What is Goserelin?
Goserelin, a synthetic hormone, regulates several processes in the human body. It stimulates the body to produce certain hormones. This causes this production to temporarily stop. The treatment of prostate cancer symptoms in men with goserelin implantsGoserelin implants are also used to treat breast cancer and endometriosis in women. Women can also use these implants to prepare their uterine lining for endometrial surgery (a procedure to correct abnormal bleeding). Sometimes, goserelin can be used with another cancer drug called flutamide.
Warnings
If you have advanced breast cancer, you should avoid using goserelin during pregnancy.
Goserelin may harm an unborn child or cause birth defects. Goserelin should not be used during pregnancy unless you have advanced breast cancer. Use barrier birth control (non-hormonal) during your treatment and at least for 12 weeks following treatment. If you fall pregnant while on treatment, tell your doctor immediately. While using this medication, you should not breastfeed.If you have an allergy to goserelin or similar hormone medications, such as leuprolide, nafarelin, or ganirelix, then this medication is not for you.Tell your doctor before you receive goserelin if you suffer from osteoporosis or diabetes. Also, if your doctor hasn't checked for abnormal bleeding, you should tell them if there is a history of a heart attack, stroke, or other risk factors.Goserelin may decrease bone mineral content, increasing your risk for osteoporosis. If you are a smoker, drink alcohol regularly, have a history of osteoporosis in your family, or take certain medications such as steroids or seizure medication, this risk could be higher. Speak to your doctor regarding your personal risk of bone loss.If you experience any serious side effects while taking goserelin (such as severe numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, difficulty with balance, coordination, loss in bladder or bowel controls, urinating more than usual, burning or pain when you urinate or blood in your urine, stools or urine, easy bruising or bleeding, increased thirst, urination or increased thirst, a fruity breath smell, trouble breathing or headache, sudden numbness, severe headache or sudden
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to goserelin or similar hormone medications, such as leuprolide, nafarelin, or ganirelix, then this medication should be avoided.Goserelin is not recommended for pregnant women unless they have advanced breast cancer. Goserelin should not be used during pregnancy unless you have advanced breast cancer. A negative pregnancy test may be required before you start this treatment. You should not use goserelin while you are still in the menopause stage.Continue to use birth control at least for 12 weeks following the removal of the goserelin implants. Although goserelin can prevent ovulation or menstruation, it is possible that you may still fall pregnant.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that goserelin will be safe for you:
- Diabetes;
- Heart problems heart attack or stroke
- Bone cancer;
- Long-qt syndrome
- Low bone mineral density (htm0_ osteoporosis);
- Undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding
Goserelin may decrease bone mineral density and increase your risk for osteoporosis. You may have an increased risk if you are a smoker, drink alcohol regularly, have a history of osteoporosis in your family, or take certain medications such as steroids or seizure medication. Speak to your doctor regarding your personal risk.Breastfeeding is not recommended while the implant has been placed.
How to take Goserelin?
Every 28 days, a tiny goserelin implant is inserted into your stomach skin with a needle. The implant will be given to you in a doctor's office or clinic. If you also receive chemotherapy, your dosing regimen may differ. Please follow your doctor's advice. You must receive your monthly goserelin shots on time. The implant is unlikely to cause you pain or discomfort. Over time, the implant will dissolve within your body.You may experience new symptoms or a worsening of your condition in the first few treatment weeks. This is because your hormone levels will be adjusting. If your symptoms don't improve after a few weeks, tell your doctor.You should not have menstrual cycles while the goserelin is implanted if you are premenopausal. If you are still having regular periods, call your doctor. Missing one dose may cause breakthrough bruising. You should start having regular periods 12 weeks after stopping this medication.Even if you do not have diabetes, your blood sugar level may need to be monitored while taking goserelin.Goserelin may cause unexpected results in certain medical tests. Inform any doctor that you see about your use of this medication.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for prostate cancer:
To treat advanced prostate cancer:
Subcutaneously inject 3.6 or 10.8mg into the upper abdominal wall.
Every 28 days, the 3.6 mg dose can be repeated.
Every 12 weeks, the 10.8 mg dose can be repeated.
This product is intended for long-term use unless clinically inadvisable.
Males with prostate cancer stage B2 or C: radiotherapy and antiandrogen therapy (start 8 weeks before radiotherapy).
Combination 28-day/12-week implant: 3.6mg implant followed in 28 days with 10.8mg implant
OR
28-day implant (alternate dosing) 3.6 mg, repeated every 28 days for a total of 4 doses (2 depots before radiotherapy and 2 during it).
Uses:
Combination with flutamide in the treatment of localised prostate cancer from Stages T2b to T4 (Stages B2-C) The treatment should begin 8 weeks before radiation therapy and continue throughout radiation.
For palliative therapy of advanced prostate cancer.
Usual Adult Dose for Endometriosis:
Repeat every 28 days.
Treatment typically lasts six months.
Use: To manage endometriosis, including pain relief and the reduction of endometriotic lesions.
Adult dose for breast cancer: palliative treatment:
Use in palliative treatments for advanced breast cancer. Subcutaneously inject 3.6 mg into the upper abdominal wall, once. Repeat every 28 days.
Unless clinically inappropriate, this product is intended for long-term use.
Use: To treat advanced breast cancer among pre- and perimenopausal females
Adult dose for bleeding:
One or two subcutaneous depot injections of 3.6 mg (four weeks between each) Surgery should be performed 4 weeks after the administration of 1 depot. Surgery should be performed 2 to 4 weeks after administration of the second depot, when two depots have been administered.
Use: As an endometrial thinner prior to endometrial removal for dysfunctional bleeding.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you do not receive your goserelin implants on time, call your doctor to get instructions.
What happens if I overdose?
You are unlikely to get an overdose of goserelin since the implant only contains a certain amount.
What should be avoided?
Avoid alcohol. You may experience increased bone loss if you drink alcohol while taking goserelin.Don't smoke. It can cause heart disease, strokes, and bone loss.
Side effects of Goserelin
If you experience any of the following: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat, or hives, seek emergency medical attention.
Your tumour symptoms can get worse when you begin treatment with goserelin. The worsening of a tumour in your prostate can increase pressure on the spinal cord and urinary tract. Inform your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms like pain in the back or difficulty urinating.
If you experience:
- Pain, bruising, or swelling where the implant has been injected
- Feeling dizzy; trouble breathing; feeling like you could pass out.
- High blood sugar: increased thirst, increased urination, and a fruity breath smell;
- High calcium levels can cause confusion, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and a loss of appetite. They may also lead to constipation or increased thirst.
- Heart attack symptoms: pain in the chest or pressure, spreading to your shoulder or jaw, nausea, or sweating.
- Signs of a Blood Clot: sudden numbness, weakness, or pain on one side; chest pains; difficulty with speech or vision; or pain in one leg.
- Side effects of goserelin include:
- Sweating, hot flashes;
- Painful urination
- Increased or decreased interest in sexual activity;
- Changes in sexual function; fewer erections as normal.
- Headache;
- You may experience swelling in your hands or feet.
- Dryness of the vaginal area, itching, or discharge
- Changes in breast size
- Mild skin rash, or itching.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Interaction with other drug
Goserelin may cause serious heart problems if taken with certain other medications for asthma, heart disease, depression, mental illness, or HIV. Inform your doctor of all other medications you are taking, including blood thinners (Warfarin Coumadin Jantoven). Goserelin may also interact with other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are taking and those that you stop or start using.
