Why take zoladex

They may suggest a different treatment option for you. Zoladex can cause high blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes , Zoladex may make it harder to manage your blood sugar. As a result, your doctor may suggest changes to your diabetes treatment plan or blood sugar monitoring. Bone problems. If you have osteoporosis thinning bones , Zoladex treatment can possibly worsen your condition. Because of this, your doctor may use X-rays or bone scans to monitor your bone mineral density.

Allergic reaction. They can tell you about other medications that may be better options for you. But long-term alcohol use can increase the risk of bone loss. Zoladex treatment may increase this risk, especially in people who already have osteoporosis. If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about how much is safe for you to consume while using Zoladex. If you have questions about these risks, talk with your doctor.

Most people using Zoladex have only mild side effects, and many of its common side effects can be easily managed. But serious side effects have also occurred. Here are some questions to get your conversation started:. This resource provides helpful information about treatment and inspiring stories from others with this condition. Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date.

However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

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It may be more accurate than conventional testing approaches. Improved diagnosis and new medications may lead to…. Find out how proton therapy compares to other treatments for prostate cancer, and what to expect during and after this procedure. These lists contain examples of serious side effects that can occur when treating prostate cancer with Zoladex, with Lupron Depot, or with both drugs when taken individually. A retroactive study was done to compare Zoladex with Lupron Depot in men with advanced prostate cancer.

Specifically, the researchers compared men who received Zoladex with men who received Lupron Depot. The goal was to see if either medication was better at lowering a hormone called testosterone to castration levels. In the study, there was no difference in the results between men who received Zoladex and those received Lupron Depot. Zoladex and Lupron Depot are both brand-name drugs. There are currently no generic forms of either drug. Brand-name medications usually cost more than generics.

According to estimates on WellRx. But this may vary based on how often you receive Lupron Depot. Other drugs are available that can treat your condition. Some may be a better fit for you than others. They can tell you about other medications that may work well for you. Note: Some of the drugs listed here are used off-label to treat these specific conditions. Examples of other drugs that may be used for the palliative treatment of advanced breast cancer include:.

Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat endometriosis include:. Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat prostate cancer include:. Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat advanced prostate cancer include:.

Like Lupron Depot above , the drug tamoxifen Soltamox has uses similar to those of Zoladex. Zoladex contains the active drug goserelin. Tamoxifen itself is the active ingredient in tamoxifen. Zoladex works by blocking the production of certain hormones, including estrogen and testosterone. Tamoxifen works in a different manner.

Tamoxifen blocks the effects of estrogen, including growth in breast tissue. Zoladex and tamoxifen are both used to treat breast cancer but contain different drugs. These lists contain examples of mild side effects that can occur with Zoladex, with tamoxifen, or with both drugs when taken individually when treating breast cancer. These lists contain examples of serious side effects that can occur with Zoladex, with tamoxifen, or with both drugs when taken individually.

Zoladex is a brand-name drug. Tamoxifen is a generic medication. The usual recommended dosage of Zoladex for the palliative treatment of breast cancer is a 3.

The usual recommended dosage of Zoladex for endometriosis is a 3. The usual recommended dose of Zoladex for prostate cancer is a 3. After 28 days, this should be followed by a The usual recommended dosage of Zoladex for palliative treatment of advanced prostate cancer is a 3. Another option is a Your doctor may want you to have another implant inserted to continue treatment. The Zoladex implant is designed to release the drug for a few days beyond 28 days.

Zoladex is meant to be used as a long-term treatment. The healthcare professional will pinch the skin of your belly, insert a needle, and inject the Zoladex implant.

If you have questions about taking other drugs while using Zoladex, talk with your doctor. However, you should still check with your doctor or pharmacist before using any of these products while taking Zoladex.

If you have questions about eating certain foods while taking Zoladex, speak with your doctor. Zoladex is a type of hormone therapy that works by reducing the levels of sex hormones such as estrogen and testosterone in your blood. This is different from the way chemotherapy drugs such as docetaxel Taxotere and doxorubicin Doxil work. Chemotherapy drugs destroy cells in the body that grow rapidly, including cancer cells. But chemotherapy drugs also destroy other rapidly growing cells.

These include blood cells, cells lining the intestines and mouth, and hair follicles sacs under your skin that hold the roots of your hair. This is why chemotherapy drugs can cause many different side effects throughout the body. Your doctor may recommend chemotherapy by itself or with hormone therapy to treat advanced breast cancer and prostate cancer. Zoladex may be used with chemotherapy for breast cancer.

Zoladex may stay in your system for up to 12 weeks. The Zoladex implant is designed to dissolve over time. By 28 days, the implant is nearly gone, and all the medication has nearly been used up. However, in clinical studies , it took up to 12 weeks after the last implant was inserted for hormone levels to return to normal.

In people with cancer, the tumors may grow after they stop using Zoladex. This could cause a return of previous symptoms, such as bone pain or trouble urinating. Women who take Zoladex should find that their regular menstrual periods return within 2 to 3 months after stopping treatment. For some people, a Zoladex injection can be painful. The site is the area where Zoladex is placed.

They may be able to suggest how you can be more comfortable. Clinical studies have shown that using hormone replacement therapy with Zoladex may help ease certain symptoms of Zoladex, such as hot flushes. If you have questions about using hormone replacement therapy while using Zoladex, speak with your doctor. Some drugs in this section may be used off-label. Breast implant illness BII is a term that some women and doctors use to refer to a wide range Sign up for emails about breast cancer news, virtual events, and more.

Subscribe to our podcast for conversations on the issues that matter most. Join our online community to connect, share, and find peer support. When this is used for prostate cancer the resulting "tumor flare" can cause temporary increase of bone pain, swelling of the prostate that blocks urine flow or swelling around tumor in the spine causing compression of the spinal cord.

If you are noticing increased weakness, numbness or tingling in arms or legs, or difficulty with urination, report these symptoms to your health care provider immediately. Not all side effects are listed above. However, you should always inform your health care provider if you experience any unusual symptoms.

Contact your health care provider immediately, day or night, if you should experience any of the following symptoms:. The following symptoms require medical attention, but are not an emergency. Contact your health care provider within 24 hours of noticing any of the following:.