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Goserelin


FDA-approved label information

Reproduced from the FDA Structured Product Label via the openFDA API. Label version: March 24, 2026.

Status
Human Prescription Drug
Brand names
ZOLADEX
Route
Subcutaneous

Description

11 DESCRIPTION ZOLADEX (goserelin implant) is a GnRH agonist. Goserelin acetate is chemically described as an acetate salt of [D-Ser(Bu t ) 6 ,Azgly 10 ]. Its chemical structure is pyro-Glu-His-Trp-Ser-Tyr-D-Ser(Bu t )-Leu-Arg-Pro-Azgly-NH 2 acetate [C 59 H 84 N 18 O 14· (C 2 H 4 O 2 ) x where x = 1 to 2.4]. Goserelin acetate is an off-white powder with a molecular weight of 1269 Daltons (free base). It is freely soluble in glacial acetic acid. It is soluble in water, 0.1M hydrochloric acid, 0.1M sodium hydroxide, dimethylformamide and dimethyl sulfoxide. Goserelin acetate is practically insoluble in acetone, chloroform and ether. ZOLADEX is supplied as a sterile, biodegradable product containing 3.8 mg goserelin acetate, equivalent to 3.6 mg of goserelin. ZOLADEX is designed for subcutaneous injection with continuous release over a 28-day period. Goserelin acetate, containing up to 12% goserelin-related substances, is dispersed in a matrix of D,L-lactic and glycolic acids copolymer (to a total implant weight of 18.0 mg, containing less than 2.5% total acetic acid) and presented as a sterile, white to cream colored 1-mm diameter cylinder, preloaded in a special single use syringe with a 16-gauge x 36 +/- 0.5 mm siliconized needle with protective needle sleeve (SafeSystem ® Syringe) in a sealed, light- and moisture-proof, aluminum foil laminate pouch containing a desiccant capsule. Studies of the D,L-lactic and glycolic acids copolymer have indicated that it is completely biodegradable and has no demonstrable antigenic potential.

Indications and usage

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE ZOLADEX is a Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) agonist indicated for: Use in combination with flutamide for the management of locally confined carcinoma of the prostate ( 1.1 ) Palliative treatment of advanced carcinoma of the prostate ( 1.2 ) The management of endometriosis ( 1.3 ) Use as an endometrial-thinning agent prior to endometrial ablation for dysfunctional uterine bleeding ( 1.4 ) Use in the palliative treatment of advanced breast cancer in pre- and perimenopausal women ( 1.5 ) 1.1 Stage B2-C Prostatic Carcinoma ZOLADEX is indicated for use in combination with flutamide for the management of locally confined Stage T2b-T4 (Stage B2-C) carcinoma of the prostate. Treatment with ZOLADEX and flutamide should start 8 weeks prior to initiating radiation therapy and continue during radiation therapy [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.1 ) and Clinical Studies ( 14.1 )]. 1.2 Prostatic Carcinoma ZOLADEX is indicated in the palliative treatment of advanced carcinoma of the prostate [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 ) and Clinical Studies ( 14.2 )]. 1.3 Endometriosis ZOLADEX is indicated for the management of endometriosis, including pain relief and reduction of endometriotic lesions for the duration of therapy. Experience with ZOLADEX for the management of endometriosis has been limited to women 18 years of age and older treated for 6 months [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.3 ) and Clinical Studies ( 14.3 )]. 1.4 Endometrial Thinning ZOLADEX is indicated for use as an endometrial-thinning agent prior to endometrial ablation for dysfunctional uterine bleeding [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.4 ) and Clinical Studies ( 14.4 )]. 1.5 Advanced Breast Cancer ZOLADEX is indicated for use in the palliative treatment of advanced breast cancer in pre- and perimenopausal women. The estrogen and progesterone receptor values may help to predict whether ZOLADEX therapy is likely to be beneficial [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.5 ), Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.1 ), and Clinical Studies ( 14.5 )]. The automatic safety feature of the syringe aids in the prevention of needlestick injury.

