What is this medication for?
Goserelin is a medication that is designed to act like the gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH or LHRH), one of the hormones released from the hypothalamus gland in the brain. The hypothalamus uses GnRH to send messages to the pituitary gland in the brain, which then sends messages to the ovaries in females and the testicles in males, telling them to produce the sex hormones estrogen (females) and testosterone (males).
Normally, GnRH comes from the hypothalamus in pulses, leading to the production of estrogen or testosterone. If GnRH came from the hypothalamus all of the time (rather than in pulses), it would have the opposite effect, and "turn off" hormone production. This is what goserelin does. Goserelin is used to treat medical problems including prostate cancer, breast cancer (if it develops before or around the time of menopause), and endometriosis (a painful condition caused by growth of extra tissue inside or outside the uterus). It is also used to help thin the lining of the uterus before surgery on the uterus. Goserelin is used to treat prostate cancer by reducing the amount of testosterone in the blood. It is used to treat breast cancer and endometriosis and to thin the lining of the uterus by reducing the amount of estrogen in the blood.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you are not sure why you are being given this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop receiving this medication without consulting your doctor.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Zoladex® is available as:
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
Goserelin is an injectable medication and will be administered by a doctor or nurse. Injections of goserelin 3.6 mg are given once every 28 days. In prostate cancer patients, a dose of goserelin 3.6 mg can be given 8 weeks before radiation treatment, followed by a dose of 10.8 mg of goserelin 28 days later. If you miss getting your injection on the correct day, have it administered as soon as possible.
It is important that this medication be received exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are receiving the medication without consulting your doctor.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Goserelin should not be used by anyone who:
- is allergic to LHRH, other LHRH agonist analogues, goserelin, or to any of the ingredients of the medication
- is being treated for endometriosis or endometrial thinning who are or may
become pregnant while taking the medication
- is breast-feeding