Goserelin
About Goserelin
Goserelin belongs to the group of medicines called LHRH analogues indicated in the treatment of breast cancer, endometriosis, uterine fibroids and infertility in women. It is also used to treat prostate cancer in men.
Goserelin contains Goserelin, which works by acting on the pituitary gland in the brain and decreases the production of certain sex hormones (testosterone in men and oestrogen in women) in the body.
In some cases, Goserelin may cause hot flushes, sweating, decreased sex drive, and injection site reactions such as pain, redness, swelling, bleeding or bruising. Do not be reluctant to talk with your doctor if any of the side effects persist or worsen.
Do not use Goserelin if you are pregnant (except for breast cancer and infertility treatment) or breastfeeding. Goserelin is not recommended for children as safety and effectiveness have not been established. Inform the doctor about your health condition and medications to rule out any side effects/interactions.
Uses of Goserelin
Medicinal Benefits
Goserelin belongs to the group of medicines called LHRH analogues indicated in the treatment of breast cancer, endometriosis, uterine fibroids and infertility in women. It is also used to treat prostate cancer in men. Goserelin contains Goserelin, which acts on the brain's pituitary gland and decreases the production of certain sex hormones (testosterone in men and oestrogen in women) in the body.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Goserelin
- Hot flushes and sweating
- Reduced sex drive and impotence
- Pain, swelling, redness, bleeding or bruising at the site of injection
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
Drug Warnings
Do not use Goserelin if you are allergic to any of its components, if you are pregnant (except for breast cancer and infertility treatment) or if you are breastfeeding. Consult the doctor immediately if you become pregnant during treatment. Inform the doctor if you have high blood pressure, heart or blood vessel conditions, heart rhythm problems, bone problems, problems passing urine, diabetes, unusual vaginal bleeding, electrolyte imbalance, heart failure, liver or kidney disease, a family history of osteoporosis, if you smoke or have a poor diet, take medicines like corticosteroids or anticonvulsants or if you develop depressed mood. Let the doctor know if you are taking any other medicines, including supplements and herbal products.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Inform the doctor if you are taking medicines used to treat heart rhythm problems (quinidine, procainamide, amiodarone, sotalol), pain killer (methadone), or antibiotic (moxifloxacin).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform the doctor if you have bone problems or bone cancer, diabetes, heart rhythm problems or cardiovascular disease.
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
- Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to maintain proper weight.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Include leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, fatty fish, berries, yoghurt, apples, peaches, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, beans, herbs and spices in your diet.
- Avoid fast food, fried food, processed meats, refined carbs and added sugar.
- Get optimal sleep; rest well.
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.