Contraindications

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Hypersensitivity ( 4.1 ) Pregnancy unless used for treatment of advanced breast cancer ( 4.2 ) 4.1 Hypersensitivity Anaphylactic reactions to ZOLADEX have been reported in the medical literature. ZOLADEX is contraindicated in those patients who have a known hypersensitivity to GnRH, GnRH agonist analogues or any of the components in ZOLADEX [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )]. 4.2 Pregnancy ZOLADEX is contraindicated during pregnancy unless ZOLADEX is being used for palliative treatment of advanced breast cancer. ZOLADEX can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. If this drug is used during pregnancy, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus. There is an increased risk for pregnancy loss due to expected hormone changes that occur with ZOLADEX treatment [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 )].

Warnings and cautions

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Women of Childbearing Potential and Pregnancy: Pregnancy must be excluded for use in benign gynecological conditions. Women should avoid pregnancy ( 5.1 ) Tumor Flare Phenomenon: Transient worsening of tumor symptoms may occur during the first few weeks of treatment with ZOLADEX, which may include ureteral obstruction and spinal cord compression. Monitor patients at risk for complications of tumor flare ( 5.2 , 6.2 ) Hyperglycemia and Diabetes: 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 ( 5.3 ) Cardiovascular Diseases: Increased risk of myocardial infarction, sudden cardiac death and stroke has been reported in association with use of GnRH analogs in men. Monitor for cardiovascular disease and manage according to current clinical practice ( 5.4 ) Hypercalcemia: Hypercalcemia has been reported in patients with bone metastases treated with ZOLADEX. Monitor and manage appropriately ( 5.5 ) Hypersensitivity: Systemic hypersensitivity has been reported in patients receiving goserelin/ZOLADEX implants ( 4.1 , 5.6 ) Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions: ZOLADEX can cause severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs), including Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis. Interrupt ZOLADEX if signs or symptoms of SCARs develop. Permanently discontinue ZOLADEX if SCARs are confirmed. ( 5.7 ) Cervical Resistance: Increase in cervical resistance may occur. Caution is recommended when dilating the cervix for endometrial ablation ( 5.8 ) Effect on QT/QTc Interval: Androgen deprivation therapy may prolong the QT interval. Consider risks and benefits ( 5.9 ) Injection Site Injury: Injection site injury and vascular injury have been reported during administration of ZOLADEX ( 5.10 ) Depression: Depression may occur or worsen in women receiving GnRH agonists. Monitor and manage appropriately ( 5.11 ) 5.1 Women of Childbearing Potential and Pregnancy Before starting treatment with ZOLADEX, pregnancy must be excluded for women using ZOLADEX for benign gynecological conditions. Women of childbearing potential should be advised to avoid becoming pregnant. Effective nonhormonal contraception must be used by all premenopausal women during ZOLADEX therapy and for 12 weeks following discontinuation of therapy. When used every 28 days, ZOLADEX usually inhibits ovulation and stops menstruation; however, pregnancy prevention is not ensured. Effects on reproductive function are expected to occur with chronic administration as a result of the anti-gonadotrophic properties of the drug. Based on mechanism of action in humans and findings of increased pregnancy loss in animal studies, ZOLADEX can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. If this drug is used during pregnancy for the palliative treatment of breast cancer, then the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 )]. 5.2 Tumor Flare Phenomenon Initially, ZOLADEX, like other GnRH agonists, causes transient increases in serum levels of testosterone in men with prostate cancer, and estrogen in women with breast cancer. Transient worsening of symptoms, or the occurrence of additional signs and symptoms of prostate or breast cancer, may occasionally develop during the first few weeks of ZOLADEX treatment. A small number of patients may experience a temporary increase in bone pain, which can be managed symptomatically. As with other GnRH agonists, isolated cases of ureteral obstruction and spinal cord compression have been observed in patients with prostate cancer. If spinal cord compression or renal impairment secondary to ureteral obstruction develops, standard treatment of these complications should be instituted. For extreme cases in prostate cancer patients, an immediate orchiectomy should be considered. 