Other Brands/Names

Zoladex, Zoladex LA

Mechanism of Action

Goserelin is a synthetic hormone that closely resembles the natural hormones found in the body. Goserelin belongs to the class of medicines known as gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists. This medication exerts its effects by modulating the activity of the pituitary gland, leading to a decrease in the synthesis of testosterone in males and estrogen in females.

Goserelin inhibits the secretion of leutinizing hormone by the pituitary gland, the primary gland responsible for hormone production in humans. Leutinizing hormone is responsible for stimulating testosterone release in the testicles and estrogen release in the ovaries. Goserelin has its therapeutic effects by suppressing the production of these hormones, thereby modulating the growth of cancerous cells, particularly in the management of breast and prostate cancer. Diminishing the synthesis of these hormones can impede the proliferation of prostate cancer cells or breast cancer cells.

Indications

Goserelin is prescribed to those diagnosed with prostate cancer, breast cancer in both pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women, endometriosis (the abnormal growth of uterine or uterine tissue in other organs resulting in pain and menstrual abnormalities), and abnormal uterine bleeding.

Goserelin exerts its effect by suppressing the production of sex hormones, therefore modulating the growth of cancer cells. Goserelin is used in males to decrease the hormone testosterone, which in turn hinders the proliferation of prostate cancer cells. Conversely, in females, this medication has the ability to decrease the hormone estrogen, so impeding the proliferation of breast cancer cells.

In addition to these applications, goserelin may be used to treat several additional medical conditions, such as:

• Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in the uterus
  Induce uterine endometrial atrophy prior to uterine surgery
• Facilitates the treatment of infertility by regulating the ovulation process and the release of eggs from the ovaries

Contraindications

Patients with the following conditions should not be administered this medication:

• Patients who have a history of hypersensitivity to goserelin or other hormonal substances
• Children aged < 18 years
• Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers
• Experiencing unexplained vaginal bleeding without a medical diagnosis

Furthermore, doctors should closely observe your condition if you have any of the following medical conditions:

• Heart disease
• Electrolyte imbalance
• High blood pressure
• Depression
• Family history of osteoporosis
• Alcohol addiction
• Smoke
• Obesity or underweight
• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
• Diabetes mellitus
• Spinal cord compression
• Urination problems (especially in men)

Side Effects

Adverse effects associated with the use of Goserelin may include:

• Feeling hot or hot (hot flashes) and sweating
• Pain while urinating
• Headache
• Depression, not being able to control emotions, or emotions changing quickly
• Pain in the breasts or enlarged breasts
• Decreased sexual desire or pain during intercourse
• Vaginal dryness, itching, or vaginal discharge
• Pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site
• Sleep disorders
• Hair loss
• Swelling in hands and feet

Immediately seek medical attention if you experience a severe adverse effect or a drug allergic reaction, as mentioned below:

• Continuous bleeding from the injection site
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Chest pain, abnormal or too fast heartbeat
• Difficult, too frequent, or painful urination
• Confusion
• Difficulty talking
• Dizziness or fainting
• Feeling weak or numb in one arm or leg
• Can't move legs
• Blurred vision
• The breath smells of fruit
• Losing weight without knowing the cause
• Sudden rash and itching on the skin
• Swelling of the face, tongue, lips, or other parts of the body

Preparations

Goserelin is accessible in liquid injections of 3.6 mg and 10.8 mg. This substance is supplied in a pre-filled syringe, which is intended for single use and is filled with liquid using a separate syringe. Subcutaneous injection of this medication is required, typically in the abdominal region, into the layer of fat beneath the skin. A doctor, nurse, or other medical personnel will typically administer the injection at a clinic or hospital on a monthly or quarterly basis. Typically, a dose of 3.6 mg of goserelin is administered every 4 weeks, while a dose of 10.8 mg is administered every 12 weeks.

Dosage

Dosage for prostate cancer:

• There is a single injection of either 3.6 mg or 10.8 mg into the abdominal region
• The dosage of 3.6 mg is administered every four weeks
• The dosage of 10.8 mg is administered once every 12 weeks

Dosage for breast cancer:

• A single dose of 3.6 milligrams is administered into the abdominal region.
• This dosage is administered at a frequency of once every 4 weeks.

Dosage for endometriosis:

• A single dose of 3.6 milligrams is administered into the abdominal region.
• This dosage is administered at a frequency of once every 4 weeks.

Dosage for uterine bleeding:

• A single or double administration of 3.6 mg is injected into the abdominal region.
• The interval between the first and second dosages should be 4 weeks.

Safety of Drugs

Pregnancy:

Goserelin, when administered via injection, is classified by the FDA as Category D, indicating that it has been scientifically proved to present a significant risk to the developing fetus. Category D medications are exclusively reserved for emergency cases, namely when alternative drugs that are safer for pregnant women are unavailable.

Drug Interactions

Here is a list of medicines that have been identified to interact with goserelin:

• Medicines to treat seizures or epilepsy
• Oral steroid medications, such as dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, and prednisone
• Medicines to treat abnormal heart rhythms, such as quinidine, amiodarone, and procinamide
• Antibiotics, such as moxifloxacin
• Medication to treat mood disorders

Looking for more information about other medications? Click here!