Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Zoladex (Goserelin).
Anemia: Reduced testosterone levels contribute to low levels of red blood cells. If you experience symptoms of reduced red blood cell count (anemia) such as shortness of breath, feeling unusually tired or pale skin, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Your doctor will do blood tests regularly to monitor the number of specific types of blood cells, including red blood cells, in your blood.
Depression: Changed levels of hormones in the body have been known to cause mood swings and symptoms of depression. If you have depression or a history of depression, discuss with your doctor how Zoladex (Goserelin) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Zoladex (Goserelin), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you experience symptoms of depression such as poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, or decreased interest in activities, or notice them in a family member who is taking Zoladex (Goserelin), contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Diabetes: Zoladex (Goserelin) may cause changes in blood sugar levels (may cause a loss of blood glucose control) and glucose tolerance may change. People with diabetes may find it necessary to monitor their blood sugar more frequently while using Zoladex (Goserelin).
If you have diabetes or are at risk for developing diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Zoladex (Goserelin) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Zoladex (Goserelin), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Fertility: When estrogen production is stopped, women stop ovulating. As a result of stopping the production of sex hormones, menstrual bleeds will also stop. Once Zoladex (Goserelin) has been discontinued, normal ovulation and menstrual bleeding should return in approximately 8 weeks. If you are planning to become pregnant, wait until you have had at least one normal menstrual period. Rarely, some women may enter menopause early and menstruation does not return after stopping treatment.
Heart problems: If you have heart disease or another heart problem such as heart failure or an abnormal heart rhythm, discuss with your doctor how Zoladex (Goserelin) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Zoladex (Goserelin), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Men and the heart: There may be an increased risk of heart-related events (e.g., heart attacks, Stroke, heart-related death) in men being treated for prostate cancer with GnRH medications. Before you start treatment, tell your doctor if you have diabetes, heart disease, had a previous heart attack or stroke, or have cardiovascular risk factors (e.g., high blood pressure, smoking, or cholesterol). If you have any of these conditions, discuss with your doctor how Zoladex (Goserelin) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Zoladex (Goserelin), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Osteoporosis: Zoladex (Goserelin) can cause bones to lose thickness. Your doctor will monitor you for this while you are using Zoladex (Goserelin). If you have osteoporosis or are at risk for it (e.g., have been smoking or drinking excessive amounts of alcohol for a long time, have a family history of osteoporosis, or are taking medications such as Prednisone or anti-seizure medications), discuss with your doctor how Zoladex (Goserelin) may affect your medical condition and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Pituitary tumour: Although very rare, pituitary gland tumours may develop, bleed, or collapse with Zoladex (Goserelin) treatment. If you experience severe Headaches, vomiting, loss of eyesight or unconsciousness, get immediate medical attention.
Short-term worsening of medical condition: For some people, their medical condition may temporarily worsen during the first month of treatment with Zoladex (Goserelin). If your medical condition appears to worsen, contact your doctor.
Spine problems: When people with cancer that has spread to their spine receive Zoladex (Goserelin), spinal cord compression can occur. If you develop severe pain, numbness or weakness of the arms or legs, or difficulty urinating, contact your doctor immediately.
Pregnancy: Zoladex (Goserelin) should not be used during pregnancy. A nonhormonal method of birth control (e.g., condom, diaphragm) should be used during treatment. If you become pregnant while using Zoladex (Goserelin), stop receiving Zoladex (Goserelin) and contact your doctor.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if Zoladex (Goserelin) passes into breast milk. Women should not breast-feed while receiving Zoladex (Goserelin) treatment due to risk of harm to the breast-feeding infant.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using the medication have not been established for children.