5.3 Hyperglycemia and Diabetes Hyperglycemia and an increased risk of developing diabetes have been reported in men receiving GnRH agonists. Hyperglycemia may represent development of diabetes mellitus or worsening of glycemic control in patients with diabetes. Monitor blood glucose and/or glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) periodically in patients receiving a GnRH agonist and manage with current practice for treatment of hyperglycemia or diabetes [see Patient Counseling Information ( 17.2 )]. 5.4 Cardiovascular Diseases Increased risk of developing myocardial infarction, sudden cardiac death and stroke has been reported in association with use of GnRH agonists in men. The risk appears low based on the reported odds ratios, and should be evaluated carefully along with cardiovascular risk factors when determining a treatment for patients with prostate cancer. Patients receiving a GnRH agonist should be monitored for symptoms and signs suggestive of development of cardiovascular disease and be managed according to current clinical practice [see Patient Counseling Information ( 17.2 )]. 5.5 Hypercalcemia As with other GnRH agonists or hormonal therapies (antiestrogens, estrogens, etc.), hypercalcemia has been reported in some prostate and breast cancer patients with bone metastases after starting treatment with ZOLADEX. If hypercalcemia does occur, appropriate treatment measures should be initiated. 5.6 Hypersensitivity Hypersensitivity, antibody formation and acute anaphylactic reactions have been reported with GnRH agonist analogues [see Contraindications ( 4.1 )] . Of 115 women worldwide treated with ZOLADEX and tested for development of binding to goserelin following treatment with ZOLADEX, one patient showed low-titer binding to goserelin. On further testing of this patient’s plasma obtained following treatment, her goserelin binding component was found not to be precipitated with rabbit antihuman immunoglobulin polyvalent sera. These findings suggest the possibility of antibody formation. 5.7 Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions ZOLADEX can cause severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs), including Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN), drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP). SCARs, including SJS/TEN, DRESS, and AGEP, occurred in patients receiving ZOLADEX or other GnRH agonists; including cases with visceral involvement and/or requiring skin grafts [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.10 ) and Patient Counseling Information ( 17.1 )] . Monitor patients for the development of SCARs. If a SCAR is suspected, interrupt ZOLADEX until the etiology of the reaction has been determined. Consultation with a dermatologist is recommended. If a SCAR is confirmed, or for other grade 4 skin reactions, permanently discontinue ZOLADEX. 5.8 Cervical Resistance The pharmacologic action of ZOLADEX on the uterus and cervix may cause an increase in cervical resistance. Therefore, care should be taken when dilating the cervix for endometrial ablation. 5.9 Effect on QT/QTc Interval Androgen deprivation therapy may prolong the QT/QTc interval. Providers should consider whether the benefits of androgen deprivation therapy outweigh the potential risks in patients with congenital long QT syndrome, congestive heart failure, frequent electrolyte abnormalities, and in patients taking drugs known to prolong the QT interval. Electrolyte abnormalities should be corrected. Consider periodic monitoring of electrocardiograms and electrolytes. 5.10 Injection Site Injury Injection site injury and vascular injury including pain, hematoma, hemorrhage and hemorrhagic shock, requiring blood transfusions and surgical intervention, have been reported with ZOLADEX. Extra care should be taken when administering ZOLADEX to patients with a low BMI and/or to patients receiving full dose anticoagulation [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.7 ) and Patient Counseling Information ( 17.2 and 17.3 )]. 5.11 Clinical Depression Depression may occur or worsen in women during treatment with GnRH agonists including ZOLADEX 3.6 mg [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.4 , 6.5 , 6.10 )] . Carefully observe women for depression, especially those with a history of depression and consider whether the risks of continuing ZOLADEX 3.6 mg outweigh the benefits. Women with new or worsening depression should be referred to a mental health professional, as appropriate.

