What is Zoladex
GoserelinThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryGoserelin is a synthetic hormone used to reduce the levels of testosterone in men and estradiol in women. Both of these hormones can stimulate the growth of cancer cells, so reducing their levels can help to slow the growth of cancer. When the medication is stopped, hormone levels return to normal.
Zoladexis the brand name
Zoladex Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Zoladex
Goserelin
2003
6
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Goserelin, also known as Zoladex, is approved by the FDA for 3 uses like stage T2b carcinoma of the prostate and Radiation Therapy .stage T2b carcinoma of the prostate
Used to treat stage T2b carcinoma of the prostate in combination with Flutamide
Radiation Therapy
Used to treat Radiation Therapy in combination with Flutamide
Carcinoma
Used to treat stage T4 carcinoma of the prostate in combination with Flutamide
Effectiveness
How Zoladex Affects PatientsScientists have studied how Goserelin is absorbed and used in the body in both healthy adults and people with illnesses. It has been administered as either a 250 microgram liquid dose, or as a 3.6 milligram injection under the skin.
How Zoladex works in the bodyGoserelin is a synthetic version of a hormone that helps to suppress the production of other hormones in the pituitary gland. When used, it can reduce the levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone in the body.
When to interrupt dosage
The measure of Zoladex is contingent upon the indicated illness, for example Uterine hemorrhage, Radiation Therapy and Advance Directives. The amount of dosage is dependent upon the mode of delivery as detailed in the table below.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Uterine hemorrhage
3.6 mg, 10.8 mg,
Implant - Subcutaneous, , Implant, Subcutaneous
Radiation Therapy
3.6 mg, 10.8 mg,
Implant - Subcutaneous, , Implant, Subcutaneous
Advance Directives
3.6 mg, 10.8 mg,
Implant - Subcutaneous, , Implant, Subcutaneous
stage T2b carcinoma of the prostate
3.6 mg, 10.8 mg,
Implant - Subcutaneous, , Implant, Subcutaneous
Endometriosis
3.6 mg, 10.8 mg,
Implant - Subcutaneous, , Implant, Subcutaneous
endometrial thinning
3.6 mg, 10.8 mg,
Implant - Subcutaneous, , Implant, Subcutaneous
Carcinoma
3.6 mg, 10.8 mg,
Implant - Subcutaneous, , Implant, Subcutaneous
Breast
3.6 mg, 10.8 mg,
Implant - Subcutaneous, , Implant, Subcutaneous
Palliative Therapy
3.6 mg, 10.8 mg,
Implant - Subcutaneous, , Implant, Subcutaneous
Warnings
There are 20 known major drug interactions with Zoladex.Common Zoladex Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Amiodarone
Major
The risk or severity of QTc prolongation can be increased when Goserelin is combined with Amiodarone.
Anagrelide
Major
The risk or severity of QTc prolongation can be increased when Goserelin is combined with Anagrelide.
Arsenic trioxide
Major
The risk or severity of QTc prolongation can be increased when Goserelin is combined with Arsenic trioxide.
Artemether
Major
The risk or severity of QTc prolongation can be increased when Goserelin is combined with Artemether.
Asenapine
Major
The risk or severity of QTc prolongation can be increased when Goserelin is combined with Asenapine.
Zoladex Toxicity & Overdose RiskNo reports of overdose have been documented in clinical trials.
Zoladex Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Zoladex?
53 active studies are currently assessing the potential of Zoladex to reduce Uterine hemorrhage, thin the Endometrium and alleviate Endometriosis.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Uterine hemorrhage
4 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 2
endometrial thinning
0 Actively Recruiting
Endometriosis
29 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Not Applicable, Early Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 4
Palliative Therapy
1 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
Breast
16 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 1, Phase 3
stage T2b carcinoma of the prostate
0 Actively Recruiting
Radiation Therapy
4 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 3
Carcinoma
0 Actively Recruiting
Advance Directives
0 Actively Recruiting
Zoladex Reviews: What are patients saying about Zoladex?
5Patient Review
11/23/2015 I've been on Zolidex three times now, and it's really helped me control my endometriosis. I've had no major issues while taking it, just the occasional bout of stiff joints or hot flashes.
