I had my first private consultation with a very well respected endo/excision specialist today .
I was extremely nervous and concerned as to what he’d prescribe . I was so pleasantly surprised/impressed . He genuinely cared and was keen to try and get me back on the round to recovery .
He’s asked for the blood test (can’t remember what it’s referred to as ) , MRI of as he’s concerned it may have infiltrated my bowel . I am also booked in for in 6weeks time for a lap .
He’s also started me on the Zoladex injections . I forgot to ask him questions about Zoladex - what side effects should I expect ? Will I be able to work for the first month of Zoladex ? Any advice welcome . Thanks
Written by
Meh7787
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Hey, it's great that you're getting somewhere with your treatment!
Zoladex, I've not been on it myself, but if it's an implant, a quick google suggests this:
When Zoladex is used to treat endometriosis, uterine fibroids, infertility or for thinning of the uterus lining, the following side effects can also happen:
4. Possible side effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
The following side effects can happen in men or women:
Allergic reactions:
These are rare. The symptoms can include sudden onset of:
Rash, itching or hives on the skin.
Swelling of the face, lips or tongue or other parts of the body.
Shortness of breath, wheezing or trouble breathing.
If this happens to you, see a doctor straight away.
Injection site injury (including damage to blood vessels in the abdomen) has been reported following injection of Zoladex. In very rare cases this has caused severe bleeding. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:
Abdominal pain.
Abdominal distension.
Shortness of breath.
Dizziness.
Low blood pressure and/or any altered levels of consciousness.
Other possible side effects:
Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people)
Hot flushes and sweating. Occasionally these side effects may continue for some time (possibly months) after stopping Zoladex.
A reduced sex drive.
Pain, bruising, bleeding, redness or swelling where Zoladex is injected.
Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)
Thinning of your bones.
Tingling in your fingers or toes.
Skin rashes.
Hair loss.
Weight gain.
Pain in the joints.
Changes in blood pressure.
Changes in your mood (including depression).
Very rare (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people)
Psychiatric problems called psychotic disorders which may include hallucinations (seeing, feeling or hearing things that are not there), disordered thoughts and personality changes. This is very rare.
The development of a tumour of the pituitary gland in your head or, if you already have a tumour in your pituitary gland, Zoladex may make the tumour bleed or collapse. These effects are very rare. Pituitary tumours can cause severe headaches, feeling or being sick, loss of eyesight and becoming unconscious.
Not known (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data)
Changes in your blood.
Liver problems.
A blood clot in your lungs causing chest pain or shortness of breath.
Inflammation of the lungs. The symptoms may be like pneumonia (such as feeling short of breath and coughing).
Changes in ECG (QT prolongation).
Information for men
The following side effects can happen in men:
Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people)
Impotence.
Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)
Pain in your lower back or problems passing urine. If this happens, talk to your doctor.
Bone pain at the beginning of treatment. If this happens, talk to your doctor.
Reduced heart function or heart attack.
Swelling and tenderness of your breasts.
Rises in blood sugar levels.
Information for women
The following side effects can happen in women:
Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people)
Dryness of the vagina.
A change in breast size.
Acne has been reported very commonly (often within one month of starting treatment).
Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)
Headaches.
Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people)
Small cysts (swellings) on the ovaries which can cause pain. These usually disappear without treatment.
Some women enter the menopause early during treatment with Zoladex, and their periods do not return when Zoladex treatment is stopped.
Not known (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data)
Bleeding from the vagina. This is most likely to happen in the first month after starting Zoladex and should stop on its own. However, if it continues or you are uncomfortable, talk to your doctor.
A slight increase in the symptoms of fibroids, such as pain.
When Zoladex is used to treat endometriosis, uterine fibroids, infertility or for thinning of the uterus lining, the following side effects can also happen:
Changes in body hair.
Dry skin.
Putting on weight.
Raised levels of a fatty substance known as cholesterol in your blood. This would be seen in a blood test.
Inflammation of the vagina and discharge from the vagina.
Nervousness.
Disturbed sleep and tiredness.
Swelling of the feet and ankles.
Muscle pain.
Sudden painful muscle tightness (cramp) in your legs.
Stomach complaints, feeling sick or being sick, diarrhoea and constipation.
Changes to your voice.
When used to treat uterine fibroids, a slight increase in the symptoms of fibroids, such as pain.
You should be given the leaflet which comes with it when you're given it, they're often listen in there, but most people don't read it!
I would think you can just go to work etc as normal.
Thanks so much for the reply. I’m on the monthly injections for three months , but It’s the same drug as in the implant - so I’m sure the side effects are the same . Wow there’s quite a few , I have been told it will make my symptoms of pain worse for one month but then settle down .
Thank you so much for the info - unfortunately I was an idiot and left the leaflet in the consulting room ! x
I've been on Zoladex for a very long time, never had any noticeable side effects, only benefits. Hope this is helpful.
Thank you , it really does! I am slightly panicked as I heard a few horrid stories . Although my sister was on it for a few months and had no issues at all . I appreciate you taking the time to message me x
No I am not. Can't see the point of taking a drug to block oestrogen then taking one with it in. A lot of people including experts would disagree but my consultant is happy with that. Many people do take HRT though.
My endometriosis is extremely severe and affects all of my body pretty much.
I don't even eat foods that are plant oestrogens such as flaxseeds.
I hope you go on well with Zoladex as I really can't do without it. Occasionally I've even had it 3 weekly.
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