Adverse reactions

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The most common, clinically significant adverse reactions occurring in >10% of men: hot flashes, sexual dysfunction, decreased erections and lower urinary tract symptoms ( 6 ) The adverse event profile was similar for women treated for breast cancer, dysfunctional uterine bleeding or endometriosis and included (>20%): hot flushes, headache, sweating, acne, emotional lability, depression, decreased libido, vaginitis, breast atrophy, seborrhea, and peripheral edema ( 6 ) Tumor flare can occur on the initiation of ZOLADEX for both men and women being treated for cancer ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact TerSera Therapeutics at 1-844-334-4035 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Stage B2-C Prostatic Carcinoma Treatment with ZOLADEX and flutamide did not add substantially to the toxicity of radiation treatment alone. The following adverse experiences were reported during a multicenter clinical trial comparing ZOLADEX + flutamide + radiation versus radiation alone. The most frequently reported (greater than 5%) adverse experiences are listed below: Table 1 ADVERSE EVENTS DURING ACUTE RADIATION THERAPY (within first 90 days of radiation therapy) (n=231) flutamide + ZOLADEX + Radiation % All (n=235) Radiation Only % All Rectum/Large Bowel 80 76 Bladder 58 60 Skin 37 37 Table 2 ADVERSE EVENTS DURING LATE RADIATION PHASE (after 90 days of radiation therapy) (n=231) flutamide + ZOLADEX + Radiation % All (n=235) Radiation Only % All Diarrhea 36 40 Cystitis 16 16 Rectal Bleeding 14 20 Proctitis 8 8 Hematuria 7 12 Additional adverse event data was collected for the combination therapy with radiation group over both the hormonal treatment and hormonal treatment plus radiation phases of the study. Adverse experiences occurring in more than 5% of patients in this group, over both parts of the study, were hot flashes (46%), diarrhea (40%), nausea (9%), and skin rash (8%). 6.2 Prostatic Carcinoma ZOLADEX has been found to be generally well tolerated in clinical trials. Adverse reactions reported in these trials were rarely severe enough to result in the patients’ withdrawal from ZOLADEX treatment. As seen with other hormonal therapies, the most commonly observed adverse events during ZOLADEX therapy were due to the expected physiological effects from decreased testosterone levels. These included hot flashes, sexual dysfunction and decreased erections. Tumor Flare Phenomenon: Initially, ZOLADEX, like other GnRH agonists, causes transient increases in serum levels of testosterone. A small percentage of patients experienced a temporary worsening of signs and symptoms, usually manifested by an increase in cancer-related pain which was managed symptomatically. Isolated cases of exacerbation of disease symptoms, either ureteral obstruction or spinal cord compression, occurred at similar rates in controlled clinical trials with both ZOLADEX and orchiectomy. The relationship of these events to therapy is uncertain [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]. In the controlled clinical trials of ZOLADEX versus orchiectomy, the following events were reported as adverse reactions in greater than 5% of the patients. Table 3 TREATMENT RECEIVED 1. Complications related to surgery were reported in 18% of the orchiectomy patients, while only 3% of ZOLADEX patients reported adverse reactions at the injection site. The surgical complications included scrotal infection (5.9%), groin pain (4.7%), wound seepage (3.1%), scrotal hematoma (2.8%), incisional discomfort (1.6%) and skin necrosis (1.2%). ZOLADEX (n=242) ORCHIECTOMY (n=254) ADVERSE EVENT % % Hot Flashes 62 53 Sexual Dysfunction 21 15 Decreased Erections 18 16 Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms 13 8 Lethargy 8 4 Pain (worsened in the first 30 days) 8 3 Edema 7 8 Upper Respiratory Infection 7 2 Rash 6 1 Sweating 6 4 Anorexia 5 2 Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 5 3 Congestive Heart Failure 5 1 Dizziness 5 4 Insomnia 5 1 Nausea 5 2 Complications of Surgery 0 18 1 The following additional adverse reactions were reported in greater than 1% but less than 5% of the patients treated with ZOLADEX: CARDIOVASCULAR – arrhythmia, cerebrovascular accident, hypertension, myocardial infarction, peripheral vascular disorder, chest pain; CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM – anxiety, depression, headache; GASTROINTESTINAL – constipation, diarrhea, ulcer, vomiting; HEMATOLOGIC – anemia; METABOLIC/NUTRITIONAL – gout, hyperglycemia, weight increase; MISCELLANEOUS – chills, fever; UROGENITAL – renal insufficiency, urinary obstruction, urinary tract infection, breast swelling and tenderness. 