Goserelin

DEA Class; Rx

Common Brand Names; Zoladex, Zoladex LA

Indicated for the treatment of breast cancer.

Hypersensitivity to LHRH, LHRH-agonists, any component of product

Pregnancy (for endometriosis), lactation, undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding

• Flushing (46-96%)
• Vaginitis (5-75%)
• Hot flashes (62%)
• Reduced libido (47-61%)
• Mood swings (60%)
• Depression (women 54%)
• Sweating (16-45%)
• Acne (42%)
• Diarrhea (40%)
• Breast atrophy (33%)
• Headache (women 32-75%)
• Seborrhea (26%)
• Tumor flare (23%)
• Sexual dysfunction (21%)
• Peripheral edema (21%)
• Erectile dysfunction (18%)
• Pain (8-17%)
• UTI (13%)
• Nausea (9%)
• Lethargy (8%)
• Rash (6%)
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (5%)
• Congestive heart failure(5%)
• Cerebrovascular accident (1-5%)
• Renal impairment (1-5%)
• Headache (men 1-5%)
• Depression (men 1-5%)
• Immune hypersensitivity reaction (>1%)

Manifestations of disease may worsen at beginning of therapy

Increase in cervical resistance may occur; caution is recommended when dilating the cervix for endometrial ablation

Avoid pregnancy; premenopausal women should use nonhormonal contraception until >12 wk following end of treatment

Risk of reduced glucose tolerance in men

Males at risk of ureteral obstruction or spinal compression

Risk of pituitary apoplexy (rare)

Ongoing analysis found that men receiving GnRH agonists for prostate cancer were at a small increased risk for diabetes, heart attack, stroke, and sudden death

Do not exceed 1 year treatment duration with GnRH angonists in women except when treating breast cancer

Androgen deprivation therapy may prolong the QT interval; consider risks and benefits

Hypercalcemia has been reported in patients with bone metastases treated with goserelin; monitor and manage appropriately

Increased risk of myocardial infarction, sudden cardiac death and stroke reported in association with use of GnRH analogs in men; monitor for cardiovascular disease and manage according to current clinical practice

Hyperglycemia and an increased risk of developing diabetes have been reported in men receiving GnRH analogs. Monitor blood glucose level and manage according to current clinical practice

Pregnancy must be excluded for use in benign gynecological conditions

Transient worsening of tumor symptoms may occur during first few weeks of therapy, which may include ureteral obstruction and spinal cord compression; monitor patients at risk for complications of tumor flare

Injection site injury and vascular injury including pain, hematoma, hemorrhage and hemorrhagic shock, requiring blood transfusions and surgical intervention, reported; use extra care when administering to patients with low BMI and/or to patients receiving full dose anticoagulation

Pregnancy Category: D (advanced breast cancer); X (endometriosis, endometrial thinning)

Lactation: excretion in milk unknown; not recommended