Goserelin
About Goserelin
Goserelin is an injectable hormone therapy used to treat prostate cancer in men, as well as breast cancer and endometriosis in women. It is also prescribed to thin the lining of the uterus before certain surgical procedures. By lowering the production of specific hormones in the body, it helps slow down or stop the growth of abnormal hormone-sensitive cells.
This medicine is injected under the skin by a healthcare professional, typically once every 4 weeks or once every 12 weeks. To ensure the treatment is effective, it is highly important to receive your injections consistently and on a strict schedule. Because long-term use of this medicine can affect your bone strength, incorporating calcium and vitamin D into your daily diet is highly recommended.
Some people may experience mild side effects, such as temporary hot flashes, sweating, or mild pain and redness at the injection site. However, if you experience serious symptoms like severe back pain, difficulty urinating, or numbness in your legs, you should contact your doctor right away. Always discuss any unusual symptoms with your healthcare provider during your treatment.
Before you start receiving this medicine, tell your doctor if you have a history of bone thinning, diabetes, heart problems, or abnormal heart rhythms. Do not take this if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or have unexplained vaginal bleeding. Your doctor will help you weigh the risks and benefits based on your medical history.
This medicine may interact with other therapies, especially those that affect your heart rhythm, so be sure to share a complete list of your current medications with your doctor. It is also advised to limit alcohol and avoid smoking during treatment, as both can further increase the risk of bone thinning. If you are breastfeeding or are an elderly patient, talk to your doctor or pharmacist to determine if this medicine is safe for you.
Uses of Goserelin
Medicinal Benefits
When taken consistently as directed, this injection may provide the following health benefits:
- Helps manage endometriosis and uterine fibroids: It may help reduce pelvic pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, and pressure caused by these conditions, improving daily comfort and quality of life.
- Supports cancer treatment: In certain hormone-sensitive cancers, such as prostate and some breast cancers, it helps lower hormone levels that can promote tumour growth, supporting disease management as part of your treatment plan.
- Supports surgical preparation: Before some gynaecological surgeries, it may help shrink fibroids and reduce uterine bleeding, which can make surgery easier and may reduce blood loss during the procedure.
Directions for Use
- Follow your doctor’s instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication.
- Goserelin will be administered by a healthcare professional.
- Do not self-administer it.
Storage
Side Effects of Goserelin
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Hot flashes or sudden sweating
- Changes in sexual desire or ability
- Redness, mild bruising, or swelling where the injection was given
- Mood swings or mild depression
- Headaches or general tiredness
Serious Side Effects (Consult your doctor right away):
- Hives, swelling of your face, lips, or throat, and difficulty breathing (signs of a severe allergic reaction)
- Severe back pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in your legs
- Difficulty urinating, painful urination, or blood in your urine
- Chest pain, a fast or irregular heartbeat, or sudden shortness of breath
- Constant thirst, frequent urination, and dry mouth (signs of high blood sugar)
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Never skip appointments: Missing your scheduled injection date can cause your symptoms to return or your condition to worsen quickly.
- Monitor the injection site: Regularly check your stomach where the implant was placed, and report any signs of infection—such as severe swelling, heat, pus, or worsening pain—to your doctor.
- Watch for nerve pressure: In the first few weeks of treating prostate cancer, contact your doctor immediately if you develop new back pain, leg weakness, or numbness.
- Use non-hormonal birth control: Women who can still get pregnant must use a reliable, non-hormonal birth control method (like condoms or a diaphragm) during treatment and for several months afterwards.
- Check your heart: Alert your doctor right away if you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or if you experience a racing or fluttering heartbeat during your treatment.
Drug Interactions
- Medicines that affect heart rhythm: Medicines including used to treat abnormal heart rhythms (such as amiodarone), some antibiotics (such as moxifloxacin), and some antipsychotic medicines (such as haloperidol), may increase the risk of serious heart rhythm problems when used with Goserelin.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is not known if alcohol affects Goserelin. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
cautionGoserelin should not be used during pregnancy unless for palliative treatment of advanced breast cancer or infertility. Avoid becoming pregnant during treatment and for 12 weeks after your treatment as it may cause foetal harm.
Breast Feeding
unsafeAvoid breastfeeding whilst on treatment with Goserelin.
Driving
safe if prescribedGoserelin is unlikely to affect your ability to drive. However, drive or operate heavy machinery only if you are alert.
Liver
consult your doctorIf you have a history of liver disease, inform the doctor before receiving Goserelin.
Kidney
consult your doctorIf you have a history of kidney disease, inform the doctor before receiving Goserelin.