6.3 Females As would be expected with a drug that results in hypoestrogenism, the most frequently reported adverse reactions were those related to this effect. 6.4 Endometriosis In controlled clinical trials comparing ZOLADEX every 28 days and danazol daily for the treatment of endometriosis, the following events were reported at a frequency of 5% or greater. Table 4 TREATMENT RECEIVED ZOLADEX (n=411) DANAZOL (n=207) ADVERSE EVENT % % Hot Flushes 96 67 Vaginitis 75 43 Headache 75 63 Emotional Lability 60 56 Libido Decreased 61 44 Sweating 45 30 Depression 54 48 Acne 42 55 Breast Atrophy 33 42 Seborrhea 26 52 Peripheral Edema 21 34 Breast Enlargement 18 15 Pelvic Symptoms 18 23 Pain 17 16 Dyspareunia 14 5 Libido Increased 12 19 Infection 13 11 Asthenia 11 13 Nausea 8 14 Hirsutism 7 15 Insomnia 11 4 Breast Pain 7 4 Abdominal Pain 7 7 Back Pain 7 13 Flu Syndrome 5 5 Dizziness 6 4 Application Site Reaction 6 – Voice Alterations 3 8 Pharyngitis 5 2 Hair Disorders 4 11 Myalgia 3 11 Nervousness 3 5 Weight Gain 3 23 Leg Cramps 2 6 Increased Appetite 2 5 Pruritus 2 6 Hypertonia 1 10 The following adverse events not already listed above were reported at a frequency of 1% or greater, regardless of causality, in ZOLADEX-treated women from all clinical trials: WHOLE BODY – allergic reaction, chest pain, fever, malaise; CARDIOVASCULAR – hemorrhage, hypertension, migraine, palpitations, tachycardia; DIGESTIVE – anorexia, constipation, diarrhea, dry mouth, dyspepsia, flatulence; HEMATOLOGIC – ecchymosis; METABOLIC AND NUTRITIONAL – edema; MUSCULOSKELETAL – arthralgia, joint disorder; CNS – anxiety, paresthesia, somnolence, thinking abnormal; RESPIRATORY – bronchitis, cough increased, epistaxis, rhinitis, sinusitis; SKIN – alopecia, dry skin, rash, skin discoloration; SPECIAL SENSES – amblyopia, dry eyes; UROGENITAL – dysmenorrhea, urinary frequency, urinary tract infection, vaginal hemorrhage. 6.5 Endometrial Thinning The following adverse events were reported at a frequency of 5% or greater in premenopausal women presenting with dysfunctional uterine bleeding in Trial 0022 for endometrial thinning. These results indicate that headache, hot flushes and sweating were more common in the ZOLADEX group than in the placebo group. Table 5 ADVERSE EVENTS REPORTED AT A FREQUENCY OF 5% OR GREATER IN ZOLADEX AND PLACEBO TREATMENT GROUPS OF TRIAL 0022 ZOLADEX 3.6 mg (n=180) Placebo (n=177) ADVERSE EVENT % % Whole Body Headache 32 22 Abdominal Pain 11 10 Pelvic Pain 9 6 Back Pain 4 7 Cardiovascular Vasodilatation 57 18 Migraine 7 4 Hypertension 6 2 Digestive Nausea 5 6 Nervous Nervousness 5 3 Depression 3 7 Respiratory Pharyngitis 6 9 Sinusitis 3 6 Skin and appendages Sweating 16 5 Urogenital Dysmenorrhea 7 9 Uterine Hemorrhage 6 4 Vulvovaginitis 5 1 Menorrhagia 4 5 Vaginitis 1 6 6.6 Breast Cancer The adverse event profile for women with advanced breast cancer treated with ZOLADEX is consistent with the profile described above for women treated with ZOLADEX for endometriosis. In a controlled clinical trial (SWOG–8692) comparing ZOLADEX with oophorectomy in premenopausal and perimenopausal women with advanced breast cancer, the following events were reported at a frequency of 5% or greater in either treatment group regardless of causality. Table 6 TREATMENT RECEIVED ZOLADEX (n=57) OOPHORECTOMY (n=55) ADVERSE EVENT % of Pts. % of Pts. Hot Flashes 70 47 Tumor Flare 23 4 Nausea 11 7 Edema 5 0 Malaise/Fatigue/Lethargy 5 2 Vomiting 4 7 In the Phase II clinical trial program in 333 pre- and perimenopausal women with advanced breast cancer, hot flashes were reported in 75.9% of patients and decreased libido was noted in 47.7% of patients. These two adverse events reflect the pharmacological actions of ZOLADEX. Injection site reactions were reported in less than 1% of patients. 6.7 Hormone Replacement Therapy Clinical studies suggest the addition of Hormone Replacement Therapy (estrogens and/or progestins) to ZOLADEX may decrease the occurrence of vasomotor symptoms and vaginal dryness associated with hypoestrogenism without compromising the efficacy of ZOLADEX in relieving pelvic symptoms. The optimal drugs, dose and duration of treatment has not been established. 