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What is Zoladex
 Zoladex
is a man-made protein that is like a hormone in the body called
gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). Zoladex decreases levels
of testosterone in men and estrogen in women.
Zoladex
is used in the treatment of endometriosis, to thin the endometrial
layer (lining of the uterus) prior to surgery for abnormal
uterine bleeding, and some types of prostate and breast cancer.
Zoladex
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about Zoladex
Zoladex may cause decreased bone mineral density
with prolonged use. Smoking, frequent alcohol use, family
history of osteoporosis, and the use of certain medications
may increase the risk of bone loss. Talk to your doctor
about the risk of decreased bone mineral density.
Initially, Zoladex may cause symptoms of your condition
to worsen temporarily. Contact your doctor if symptoms do
not improve within several weeks of starting treatment.
If you are a pre-menopausal female, notify your doctor
if your menstrual period continues to occur. Zoladex usually
stops menstruation. Delayed or missed doses of Zoladex may
cause ovulation or menstrual bleeding. Following treatment
with Zoladex, there may be a delay before the return of
regular menstrual periods. Check with your doctor if your
period does not restart within a few months of ending treatment.
Do not take Zoladex if you are pregnant or could
become pregnant during treatment. Zoladex is known to be
harmful to an unborn baby. A nonhormonal method of birth
control must be used during treatment with Zoladex to ensure
prevention of pregnancy. Although Zoladex may stop ovulation
and menstruation, a nonhormonal method of birth control
must also be used. If a dose of Zoladex is missed or delayed,
ovulation and/or breakthrough bleeding may occur. A nonhormonal
method of birth control must also be used until the return
of menstruation or for at least 12 weeks following treatment
with Zoladex.
What you should find out before taking
Zoladex
Do not use Zoladex without first talking to your
doctor if you have
- osteoporosis or low bone density;
- pain or difficulty passing urine; or
- spinal
cord injury.
You may not be able to take Zoladex,
or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring
if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Do
not take Zoladex if you are pregnant or could become pregnant
during treatment. Zoladex is known to be harmful to an unborn
baby. A nonhormonal method of birth control must be used
during treatment with Zoladex to ensure prevention of pregnancy.
Although Zoladex may stop ovulation and menstruation, a
nonhormonal method of birth control must also be used. If
a dose of Zoladex is missed or delayed, ovulation and/or
breakthrough bleeding may occur. A nonhormonal method of
birth control must also be used until the return of menstruation
or for at least 12 weeks following treatment with Zoladex.
It is not known whether Zoladex passes into breast
milk. Do not take Zoladex without first talking to your
doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should take Zoladex Zoladex is administered by a healthcare professional
as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection into the abdomen
(stomach). If Zoladex is being administered at home, your
healthcare provider will give you detailed instructions
regarding how to administer the injection.
Zoladex
is administered every 28 days or every 12 weeks, depending
upon the formulation being used and the condition being
treated. Your doctor will tell you how often you will need
an injection. It is very important to receive each injection
at the scheduled time, to maintain effectiveness of the
medication.
Initially, Zoladex may cause symptoms
of your condition to worsen temporarily. Contact your doctor
if symptoms do not improve within several weeks of starting
treatment.
Your doctor may want you to have blood
tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with
Zoladex to monitor progress and side effects.
Your
healthcare provider will store Zoladex as directed by the
manufacturer. If you are storing Zoladex at home, your healthcare
provider will provide storage instructions.
If you miss a dose: It is important not to miss a dose of Zoladex. Contact
your doctor immediately if you miss a dose of this medication.
What happens if you overdose: An overdose of Zoladex is unlikely to threaten life.
Notify your doctor immediately or call an emergency room
or poison control center for advice if an overdose is suspected.
Symptoms of a Zoladex overdose are not known.
Avoid while taking Zoladex Avoid activities such as smoking and frequent alcohol
use that may increase the risk of bone loss. Zoladex may
cause decreased bone mineral density with prolonged use.
Talk to your doctor about the risk of decreased bone mineral
density.
Possible side effects of Zoladex Zoladex may cause decreased bone mineral density
with prolonged use. Smoking, frequent alcohol use, family
history of osteoporosis, and the use of certain medications
may increase the risk of bone loss. Talk to your doctor
about the risk of decreased bone mineral density.
Initially, Zoladex may cause symptoms of your condition
to worsen temporarily. Contact your doctor if symptoms do
not improve within several weeks of starting treatment.
If you are a pre-menopausal female, notify your doctor
if your menstrual period continues to occur. Zoladex usually
stops menstruation. Delayed or missed doses of Zoladex may
cause ovulation or menstrual bleeding. Following treatment
with Zoladex, there may be a delay before the return of
regular menstrual periods. Check with your doctor if your
period does not restart within a few months of ending treatment.
Seek emergency medical attention or notify your doctor
immediately if you experience any of the following serious
side effects:
- an allergic reaction (difficulty
breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips,
tongue, or face; or hives);
- menstrual bleeding
or breakthrough bleeding;
- difficulty passing urine;
or
- pain, redness, or irritation at the injection
site.
Other side effects may also occur. Notify your
doctor if you experience
- decreased sexual desire
or ability (impotence);
- dizziness or drowsiness;
- depression or mood changes;
- headache;
- hot flushes or sweating;
- decreased appetite,
nausea, or diarrhea;
- breast swelling or tenderness,
or decrease in breast size;
- vaginal dryness;
-
insomnia; or
- skin rash.
Side effects other
than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor
about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially
bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Zoladex
It
is not known whether other medications will interact with
Zoladex. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking
any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including
herbal products during treatment with Zoladex. |
