Goserelin
Zoladex is a brand-name medication containing the active ingredient goserelin acetate, which belongs to the class of drugs known as GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone) agonists. It works by initially stimulating, then suppressing the body's production of certain sex hormones, creating a reversible hormonal blockade.
Zoladex is a GnRH agonist used to treat hormone-sensitive cancers and conditions by temporarily suppressing sex hormone production.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 58328
- Generic
- Zoladex
- Class
- brand-name
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Zoladex is used to treat advanced prostate cancer, breast cancer in premenopausal women, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids. It is also used in assisted reproduction protocols to suppress ovarian function.
As a GnRH agonist, Zoladex initially stimulates the pituitary gland to release LH and FSH, but with continuous dosing, it causes downregulation of GnRH receptors. This leads to decreased LH and FSH secretion, resulting in reduced production of testosterone (in men) and estrogen (in women), creating a temporary medical castration state.
Zoladex is administered as a subcutaneous implant, typically every 28 days or every 12 weeks. Common side effects include hot flashes, decreased libido, and injection site reactions. Long-term use may lead to decreased bone mineral density. It is contraindicated in pregnancy. Patients with prostate cancer may experience an initial tumor flare with increased symptoms in the first weeks of treatment.
Official drug label
WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 27, 2026. · Read our editorial policy