Article: Goserelin

Goserelin is an injectable gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist (GnRH agonist). It stops the production of sex hormones (testosterone and oestrogen) and is used to treat hormone-sensitive cancers of the prostate and breast (in pre-/perimenopausal women) and some benign gynaecological disorders (endometriosis, uterine fibroids and endometrial thinning). In addition, goserelin is used in assisted reproduction.

It is available as a 1-month depot and a long-acting 3-month depot. Both depots are used for the treatment of prostate cancer, endometriosis and uterine fibroids but only the 1-month depot is approved for breast cancer, endometrial thinning and assisted reproduction.

Goserelin is marketed by AstraZeneca with the brand name Zoladex. It was first launched in 1987 and is currently the second-largest selling LHRHa in the world. It is currently available in more than one hundred markets.

Side effects

Goserelin causes an increase in bone pain and symptoms of prostatic cancer during the first few weeks of treatment. As your body adjusts to the medication, the symptoms will disappear. Goserelin may cause hot flashes, headache, stomach upset, difficulty urinating, weight gain, swelling and tenderness of breasts, decreased erections, reduced sexual desire.