5Patient Review
11/7/2013 I am a Vietnam Veteran. My PSA was 58.5 and the cancer had spread outside the prostate. After 45 days of radiation, I was put on Zoladex to control the cancer. This drug has likely saved my life. I have hot flashes but that's a small price to pay for knowing my cancer is being treated effectively.
5Patient Review
7/5/2013 I've only been taking this medication for a short period of time, but it has already helped me in so many ways. At first I experienced some side effects like nausea and headaches; however, these have since subsided.
5Patient Review
5/15/2022 I had a prostatectomy and my PSA started rising, so my urologist put me on Zoladex as a precautionary measure. I agreed to the additional Zoladex and radiation therapy, and I'm glad I did. I feel great and my PSA is down.
5Patient Review
5/2/2022 Zoladex completely changed my life for the better. I was bleeding for two years straight and in a lot of pain most of the time. Zoladex has helped with that, although I do experience hot flushes, bad headaches, forgetfulness, low libido, whole body aches, little sleep, and mood swings. But I would rather deal with those symptoms than constant bleeding and pain.
4Patient Review
12/20/2012 This medicine helped me with my sleeping, back and chest pain, breathlessness, and concentration problems.
3.7Patient Review
10/12/2021 Zoladex and Tamoxifen have been working for me for the past nine months. At first, I had some nasty side effects like nausea, headaches, and bone pain. And because I'm type 1 diabetic, my blood sugars go out of control the week I have the injection. But fortunately, the side effects are easing up now and I only get occasional headaches. If this stops my cancer from coming back then I'll continue to use it!
3Patient Review
7/1/2020 At first, I had a really tough time with this medication. For the first three weeks I had terrible headaches and felt nauseous all the time. My menstrual bleeding was also out of control. But after about a month, those symptoms went away and I started feeling better. The only two issues I have now are hot flashes and muscle pain. If those could be solved, I'd be much happier!
2.7Patient Review
9/10/2012 I need one to two naps a day, have hot and cold flushes, sleeplessness at night, increased Restless Leg Syndrome, some anxiety and depression, and some loss of mental acuity.
2Patient Review
10/8/2021 I experienced a lot of negative side effects with this treatment, including anxiety, hot flashes, insomnia, high blood pressure, depression, fatigue and headaches. My sex drive also decreased significantly. I'm not going to take the second shot; it's been a nightmare so far.
1Patient Review
12/6/2016 After six months of injections, I have experienced significant pain and swelling in my breasts. Additionally, my PSA has increased from 2.9 to 7.3. I am not pleased with this medication at all.
1Patient Review
8/18/2022 This latest treatment has been extremely harmful. I'm now short of breath and have irregular heartbeats, among other serious side effects. The urologist just sends me a message saying it's not the Zoladex, but he won't even come out of his office to discuss it further.
1Patient Review
4/14/2022 My wife was given zoladex 3.6 and after two doses, she developed varicose veins in her legs. We stopped the treatment immediately and I pray that her heart veins were not damaged. This drug should only be used for cancer patients and not for other purposes.
Patient Q&A Section about zoladex
What is Zoladex used for?
"Goserelin treats breast cancer by lowering the amount of estrogen in the body. Estrogen is a hormone that can make some types of breast cancer grow. Goserelin is also used to treat prostate cancer." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
Why is Zoladex given in breast cancer?
"Zoladex is used to treat early-stage hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer in premenopausal women. It is given as an injection once a month for several months or every few months." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
Is Zoladex a chemotherapy?
"com
Zoladex is the brand name for the chemo drug goserelin. It is a man-made form of a hormone that is similar to the hormone GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone). This drug is used in the treatment of several types of cancer, including breast cancer, endometrial cancer, and prostate cancer. It is also used to treat women with precocious puberty.
Zoladex is a chemo drug used to treat several types of cancer, including breast cancer, endometrial cancer, and prostate cancer. It is also used to treat women with precocious puberty." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
What are the Zoladex side effects?
"The following side effects may occur with the use of this medication: hot flashes (flushing), dizziness, headache, increased sweating, decreased sexual interest/ability, trouble sleeping, nausea, change in breast size, vaginal dryness, or hair loss. In addition, pain, bruising, bleeding, redness, or swelling at the injection site may also occur." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer