Zoladex (Goserelin Acetate)

Have or have had any problems passing urine.

Family history of severe osteoporosis (thinning of the bones with fractures).

Have low bone mineral density (BMD).

Taking other medicines that cause thinning of the bones.

Have a low red blood cell count (anemia).

Have heart or blood vessel disease, have had an abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation), have a heart condition called ‘long QT syndrome’, a family history of this heart condition, or are being treated with medicines for these conditions. ZOLADEX may increase the risk of having an abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation).

Have diabetes.

Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. ZOLADEX should not be used during pregnancy, therefore, effective non-hormonal contraceptive methods should be used to prevent pregnancy during the treatment and until the return of menses after the last injection with ZOLADEX. After stopping ZOLADEX it may take longer for some women to experience menses. Rarely, some women may enter menopause. If 8 weeks have passed after the last ZOLADEX injection and you do not experience menses, talk to your doctor.

Taking blood thinners.

Tingling in your fingers or toes.

Psychiatric problems such as hallucinations, disordered thoughts or personality change. These have occasionally been reported.

Injection site injury (including damage to blood vessels in the abdomen) has been reported following injection of ZOLADEX. This can cause severe bleeding. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms: bleeding underneath the skin or bruising, abdominal pain, abdominal distension, swelling at the injection site, shortness of breath, dizziness, low blood pressure and/or any altered levels of consciousness.

There have been occasional reports of side effects with pituitary tumours. You may develop a tumour of the pituitary gland in your head or, if you have an existing tumour of the pituitary gland, ZOLADEX may cause it to bleed or collapse. Pituitary tumours may cause headaches, vomiting, loss of eyesight and unconsciousness.

A local skin reaction may occur at the injection site such as pain, bruising, bleeding, itching, redness, burning and swelling. These reactions generally are mild and disappear after a few days. If they get worse or do not go away, tell your doctor.

Cancer patients: Contact your doctor immediately if you develop: severe increased pain, numbness or weakness of the limbs, or persistent difficulty in urinating (prostate cancer).

When you first start receiving ZOLADEX you may feel some pain in your bones. If this happens tell your doctor and you may be given something for this.

Very occasionally you may have trouble passing urine or experience lower back pain. If this happens, tell your doctor and you may be given something for this.

You may experience hair loss, particularly the loss of body hair.

For pre-menopausal women: menstruation stops with the monthly depot of ZOLADEX. If regular menstruation persists, notify your doctor. If a monthly ZOLADEX depot is missed, breakthrough menstrual bleeding may occur.

Vaginal bleeding may occur. At the beginning of treatment, if you have fibroids a slight increase in symptoms, such as pain, may occur. These effects are usually short-lived and discontinue on continuation of treatment. If symptoms persist or you are uncomfortable, contact your doctor.

Occasionally some women may enter menopause early, so when ZOLADEX treatment is stopped, menstruation will not start again.

ZOLADEX has been associated with the formation of ovarian cysts, which may cause pain for some women.

If you experience excessive nausea, vomiting or thirst, you should tell your doctor. This may indicate possible changes in the amount of calcium in your blood and your doctor may have to do certain blood tests.