Zoladex Depot 3.6mg Injection 1 vial

Description

About

Zoladex Depot 3.6mg Injection 1 vial is a hormone-based medicine that belongs to a class of drugs called, GnRH Agonist (gonadotropin-releasing hormone) that mainly finds its application as an anti-cancer medicine apart from some other uses. It is used to treat prostate cancer in men and breast cancer, certain uterine conditions like endometriosis in women.  Zoladex Depot 3.6mg Injection 1 vial is chemically composed of Goserelin. It may be used in combination with radiotherapy depending on the stage of cancer. 

Zoladex Depot 3.6mg Injection 1 vial works by employing physiological mechanisms of the human body. After injecting, it initially causes an increase in levels of testosterone levels in men and estradiol in women. Later, upon repeated exposure to this hormone therapy, receptors are downregulated which leads to a decline in these hormones. This helps in controlling the hormone-dependent tumor growth. It takes about 2 to 4 weeks to bring your hormone levels in check. The duration of your treatment will be decided by your doctor after thorough screening and the condition being treated. 

Zoladex Depot 3.6mg Injection 1 vial is available on prescription, as a depot injection. Dosage of Zoladex Depot 3.6mg Injection 1 vial depends on the stage of the tumor, the patient’s response to the medicine, and their comorbidities. Zoladex Depot 3.6mg Injection 1 vial is given subcutaneously, repeated once every 4 weeks. The drug dose regimen must be strictly followed without skipping to avoid tumor growth. It must not be taken by pregnant and lactating women without a doctor’s consult due to the risk of birth defects in the unborn baby. Common side effects of this medication are nausea, diarrhea, abdominal ache, hair loss, and sexual side effects. 

Indications

Zoladex Depot 3.6mg Injection 1 vial is prescribed to adult men and women above 18 years of age. It is used in the treatment of :

• Prostate cancer 
• Breast cancer 
• Endometriosis
• Endometrial-thinning agent

How does Zoladex Depot 3.6mg Injection 1 vial work

Zoladex Depot 3.6mg Injection 1 vial is chemically composed of Goserelin. It is a GnRH receptor agonist which initially causes an increase in levels of testosterone levels in men and estradiol (estrogen) in women. Later, upon repeated exposure to this hormone therapy, receptors are downregulated and lead to a decline in these hormones. A hormone-dependent tumor will cease to grow. 

How to use Zoladex Depot 3.6mg Injection 1 vial

Zoladex Depot 3.6mg Injection 1 vial is exclusively used to treat hormone-dependent conditions. It is given as a subcutaneous injection by a healthcare professional, as prescribed by your doctor. It is packaged in a syringe form with a safety lock that is removed before injecting. It is meant to be used one time only. It is injected under the skin of your abdomen below the navel. Do not inject in the blood vessel if you accidentally hit a vessel, withdraw, and re-insert the needle. You might also receive radiation therapy depending on the stage of your cancer. Zoladex Depot 3.6mg Injection 1 vial must not be used without a doctor’s advice. In general, a 4 weekly gap is kept in between doses, make sure not to skip any dose. Zoladex Depot 3.6mg Injection 1 vial is a depot injection which means it releases its constituents slowly and stays longer in the body because of which it requires less frequent doses. 

Available Potency and form of Zoladex Depot 3.6mg Injection 1 vial 

3.6 mg – Injection  

Dosage

Adult Dose

Prostate cancer 

A subcutaneous injection once every 4 weeks for the prescribed amount of time as determined by your doctor. This is usually given for long periods.

Breast cancer 

A subcutaneous injection once every 4 weeks for the prescribed amount of time as determined by your doctor. This is usually given for long periods.

Endometriosis 

A subcutaneous injection once every 4 weeks.

This is generally given for about 6 months.

Endometrial thinning (before a surgical procedure)

A subcutaneous injection once every 4 weeks, one or two doses only before surgery.

Pediatric Dose

Zoladex Depot 3.6mg Injection 1 vial  is not safe to be prescribed to children and adolescents under 18 years of age.

Elderly dose 

Dose and frequency are determined by the doctor therefore while administering the drug to elderly patients (65 years and above) careful consideration must be given to other health conditions and possible side effects the patient might suffer. 

Pregnancy use and lactation

Zoladex Depot 3.6mg Injection 1 vial is not prescribed to women. It is FDA pregnancy risk category X (Harmful to the human fetus and must not be taken), therefore it should not be taken during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to conceive a baby or breastfeed a child, do not take this medicine. If your partner is taking Zoladex Depot 3.6mg Injection 1 vial make sure to use suitable safety barriers during sexual intercourse since Zoladex Depot 3.6mg Injection 1 vial is secreted in semen and may cause harmful effects to you or your baby. 