6.8 Changes in Bone Mineral Density After 6 months of ZOLADEX treatment, 109 female patients treated with ZOLADEX showed an average 4.3% decrease of vertebral trabecular bone mineral density (BMD) as compared to pretreatment values. BMD was measured by dual-photon absorptiometry or dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. Sixty-six of these patients were assessed for BMD loss 6 months after the completion (posttherapy) of the 6-month therapy period. Data from these patients showed an average 2.4% BMD loss compared to pretreatment values. Twenty-eight of the 109 patients were assessed for BMD at 12 months posttherapy. Data from these patients showed an average decrease of 2.5% in BMD compared to pretreatment values. These data suggest a possibility of partial reversibility. Clinical studies suggest the addition of Hormone Replacement Therapy (estrogens and/or progestins) to ZOLADEX is effective in reducing the bone mineral loss which occurs with ZOLADEX alone without compromising the efficacy of ZOLADEX in relieving the symptoms of endometriosis. The optimal drugs, dose and duration of treatment has not been established [see Patient Counseling Information ( 17.3 )]. 6.9 Changes in Laboratory Values During Treatment Plasma Enzymes: Elevation of liver enzymes (AST, ALT) have been reported in female patients exposed to ZOLADEX (representing less than 1% of all patients). Lipids: In a controlled trial, ZOLADEX therapy resulted in a minor, but statistically significant effect on serum lipids. In patients treated for endometriosis at 6 months following initiation of therapy, danazol treatment resulted in a mean increase in LDL cholesterol of 33.3 mg/dL and a decrease in HDL cholesterol of 21.3 mg/dL compared to increases of 21.3 and 2.7 mg/dL in LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol, respectively, for ZOLADEX-treated patients. Triglycerides increased by 8.0 mg/dL in ZOLADEX-treated patients compared to a decrease of 8.9 mg/dL in danazol-treated patients. In patients treated for endometriosis, ZOLADEX increased total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol during 6 months of treatment. However, ZOLADEX therapy resulted in HDL cholesterol levels which were significantly higher relative to danazol therapy. At the end of 6 months of treatment, HDL cholesterol fractions (HDL 2 and HDL 3 ) were decreased by 13.5 and 7.7 mg/dL, respectively, for danazol-treated patients compared to treatment increases of 1.9 and 0.8 mg/dL, respectively, for ZOLADEX-treated patients. 6.10 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of ZOLADEX. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Bone Mineral Density: Osteoporosis, decreased bone mineral density and bone fracture in men [see Patient Counseling Information ( 17.2 ) and ( 17.3 )]. Cardiovascular: Deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction, stroke, and transient ischemic attack have been observed in women treated with GnRH agonists. Although a temporal relationship was reported in some cases, most cases were confounded by risk factors or concomitant medication use. It is unknown if there is a causal association between the use of GnRH analogs and these events. Ovarian Cyst: Ovarian cyst formation and, in combination with gonadotropins, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Changes in Blood Pressure: Hypotension and hypertension have been reported. These changes are usually transient, resolving either during continued therapy or after cessation of therapy. Pituitary Apoplexy and Tumors: Pituitary apoplexy (a clinical syndrome secondary to infarction of the pituitary gland) and pituitary adenoma have been diagnosed. Most of the pituitary apoplexy cases occurred within 2 weeks of the first dose, and some occurred within the first hour. In these cases, pituitary apoplexy has presented as sudden headache, vomiting, visual changes, ophthalmoplegia, altered mental status, and sometimes cardiovascular collapse. Immediate medical attention has been required. Pituitary tumors have been reported. Acne: Usually within one month of starting treatment. Skin reactions: SJS/TEN, DRESS, AGEP, dermatitis exfoliative, bullous dermatitis, and erythema multiforme. Psychiatric Disorders: Psychotic disorders, mood swings, including depression; suicidal ideation and attempt. Other Adverse Reactions: Convulsions.

