I have my first Zoladex injection this week, does anyone have any tips or advice on what to expect? My consultant has not really said too much at all re the drug aside from I can only have it for 6 months at first, and doing the usual Google reading it looks as though the initial injection may be slightly more painful than I expected? Any first hand accounts would be so so amazing.
Thank you all x
Hi 👋🏻
I’ve been on Zoladex for 3 months now and it has completely transformed my quality of life. I’ve been diagnosed with stage 4 endometriosis plus an extremely rare condition called Disseminated Peritoneal Leiomyomatosis.
Rewind to last October, I couldn’t do anything because of the pain. I couldn’t work, move, get dressed, was constantly throwing up from the agony and ended up in hospital a few times. I was on codeine and morphine because it was so agonising. Now, my pain has completely diminished and I only need to take paracetamol every now and then, I’m back at work, seeing friends and actually getting a life back.
As for the injection itself, yes, it does hurt but only when the implant is put in and it’s only for a minute. You may have a small bruise for a couple of days but it shouldn’t be much. I have to inject myself daily too with Dalteparin, a blood thinner, for a clot on my lung so I am bruising more easily at the moment. I would take the initial implant pain any day over the constant 10/10 pain I was in daily. Be prepared for the hot flushes and night sweats though. I used to get cold at night and always slept in PJs but now I cannot bear it! Again, will take that over the pain I was in before any day of the week!
The nurse practitioners are normally very kind though so if you tell them it’s your first time having it administered, I’m sure they will put you at ease. Good luck and feel free to check in and let us know how it goes!
Hiya, I had my first injection in December, it doesn't hurt having it injected. It's similar to having a jab. You may be nervous so just tell the doctor or nurse. My consultant told me to swear outloud as he injected to take my mind off what he was doing. It takes seconds. My pain has reduced since I have had it. Keep positive you can do it x
Zoladex can be quite a painful injection, much depends on the skill of the nurse. A lot of nurses hate doing them.I suggest you ask for Emla cream and a dressing. You apply 1 to 5 hours before and it makes a huge difference. Good luck and I hope it helps. It helps me hugely. xx
Some great advice here. Just to add, the injections are usually in your belly - the fatty bit either to the left or right of your belly button. They should alternate on the sides each month in order to minimise discomfort/skin reactions.
Thank you all so so much for your advice and tips. I am only having one injection (as far as I am aware) to last the six months so glad that get it all over and done with. I'm hoping to start to feel back to my old self soon, which will be welcomed!
I’ve got my fingers crossed for you. I have my Zoladex every 28 days but I think you can get 3 monthly implants too. I didn’t know you could get one injection to last 6 months but let us know nevertheless 
Hello - great advice from others! I had my zoladex injection in December pre ivf and the actual injection isn’t too painful - I think if you focus on reading something on your phone or counting in your head it helps. In terms of side effects I’ve had quite a few headaches and also night sweats. I bleed about a week after having it which I think is normal and if you suffer with endo period pain feels the same but thereafter it’s smooth sailing. Hope it all goes ok x
Hi ladies, thanks again for all of your help and support. Injection done and not too bad, feel a bit sore and I think more mentally than anything really tired as I hyped myself up massively this past week. Fingers crossed I start to feel more like myself soon. Xx
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