Children
unsafeGoserelin is not recommended for children as safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Protect your bones: Eat a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D (including dairy products, leafy greens, and fish) to help protect your bones from thinning during treatment.
- Do weight-bearing exercises: Regularly engage in activities like walking, climbing stairs, or using light weights to support your bone density and keep your muscles strong.
- Manage hot flashes: Wear light, layered clothing, keep your home cool, and avoid hot drinks, spicy foods, and caffeine, which can trigger sweating episodes.
- Keep an eye on blood sugar: If you have diabetes, check your blood glucose levels regularly, as this medicine can make it harder to control your blood sugar.
- Limit alcohol and stop smoking: Avoid smoking and limit your alcohol intake, as both can speed up bone loss and increase your risk of heart-related issues.
Special Advise
- Women of childbearing potential must use reliable, non-hormonal contraception during treatment and for 12 weeks after treatment. Avoid using oral contraceptives like ‘the pill’.
- Women may need to take a pregnancy test before starting treatment.
- Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels is advised.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Prostate cancer: Prostate cancer, also called prostatic carcinoma, is cancer in the prostate gland (a gland that produces seminal fluid). Symptoms include difficulty with urination, weak or interrupted flow of urine, trouble emptying the bladder completely, and pain or burning sensation during urination.
Endometriosis: Endometriosis is a painful disorder in which the tissue that generally lines the endometrium (inside the uterus) grows outside the uterus. Endometriosis generally occurs when the endometrial tissue grows on the ovaries, pelvis lining, and fallopian tubes. Symptoms include pelvic pain, painful periods, pain in the abdomen during and before menstruation, heavy menstrual bleeding, discomfort during bowel movements, lower back pain during menstruation, pain during sexual intercourse, and cramps 1-2 weeks around menstruation.
Female infertility: It is a condition in which a woman cannot become pregnant even after having carefully timed, unprotected sex for a year. Age, hormonal problems, physical problems, lifestyle or environmental factors could be the causes of infertility.
Breast cancer: It is a type of cancer that develops in the breast when the breast cells begin to grow abnormally. Symptoms of breast cancer include a lump in the breast or tissue thickening which feels different than the normal surrounding tissues, breast pain, redness, swelling, nipple discharge other than breast milk, bloody discharge, unexplained change in shape, size or appearance of the breast, peeling, flaking or scaling of the skin, and a lump or swelling under the arm.
Uterine fibroids: These are non-cancerous growths in the uterus that may develop during a woman’s childbearing age. Symptoms include heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and prolonged periods.
FAQs
Goserelin is used in the treatment of breast cancer, endometriosis, uterine fibroids and infertility in women. It is also used to treat prostate cancer in men.
Goserelin works by acting on the pituitary gland in the brain and decreases the production of certain sex hormones in the body.
Goserelin may decrease bone density, which may increase the chances of fractures or broken bones. Talk to the doctor about the risks and how to prevent them.
Goserelin might affect blood glucose levels. Therefore, if you have diabetes, inform the doctor. Monitor blood sugar levels more frequently while on treatment with Goserelin.
Avoid using oral contraceptives such as ‘the pill’ whilst on treatment with Goserelin. Instead, use barrier methods of contraception such as condoms or diaphragm.
There have been reports of depression in patients receiving Goserelin. Consult the doctor if you develop a depressed mood.
It is injected as a small implant under the skin of your stomach by a trained healthcare professional. The implant slowly dissolves to release the medicine over several weeks. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about the injection process.
Yes, long-term use of this medicine can lower bone mineral density, which increases the risk of osteoporosis. Your doctor may recommend bone density scans or calcium and vitamin D supplements to protect your bones. Talk to your doctor to learn more.
No, you should not become pregnant while on this medication, as it can harm an unborn baby. You must use effective, non-hormonal birth control methods during your treatment. Talk to your doctor about safe birth control options.
Yes, for most women, menstrual periods will stop during treatment because the medicine lowers estrogen levels. Your periods should return a few months after you stop receiving the injections. Talk to your doctor if your periods do not return.
While there is no direct reaction between the medicine and alcohol, drinking can increase the risk of bone thinning and cardiovascular side effects. It is highly recommended to limit your alcohol intake. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for personalised advice.
Some women may experience vaginal bleeding or spotting during the first month of treatment as hormone levels adjust. If this bleeding continues into the second month or is very heavy, you should contact your clinic. Talk to your doctor for further guidance.
Yes, changes in hormone levels can cause mood shifts, anxiety, or feelings of sadness in some patients. If you experience severe mood changes or depression, let your healthcare provider know right away. Talk to your doctor to find ways to manage these side effects.
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