Goserelin

About Goserelin

This belongs to the group of medicines known as gonadorelin analogues.

Goserelin is used in the treatment of cancer of the prostate gland and in treating breast cancer. The cause of cancer of the prostate and breast is not known but sex hormones, such as testosterone and progesterone are known to increase the growth of both cancers. Goserelin stops 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 may also be used to treat infertility. Longer term use in women inhibits the production of sex hormones and it can also be used to treat endometriosis (growth of the lining of the womb, outside the womb) or to reduce the size of the uterus (womb) before some operations.

Goserelin is available in implant form. The standard implant can be used by both men and women. The long acting implant should only be used by men.

It may also be known as Zoladex; Zoladex LA. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before using Goserelin

Before you receive treatment with Goserelin make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from bone disease or ovarian cysts
• if you have vaginal bleeding, other than your menstrual period, for which you do not know the cause
• if you have polycystic ovaries
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines

How to use Goserelin

• Goserelin is usually administered by a doctor or a nurse just underneath the skin of the tummy. This is usually repeated at monthly or three monthly intervals.

Getting the most from your treatment

• It is important not to become pregnant while you are being treated with Goserelin. Use a barrier method of contraception, such as condoms, over the duration of your treatment.
• You may notice your symptoms become worse when you first start treatment with Goserelin. This is nothing to worry about and your symptoms should start to improve after a couple of weeks.
• Goserelin can cause problems with eyesight. Make sure your eyesight is unaffected before driving or doing any other tasks which could be dangerous if you were unable to see properly.
• When you have your injection remind the doctor or nurse to make you another appointment for your next injection.
• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside Goserelin.

Can Goserelin cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Hot flushes, sweating, vaginal dryness, painful sexual intercourse, lack of interest in sex, headaches, skin rashes, itching, bleeding between menstrual periods, a sore, stuffy or bleeding nose; being aware of your heart beat, changes in breast size, muscle or joint pain, weakness, dizziness, problems with eyesight, weight changes, problems sleeping, pins and needles, changes with scalp and body hair, puffiness of the face, fingers and toes or mood changes.

If you experience any other worrying side effects, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your pharmacist.

How to store Goserelin

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Either discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 20/07/2005