Goserelin
Precautions
Before using goserelin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to LHRH or LHRH-like hormones (such as triptorelin); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: unexplained abnormal vaginal bleeding, diabetes, long-term alcohol use, smoking, personal or family history of bone loss (osteoporosis), heart disease (such as heart attack), high cholesterol/triglyceride levels, stroke, urinary blockage problem (in men), spinal cord problem (in men), mental/mood problems (such as depression).
If you have diabetes, this drug may make it harder to control your blood sugar. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of high blood sugar (see Side Effects section). Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet.
Goserelin may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right away.
The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT prolongation. Before using goserelin, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take and if you have any of the following conditions: certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG), family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death).
Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you use certain drugs (such as diuretics/"water pills") or if you have conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your doctor about using goserelin safely.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially QT prolongation (see above).
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using goserelin. Goserelin may harm an unborn baby. Ask about reliable non-hormonal forms of birth control (such as condoms, diaphragm with spermicide) while using this medication and for 12 weeks after the last dose or until the return of your period. If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not recommended while using this medication. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Side Effects
Hot flashes (flushing), dizziness, headache, increased sweating, decreased sexual interest/ability, trouble sleeping, nausea, change in breast size, vaginal dryness, or hair loss may occur. Pain, bruising, bleeding, redness, or swelling at the injection site may also occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: vaginal burning/pain, pain during sex (in women), breast pain/tenderness, new/worsening bone pain, new broken bone, burning feeling in feet/toes, swelling of the ankles/feet, unusual tiredness, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine), mental/mood changes (such as depression, mood swings, hallucinations), signs of liver disease (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine).
This medication may rarely make your blood sugar rise, which can cause or worsen diabetes. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of high blood sugar such as increased thirst/urination. If you already have diabetes, check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet.
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: symptoms of a heart attack (such as chest/jaw/left arm pain, shortness of breath, unusual sweating), signs of a stroke (such as weakness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, sudden vision changes, confusion), fast/irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, fainting.
In men using this medication for prostate cancer, a rare but very serious urinary blockage problem or spinal cord problem (compression) can occur, especially during the first month of treatment. Tell your doctor right away if you have any of the following serious side effects: severe back pain, numbness/tingling/weakness of the arms/legs, inability to move, painful/difficult urination, blood in the urine.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
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