Contraindications

Please inform your doctor if you have a history of any before using Zoladex Depot 3.6mg Injection 1 vial:

• Allergic reaction to Zoladex Depot 3.6mg Injection 1 vial or one of its constituents (read the label carefully)
• Pregnancy 
• Children 
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding 
• Uncontrolled diabetes 

Precautions

Please tell your doctor about any of the following conditions while using Zoladex Depot 3.6mg Injection 1 vial:

• History of drug-associated allergies. Carefully read the label for the composition of your medicine
• Zoladex Depot 3.6mg Injection 1 vial must only be given under the skin, and not into the muscles and veins
• ‌Zoladex Depot 3.6mg Injection 1 vial can lead to severe heart conditions manifested in the form of high blood pressure, ECG irregularities, sudden heart attack, and stroke. This can be fatal if left untreated 
• If you have a history of diabetes, ‌Zoladex Depot 3.6mg Injection 1 vial can cause exacerbation of blood sugar levels. Close monitoring of blood sugar is advised 
• At the beginning of treatment with ‌Zoladex Depot 3.6mg Injection 1 vial, there is an increase in levels of testosterone levels in men and estradiol (estrogen) in women. This could cause initial exacerbation of tumor signs. Consult your doctor immediately 
• ‌Zoladex Depot 3.6mg Injection 1 vial can cause changes in bone mineral content, if you already have osteoporosis, it can worsen the symptoms and put you at risk of fractures
• Consumption of alcohol and smoking increases side effects on the heart, which must be avoided 
• Patients with hypokalemia and low serum levels of other electrolytes must be monitored carefully since adverse effects on the heart can be more pronounced in these patients
• Patients with severe mental depression must be treated with Zoladex Depot 3.6mg Injection 1 vial with great care 
• Always provide a complete list of your current medication to the doctor or laboratory personnel 
• While using Zoladex Depot 3.6mg Injection 1 vial avoid getting pregnant. Foolproof contraceptive methods other than hormone-based contraceptive pills must be used
• Menstrual cycle irregularities and vaginal bleeding may develop which is reversible 

Interaction with other medications

Certain medications could interact with Zoladex Depot 3.6mg Injection 1 vial, hence, in that case, your doctor might alter your dosage or drug. Please inform your doctor about the use of the following or any other drugs before taking Zoladex Depot 3.6mg Injection 1 vial:

• Amiodarone 
• Artemether 
• Citalopram 
• Fluoxetine 
• Mifepristone 
• Desflurane
• Lithium 
• Sevoflurane
• Fexinidazole
• Encorafenib
• Thioridazine 
• Toremifene 

Adverse effects

Like most medicines, Zoladex Depot 3.6mg Injection 1 vial has some side effects which include:

Common Side effects

• Injection site pain
• Nausea 
• Headache 
• Fatigue 
• Dizziness
• Abdominal pain 
• Dyspnea 
• Loss of libido
• Fertility issues
• Sweating 
• Palpitations 
• Skin rash 
• Bone/ joint pains
• High blood sugar 
• High Blood pressure

Rare Side Effects

• Hypersensitivity/allergic skin reactions 
• Loss of appetite 
• Gynaecomastia
• Sexual dysfunction
• Depression 
• Anxiety 
• Hair loss 
• Arrhythmia 
• High Blood pressure
• Pain in genitals
• Vaginal bleeding 
• Heart failure
• Muscular pain 
• Weight gain 
• Skin dryness

HOW TO DEAL WITH SOME OF THE SIDE EFFECTS

• Soreness at the site of injection – A cold compress can be used for 5 minutes to ease out the soreness
• Fatigue – Patients experiencing this adverse effect, are advised to take deep breaths, intake tea or coffee, get a good night’s rest, and not overburden themselves for a few days.
• Headaches – In which case make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. Avoid the use of alcohol. Take a prescribed painkiller. Consult your doctor if the headaches last longer than a week or are severe
• Feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting) or diarrhea – Avoid eating rich or spicy food. It might help to take medication after food. If you’re sick, try drinking small, frequent sips of water.
• Feeling dizzy (lightheaded) or weak – If the medication makes you feel dizzy or weak, stop what you’re doing and sit or lie down until you feel better, and do not rise too fast or immediately from sitting or lying down position to a standing posture. Do not drive or use tools or machinery in case of any of these effects.
• Muscular Aches and Pains – A hot or cold compress can be placed at the area of discomfort to bring relief; an over-the-counter pain reliever such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can be ingested to bring ease as well. Avoid high-intensity exercise while suffering from muscular pain.
• Dehydration – Patients are recommended to always care around a water bottle with them wherever they go and periodically keep sipping to prevent thirst and extremely dry mouth. Ice pops in hot weather and energy drinks (verified by the doctor) help combat dehydration.
• Skin Rash – It can be eased by applying soothing and healing lotions or creams such as calamine lotion/cream. Applying a cold compress to the rash helps reduce itchiness and redness caused by the rash. Antihistamine (prescribed by a doctor) is also recommended as an effective way to combat any skin rash.

