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Zoladex Side Effects

Generic name: goserelin

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 9, 2023.

Note: This document contains side effect information about goserelin. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Zoladex.

Summary

Common side effects of Zoladex include: headache, vasodilation, and diaphoresis. Other side effects include: hypertension. Continue reading for a comprehensive list of adverse effects.

Applies to goserelin: subcutaneous implant.

Serious side effects of Zoladex

Along with its needed effects, goserelin (the active ingredient contained in Zoladex) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking goserelin:

For all adults

Less common

Rare

  • Bone, muscle, or joint pain
  • changes in skin color of the face
  • fainting
  • fast or irregular breathing
  • numbness or tingling of the hands or feet
  • puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes
  • skin rash, hives, or itching
  • sudden, severe decrease in blood pressure and collapse
  • tightness in the chest
  • troubled breathing

For females only

Rare

For males only

Rare

  • Pain in the chest
  • pain in the groin or legs (especially in the calves of the legs)

Other side effects of Zoladex

Some side effects of goserelin may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For all adults

More common

  • Sudden sweating and feelings of warmth (also called hot flashes)

Less common

  • Blurred vision
  • burning, itching, redness, or swelling at the place of injection
  • decreased interest in sexual intercourse
  • dizziness
  • headache
  • nausea or vomiting
  • swelling and increased tenderness of the breasts
  • swelling of the feet or lower legs
  • trouble sleeping
  • weight gain

For females only

More common

Less common

  • Burning, dryness, or itching of the vagina
  • pelvic pain

For males only

Less common

  • Bone pain
  • constipation
  • decreased size of the testicles
  • inability to have or keep an erection

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to goserelin: subcutaneous implant.

Genitourinary

Very common (10% or more): Sexual dysfunction (21%), erectile dysfunction (18%), lower urinary tract symptoms (13%), vaginitis, breast atrophy, breast enlargement

Common (1% to 10%): Gynecomastia, incontinence and urinary frequency (after radiotherapy), ureteric obstruction, pelvic pain

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Breast tenderness[Ref]

Psychiatric

Very common (10% or more): Libido decreased, emotional lability

Common (1% to 10%): Mood changes, depression, insomnia

Very rare (less than 0.01%): Psychotic disorder[Ref]

Dermatologic

Very common (10% or more): Hyperhidrosis, acne, seborrhea

Common (1% to 10%): Rash, pruritus

Frequency not reported: Alopecia[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Very common (10% or more): Hot flashes (62%)

Common (1% to 10%): Cardiac failure, myocardial infarction, blood pressure abnormal

Frequency not reported: QT prolongation

Postmarketing reports: Deep vein thrombosis, stroke, transient ischemic attack[Ref]

Nervous system

Very common (10% or more): Headache

Common (1% to 10%): Paresthesia, spinal cord compression, dizziness

Postmarketing reports: Convulsions[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Very common (10% or more): Diarrhea (36%), cystitis (16%), rectal bleeding (14%)

Common (1% to 10%): Proctitis, vomiting[Ref]

Respiratory

Very common (10% or more): Pharyngitis

Common (1% to 10%): Upper respiratory infection, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Drug hypersensitivity

Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Anaphylactic reaction[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Common (1% to 10%): Bone pain, myalgia, leg cramps, hypertonia

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Arthralgia

Postmarketing reports: Osteoporosis, decreased bone mineral density and bone fracture in men[Ref]

Metabolic

Common (1% to 10%): Glucose tolerance impaired, weight increased, anorexia[Ref]

Hematologic

Common (1% to 10%): Hematuria[Ref]

Endocrine

Very rare (less than 0.01%): Pituitary hemorrhage/infarction[Ref]

Oncologic

Very rare (less than 0.01%): Pituitary tumor[Ref]

Immunologic

Common (1% to 10%): Influenza syndrome[Ref]

Local

Common (1% to 10%): Injection site reaction

Other

Common (1% to 10%): Lethargy, pain, edema[Ref]

References

1. "Product Information. Zoladex (goserelin)." Astra-Zeneca Pharmaceuticals (2001):

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer