
• breast swelling or tenderness;
• bone pain;
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation;
• loss of appetite, nausea, or diarrhea;
• sleep problems (insomnia); or
• acne, mild skin rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about goserelin (Zoladex 3.6)?

This medication can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects and should not be used during pregnancy. Use effective non-hormonal (barrier) birth control during treatment and for at least 12 weeks after treatment ends. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.

Do not use goserelin if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

You should not use 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.

Before you receive goserelin, tell your doctor if you have osteoporosis, diabetes, urination problems, a condition affecting your spine, or if you have abnormal bleeding that your doctor has not checked.

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.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as severe numbness or tingling in your legs or feet, muscle weakness, problems with balance or coordination, loss of bladder or bowel control, urinating more or less than usual, pain or burning when you urinate, feeling like you might pass out, pale skin, easy bruising, trouble breathing, chest pain or heavy feeling, or changes in heart rate.

If you are using goserelin to treat prostate cancer, use any other medications your doctor has prescribed to best treat your condition. Goserelin treats only the symptoms of prostate cancer but does not treat the cancer itself.