Zoladex |
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Zoladex Ingredients: Goserelin
Representative Names: Zoladex |
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Who is Zoladex for ?
Your doctor has ordered the drug goserelin to
help treat your illness. This drug is given by injection under the
skin in the stomach area, usually every 28 days or every 3 months.
The medication is slowly released into your bloodstream over that
period. this medication is used to treat:
- prostate cancer
- endometriosis
- advanced breast cancer in premenopausal
and perimenopausal women
this medication is sometimes prescribed for other
uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for information. Goserelin is a
synthetic hormone. In men, it stops the production of the hormone
testosterone, which may stimulate the growth of cancer cells. In
women, goserelin decreases the production of the hormone estradiol (which
may stimulate the growth of cancer cells) to levels similar to a
postmenopausal state. When the medication is stopped, hormone levels
return to normal. |
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When should I be careful
taking Zoladex ?
Before taking goserelin,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you
are allergic to goserelin or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what
prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking,
especially aspirin and vitamins.
- you should know that goserelin may
interfere with the normal menstrual cycle (period) in women and
may stop sperm production in men. However, you should not assume
that you cannot get pregnant or that you cannot get someone else
pregnant. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should tell
their doctors before they begin taking this drug. You should not
plan to have children while receiving chemotherapy or for a
while after treatments. (Talk to your doctor for further details.)
Use a reliable method of birth control to prevent pregnancy.
Goserelin may harm the fetus.
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Zoladex Side Effects
Side effects from goserelin are common and
include:
- "hot flashes"
- decreased sexual desire
- weight gain
- swelling and tenderness of the breasts
- headaches
- bone pain
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are
severe or do not go away:
- nausea
- vomiting
- vaginal dryness
- emotionality
- increased amount of body hair
- lethargy
If you experience any of the following symptoms,
call your doctor immediately:
- chest pain
- difficulty breathing
- fever
- chills
- rapid heartbeat
- painful urination
Menstruation should stop in women; call your
doctor if your regular menstruation continues. Last Revised - 6/98. |
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