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Zoladex (GOE-se-rel-in) is a hormone similar to the one normally released from the hypothalamus gland in the brain. It is used to treat a number of medical problems. These include: Cancer of the prostate in men Cancer of the breast in women if it develops before or around the time of menopause Endometriosis, a painful condition caused by extra tissue growing inside or outside of the uterus and Thinning of the lining of the uterus before surgery on the uterus When given regularly as an implant, Zoladex works every day to decrease the amount of estrogen and testosterone in the blood. Reducing the amount of estrogen in the body is one way of treating endometriosis and cancer of the breast, and can help thin the uterus lining before surgery. Zoladex prevents the growth of tissue associated with endometriosis in adult women during treatment and for up to 6 months after treatment is discontinued. Reducing the amount of testosterone in the body is one way of treating cancer of the prostate. Suppressing estrogen can thin the bones or slow their growth. This is a problem for adult women whose bones are no longer growing like the bones of children. This is why Zoladex is used only for up to 6 months in adult women treated for endometriosis. Zoladex is to be given only by or under the supervision of your doctor. It is injected under the skin and is available in the following dosage form: Parenteral Implants (U.S. and Canada) Your doctor has ordered the drug Zoladex to help treat your illness. This drug is given by injection under the skin in the stomach area, usually every 28 days or every 3 months. The medication is slowly released into your bloodstream over that period. Zoladex is used to treat: prostate cancer endometriosis advanced breast cancer in premenopausal and perimenopausal women Zoladex is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for information. Zoladex is a synthetic hormone. In men, it stops the production of the hormone testosterone, which may stimulate the growth of cancer cells. In women, Zoladex decreases the production of the hormone estradiol (which may stimulate the growth of cancer cells) to levels similar to a postmenopausal state. When the medication is stopped, hormone levels return to normal. Brand names: - Goserelin - Zoladex - Zoladex 3-Month - Zoladex LA |