Unfortunately, oncological pathologies of the genital organs, as well as problems with the reproductive system of both men and women will not surprise anyone. If you do not fight these diseases, then a person may die. "Goserelin", the instructions for use of which must be studied by the patient, is just intended for the treatment of such diseases.
Release form and features of action
So, this drug is a synthetic substitute for gonadotropin-releasing hormone. Long-term use of this medication helps reduce estradiol in women and testosterone in men. This allows you to reduce the growth rate of malignant tumors of the prostate, breast, uterine fibroids or completely stop it.
As for the form of release, "Goserelin" (instructions for use is in the package with the medicine) is sold in depot capsules in syringe applicators with a protective mechanism. Their capacity is 3.6 mg. In addition, you can find the drug in the form of long-acting capsules administered under the skin. Their capacity in this case is 10.8 mg. They can also be purchased in a special syringe applicator equipped with a protective mechanism.
The medicine has high bioavailability. The maximum level of concentration in the blood is reached after 1.5-3 hours after administration, depending on the gender of the patient. As for the composition of the product, then goserelin itself is the main active ingredient.
Indications for use
So, in order to start taking Goserelin, the instructions for use provide such indications:
- Prostate cancer in men.
- Breast cancer in women who are of reproductive or premenopausal age.
- Endometriosis of the uterus.
- Surgical intervention that requires preliminary preparation - thinning of the endometrial layer.
- Uterine fibroids.
- Suppression of the functional activity of the pituitary gland in the event of future artificial insemination.
What contraindications exist?
Like any medication, there are contraindications to the drug "Goserelin." Instructions for use warns of such prohibitions on taking this medication:
- Too high sensitivity to the drug.
- Allergic reaction.
- Children's age up to 14 years.
- Lactation.
- Pregnancy (even if it continues, the fetus may subsequently experience intrauterine developmental pathologies).
- Bone marrow compression.
- Ureteral ureters.
Application features
If the patient needs to use Goserelin, the instructions for use (the duration of use is strictly determined by the doctor) should be carefully studied. It contains information about such features of the administration: the capsule is intended for subcutaneous administration. Its localization is the anterior abdominal wall.
If gynecological pathologies are treated, then a capsule should be taken every month. The dosage is 3.6 mg. To combat prostate cancer, a man is given 10.8 mg every 12 weeks.
We must not forget that the first weeks of therapy, the patient's well-being is much worse, as the level of hormones increases. This is a normal reaction to the drug.
The duration of treatment is determined individually. With gynecological pathologies, it can be no more than six months. It is important to remember that if Goserelin is prescribed to the patient, the instructions do not provide for a second course of treatment. The fact is that the drug helps to reduce bone density and the development of osteoporosis.
If the capsule was missed for some reason, then it is necessary to carry out it as soon as the patient remembered this. Women who have missed the next medication have a risk of uterine bleeding.
What adverse reactions can occur?
If the patient needs to take a drug such as Goserelin for a long time, the instructions and reviews of other patients will make it possible to understand how it works. Naturally, everyone will be interested in what side effects the presented medicine can cause.
In men, such reactions may appear:
- Decreased potency and sex drive.
- Swelling of the chest and its soreness (not often).
- Violation of patency of the ureters.
In women, the following side effects may appear:
- Increased sweat.
- Frequent mood swings and depression.
- Headache.
- Dry mucous membranes of the genitals.
- A strong decrease in sexual desire.
- Demineralization of bone tissue, leading to bone fragility.
- Change in breast size.
- The onset of menopause (in most cases, monthly bleeding does not recover).
Common for both sexes are also such side effects: skin rash, nose infections, high blood pressure, heart rhythm disturbance.
Special instructions, interactions and reviews
So, if the patient needs to take the drug "Goserelin", the instruction (the composition of the drug is already known) gives these special instructions:
- Capsules should not be taken with alcohol, as this enhances bone demineralization.
- You should not drink anticonvulsants along with the drug presented, as well as glucocorticosteroids.
As for the reviews, they say a lot about a large number of side effects and poor health in the first weeks of treatment. The drug does not help all patients, although in most cases it is still effective.
If the specialist believes that it is advisable for the patient to take Goserelin, the instructions for use (the doctors’s reviews must be taken into account) must always be at hand with the patient throughout the treatment period. Experts are unanimous in their opinion: despite the large number of undesirable reactions that occur in almost every patient, the medicine is quite effective.
Special recommendations
There are situations when you need to see a doctor after taking the drug. For example, if:
- Signs of increased intracranial pressure began to appear.
- There were signs of pituitary hemorrhage: sudden and severe pain in the head, vision problems, dizziness, confused speech. These symptoms may appear 2 weeks after the start of therapy.
- There are signs of compression of the spinal canal or problems with the urinary tract. This is usually indicated by pain in the lumbar region, too difficult movement of the upper and lower extremities, an admixture of blood in the urine. Urination is painful.
There are also some facts that need to be considered before starting treatment:
- The patient’s history, which takes into account the presence of osteoporosis, high cholesterol in the blood, as well as the presence of uterine bleeding of an incomprehensible nature, thrombosis in the patient and his relatives.
- The person’s tendency to smoke, because this bad habit contributes to blood clots.
- The desire of the patient to have a baby in the near future or an already begun pregnancy.
- Taking any medications, even those over-the-counter. It is important to tell the doctor about all the biological supplements that are taken, as well as herbal decoctions that are used in the treatment.
- The presence of an allergic reaction to any drugs.
Storage Features and Analogs
Like any other medication, Goserelin must be stored at room temperature, in a place that is well protected from ultraviolet rays and children.
If the patient does not have the opportunity to take "Goserelin", instructions for use (analogues can cope with this problem) advises to consult a doctor. Moreover, this drug has a high cost - from 8000 rubles. for the syringe. Among the analogues can be noted "Zoladex", "Buserelin."
That's all the features of the presented tool. Be healthy!