Drug interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS No formal drug-drug interaction studies have been performed. No confirmed interactions have been reported between ZOLADEX and other drugs. None 7.1 Drug/Laboratory Test Interactions Administration of ZOLADEX in therapeutic doses results in suppression of the pituitary-gonadal system. Because of this suppression, diagnostic tests of pituitary-gonadotropic and gonadal functions conducted during treatment and until the resumption of menses may show results which are misleading. Normal function is usually restored within 12 weeks after treatment is discontinued.

Use in specific populations

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Nursing mothers: Discontinue drug or nursing taking into account the importance of drug to the mother ( 8.3 ) No information available for use in Pediatric patients ( 8.4 ) Geriatric ( 8.5 ) Renal and Hepatic Impairment: No dose adjustment is necessary ( 2.6 , 8.6 , 8.7 ) 8.1 Pregnancy ZOLADEX is contraindicated during pregnancy unless ZOLADEX is being used for palliative treatment of advanced breast cancer. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women using ZOLADEX. Based on mechanism of action in humans and findings of increased pregnancy loss in animal studies, ZOLADEX can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. If this drug is used during pregnancy, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus. There is an increased risk for pregnancy loss due to expected hormone changes that occur with ZOLADEX treatment. ZOLADEX crosses the placenta in rats and rabbits following subcutaneous administration. Administration of goserelin to pregnant rats and rabbits during organogenesis resulted in increased preimplantation loss and increased resorptions. When pregnant rats received goserelin throughout gestation and lactation, there was a dose-related increase in umbilical hernia in offspring. In additional reproduction studies in rats, goserelin decreased fetus and pup survival. Human dose/exposure multiples could not be calculated from available animal data. Actual animal doses: rat (≥ 2 mcg/kg/day for pregnancy loss; > 10 mcg/kg/day for umbilical hernia in offspring); rabbits (> 20 mcg/kg/day). 8.3 Nursing Mothers It is not known if goserelin is excreted in human milk. Goserelin is excreted in the milk of lactating rats. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from ZOLADEX, a decision should be made to either discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother. 8.4 Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established. 8.5 Geriatric Use There is no need for any dosage adjustment when administering ZOLADEX to male geriatric patients. ZOLADEX has not been studied in women over 65 years. 8.6 Renal Insufficiency In clinical trials with the solution formulation of goserelin, male patients with impaired renal function (creatinine clearance 70 mL/min). In females, the effects of reduced goserelin clearance due to impaired renal function on drug efficacy and toxicity are unknown. Pharmacokinetic studies in patients with renal impairment do not indicate a need for dose adjustment with the use of the depot formulation. 8.7 Hepatic Insufficiency The total body clearances and serum elimination half-lives were similar between normal subjects and patients with moderate hepatic impairment (alanine transaminase < 3xULN and asparate aminotransferase < 3xULN) when treated with a 250 mcg subcutaneous formulation of goserelin. This pharmacokinetic study indicates that no dose adjustment is needed in patients with moderately impaired liver function. There is no pharmacokinetic data with goserelin in patients with severe hepatic insufficiency.

Pregnancy

8.1 Pregnancy ZOLADEX is contraindicated during pregnancy unless ZOLADEX is being used for palliative treatment of advanced breast cancer. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women using ZOLADEX. Based on mechanism of action in humans and findings of increased pregnancy loss in animal studies, ZOLADEX can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. If this drug is used during pregnancy, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus. There is an increased risk for pregnancy loss due to expected hormone changes that occur with ZOLADEX treatment. ZOLADEX crosses the placenta in rats and rabbits following subcutaneous administration. Administration of goserelin to pregnant rats and rabbits during organogenesis resulted in increased preimplantation loss and increased resorptions. When pregnant rats received goserelin throughout gestation and lactation, there was a dose-related increase in umbilical hernia in offspring. In additional reproduction studies in rats, goserelin decreased fetus and pup survival. Human dose/exposure multiples could not be calculated from available animal data. Actual animal doses: rat (≥ 2 mcg/kg/day for pregnancy loss; > 10 mcg/kg/day for umbilical hernia in offspring); rabbits (> 20 mcg/kg/day).

Paediatric use

8.4 Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.

Overdosage

10 OVERDOSAGE The pharmacologic properties of ZOLADEX and its mode of administration make accidental or intentional overdosage unlikely. There is no experience of overdosage from clinical trials. Animal studies indicate that no increased pharmacologic effect occurred at higher doses or more frequent administration. Subcutaneous doses of the drug as high as 1 mg/kg/day in rats and dogs did not produce any nonendocrine related sequelae; this dose is up to 250 times the estimated human daily dose based on the body surface area. If overdosage occurs, it should be managed symptomatically.

Source: US Food and Drug Administration, via the openFDA API. The FDA does not review, endorse or verify third-party reproductions of this data, and label information may have been updated since it was retrieved.
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FDA approval applies to the uses listed on the label. Approval status in your country may differ.

This glossary entry is general health information, not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not a recommendation to use any medicine. Medicines described here may be prescription-only where you live. Always speak to a qualified doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any treatment.
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