Zoladex LA (Goserelin)

Do’s

• Get Zoladex implanted by a healthcare provider only.
• Follow your healthcare provider's exact instructions regarding dosage (3.6mg every 4 weeks or 10.8mg every 12-13 weeks) and injection location (lower abdomen).
• Keep track of your appointments and get injections on schedule.
• Report any side effects to your healthcare provider, especially during the first few weeks (increased pain, urination difficulty in men).
• Inform your healthcare provider if you still have regular periods after 2 months of treatment.

Don'ts

• Don't stop taking Zoladex unless your healthcare provider advises you to.
• Don't change the dosage or injection schedule on your own.
• Don't expect immediate results - it takes time for hormone levels to decrease.
• Don't panic if your hormone levels rise initially - this is a normal response in the beginning.

Common Side Effects:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Malaise (general discomfort)
• Skin rash or itching
• Hair loss (less common)

Serious Side Effects:

• Allergic reactions (swelling, difficulty breathing)
• Severe skin reactions (blistering, peeling, rash that spreads)
• Changes in vision
• Signs of kidney problems (change in urine output, unusual back/side pain)
• Unusual tiredness
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• New fever
• Bloody or dark urine
• Severe stomach or abdominal pain
• Yellowing of the eyes or skin

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Zoladex LA, contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Inform your healthcare provider if you have allergies to goserelin, LHRH or LHRH-like hormones, or any ingredients in Zoladex LA.

Discuss any pre-existing conditions with your healthcare provider, especially:

• Unexplained abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Diabetes
• Long-term alcohol use
• Smoking
• Personal or family history of bone loss (osteoporosis)
• Heart disease (history of heart attack)
• High cholesterol/triglyceride levels
• Stroke
• Urinary blockage problems (in men)
• Spinal cord problems (in men)
• Mental/mood problems (such as depression)

Zoladex LA may affect blood sugar control. Monitor blood sugar regularly and report changes to your healthcare provider.

Zoladex LA may cause a heart rhythm condition (QT prolongation). Tell your healthcare provider about any heart problems, medications you take, and if the following apply to you:

• Family history of certain heart problems
• Low blood potassium or magnesium levels

Do not use Zoladex LA if pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Discuss reliable non-hormonal birth control options with your healthcare provider.

It's unknown if Zoladex LA passes into breast milk. Breastfeeding is not recommended while using this medication.