About goserelin

Goserelin is used in the treatment of cancer of the prostate gland in men and in treating breast cancer in women. The causes of cancer of the prostate and breast are not known, but sex hormones such as testosterone and progesterone are known to increase the growth of both cancers. Goserelin reduces the production of these sex hormones and therefore helps to stop the growth of the cancer.

Short-term use of goserelin in women encourages ovulation and so it is used in infertility. Longer term use in women inhibits the production of sex hormones and it can be used to reduce the size of the uterus (womb) before some operations and to treat endometriosis (the growth of the lining of the uterus outside of the uterus).

Goserelin is implanted under the surface of the skin on your stomach.

Before having goserelin

Before having goserelin make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
• If you have bone disease.
• If you have any vaginal bleeding for which you do not know the cause (that is, other than your menstrual period).
• If you have polycystic ovaries.
• If you have diabetes.
• If you are a man and have problems passing urine or problems with your back.
• If you have depression.
• If you have high blood pressure.
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to use goserelin

• Before beginning treatment, ask to read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack.
• Goserelin is usually administered by a doctor or a nurse just underneath the skin on your stomach. This may be repeated at monthly or three monthly intervals depending on the reason for the treatment and the type of implant you are receiving.
• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your doses are not missed or delayed.

Getting the most from your treatment

• If you are female. Goserelin treatment should not be given if you are pregnant. While you are receiving goserelin, use a barrier method of contraception such as condoms or diaphragm (cap). Do not use oral contraceptives ('the pill'). If you are using goserelin as a fertilisation treatment, you will already have undergone tests to show that you are not pregnant.
• If you are male. You may notice your symptoms become worse when you first start treatment with goserelin and your doctor may give you some tablets to take during the first few weeks to help reduce this. Your symptoms should start to improve after a couple of weeks.
• Goserelin may affect your blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, test your urine or blood regularly and report any extreme changes to your doctor.

Can goserelin cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Important: If you experience any swelling of the mouth or face, or if you have any trouble breathing, speak with your doctor immediately or go to your local accident and emergency department straight away.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store goserelin

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines