Published: 4 March 2021

Publications

Administering goserelin implants

Published: 4 March 2021
Prescriber Update 42(1): 10
March 2021

Key Messages

  • Goserelin implants are administered subcutaneously into the abdomen to treat certain hormone-related conditions relating to testosterone or oestrogen levels.
  • Medsafe has received reports of administration problems associated with goserelin implants.
  • Before administration, make sure you understand all the instructions in the package insert.


Goserelin acetate is a synthetic analogue of naturally occurring luteinising-hormone releasing hormone. Goserelin inhibits pituitary luteinising-hormone secretion, leading to a fall in serum testosterone concentrations in men and serum oestradiol concentrations in women.

There are currently two approved, funded brands of goserelin implants: Zoladex and Goserelin (Teva).

Administration complaints

Medsafe has received reports of administration problems associated with goserelin implants. The most common issues are:

  • difficulty firing the implant
  • the implant not remaining at the injection site.

Medsafe’s investigation of these administration issues has identified the following potential causes:

  • the shield and syringe were damaged before administration
  • insufficient force used to push the plunger
  • the plunger rod not being fully depressed.

Tips for administration

Before administration, make sure you understand all the instructions contained in the package insert. In particular:

  • do not use any product that has been opened or damaged
  • make sure the barrel or protective sleeve of the syringe touches the patient’s skin during implantation
  • use sufficient force so that the plunger is fully depressed.

For further information on goserelin implants, refer to the Zoladex1 and Goserelin (Teva)2 data sheets.

A Zoladex administration video is also available.

References

  1. AstraZeneca Limited. 2020. Zoladex New Zealand Data Sheet 8 May 2020. URL: medsafe.govt.nz/profs/datasheet/z/Zoladex10implant.pdf (accessed 13 January 2021).
  2. Teva Pharma (New Zealand) Limited. 2018. Goserelin (Teva) New Zealand Data Sheet 19 July 2018. URL: medsafe.govt.nz/profs/datasheet/G/Goserelin108implant.pdf (accessed 13 January 2021).
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