FAQs

#1. WHAT EXACTLY DOES Zoladex Depot 3.6mg Injection 1 vial DO?

Zoladex Depot 3.6mg Injection 1 vial at the beginning of treatment increases levels of testosterone levels in men and estradiol in women. Later, upon repeated exposure to this hormone therapy, receptors are downregulated which leads to a decline in these hormones.

#2. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR Zoladex Depot 3.6mg Injection 1 vial TO START WORKING?

It takes about 2 to 4 weeks to bring your hormone levels in check. 

#3. HOW LONG WILL I HAVE TO TAKE Zoladex Depot 3.6mg Injection 1 vial FOR?

Time duration depends on the condition you are being treated for, consult your doctor regarding this. 

#4. CAN I STOP TAKING Zoladex Depot 3.6mg Injection 1 vial?

Do not just stop taking the medicine on your own, make sure to complete your treatment course even if you feel better. Stopping it suddenly may cause the return of your symptoms. 

#5. CAN I DRINK ALCOHOL WITH Zoladex Depot 3.6mg Injection 1 vial?

Consuming alcohol when taking Zoladex Depot 3.6mg Injection 1 vial may worsen the side effects, especially on the heart and lungs. Also, smoking must be avoided. 

#6. WHAT IF I TAKE TOO MUCH OF Zoladex Depot 3.6mg Injection 1 vial?

There is a rare chance that overdose will happen since this is injected at about 1 month’s interval and by a healthcare professional. But taking more than required can cause serious side effects. If you have taken too much of the prescribed Zoladex Depot 3.6mg Injection 1 vial you may experience symptoms of toxicity which will vary depending on the dose ingested, for example, fast pounding, irregular heartbeat, upset stomach, blurred vision, fainting, dizziness, seizures, or life-threatening severe symptoms. Contact your doctor or emergency immediately if you have any of these symptoms. 

#7. WHAT IF I FORGET TO TAKE Zoladex Depot 3.6mg Injection 1 vial?

It is injected at about 1 month’s interval (28 days) and by a healthcare professional. If you forget take it as soon as you remember, missing a couple of days will not affect you much but take it as soon as you remember. 

#8. CAN I TAKE Zoladex Depot 3.6mg Injection 1 vial DURING PREGNANCY OR BREASTFEEDING?

Zoladex Depot 3.6mg Injection 1 vial has safety concerns for unborn babies and can cause serious defects in these babies. If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to conceive a baby, please consult your doctor before using Zoladex Depot 3.6mg Injection 1 vial. If you are breastfeeding, please consult your doctor before taking Zoladex Depot 3.6mg Injection 1 vial. 

#9. CAN I DRIVE OR RIDE A BIKE AFTER TAKING Zoladex Depot 3.6mg Injection 1 vial?

Know how your body handles the medicine. Zoladex Depot 3.6mg Injection 1 vial may or may not make you dizzy so make sure you know how your body reacts while using ‘product’. Do not drive or use any sharp or heavy machinery until you feel normal again.

#10. HOW TO STORE Zoladex Depot 3.6mg Injection 1 vial?

Zoladex Depot 3.6mg Injection 1 vial is to be kept away from the reach of children, in a cool dry place at room temperature away from direct sunlight and humidity as that tends to ruin certain drugs. It is packaged in a foiled envelope and the temperature must be maintained at 20 to 25°C. 

#11. WILL Zoladex Depot 3.6mg Injection 1 vial AFFECT MY FERTILITY? 

Zoladex Depot 3.6mg Injection 1 vial can create disturbance in the menstrual cycle and impotence in men which is reversible. It is also used in the treatment of fertility. Discuss it with your doctor. 

#12. CAN I TAKE ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES WITH Zoladex Depot 3.6mg Injection 1 vial?

Use a foolproof contraception method and other hormone-based contraceptive pills like condoms and diaphragms, etc. because Zoladex Depot 3.6mg Injection 1 vial is a hormone-based medicine itself.