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
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
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
- Anxiety
- deepening of voice
- increased hair growth
- mental depression
- mood changes
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
- Light, irregular vaginal bleeding
- stopping of menstrual periods
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]
More about Zoladex (goserelin)
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- During pregnancy
- Drug class: gonadotropin releasing hormones
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Patient resources
- Drug Information
- Zoladex (Advanced Reading)
- Zoladex (Goserelin Implant 10.8 mg)
- Zoladex (Goserelin Implant 3.6 mg)
Professional resources
Related treatment guides
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.