Zoladex User Reviews & Ratings (Page 2)

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 19, 2014

For Endometriosis "I recently had injection number 5 out of a six-month course of Zoladex for endometriosis. I am 31 years old and have already had 4 laparoscopies- fortunately, I do not want children. For those who are scared, the injection does not hurt. You can opt to have an anesthetic anyway. Although I no longer suffer from the horrific pains, constipation, and vomiting associated with my periods, I do still experience bleeding after my injection along with cramping, which as far as I know is not normal considering the aim of Zoladex is to effectively induce a medical menopause. This was meant to cease after 2-3 injections. But I guess everyone is different, this is what gynecologists are for- speak to them!"

• Spr...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 26, 2016

For Breast Cancer, Palliative "I'm now 33 and have been taking Zoladex for 2 years alongside Tamoxifen for 10 years in the UK. This medication gave me the confidence not to have chemotherapy, and for this, I am grateful. The downsides are pretty bad, though. I agree with the previous reviewer. Mood swings, increased body temperature, severe hot flushes and night sweats (trying acupuncture to help), increased sex drive, no periods, significant weight gain! I went from 7.5 stone to 9.5 stone in 18 months, having never had much fluctuation in my weight ever before. My bra size also increased 3 cup sizes. I have gone from being very healthy and slim to quite flabby and 'technically' (BMI) overweight - which hits hard when you feel low self-esteem because of surgery anyway."

• Pet...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 15, 2016

For Endometriosis "I have been put on Zoladex 3.6 by my Gyno. The first few weeks, I thought it was a godsend! It stopped my endo pains and stopped my period... But then I started suffering from migraine/headaches, no sex drive, extreme bone pain, no appetite - and if I try to make myself eat, then I vomit, nausea, irregular sleeping patterns, and signs of anxiety/depression because I've been missing days off of work! I'm due for my 4th injection in two days, and the whole treatment plan I am on is for 6 months. I have never felt this sick in my whole life :( Is there a light at the end of the tunnel? Can someone help me?"

• jun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 19, 2015

For Endometriosis "I was diagnosed with stage 4 endometriosis and adenomyosis at 25. I am now 50. I have had 18 laparoscopic surgeries to burn off endo to keep it at bay. I have been put on Zoladex 3 times in the last 10 years, and I have to say that it has been absolutely fantastic every time. Stopped my periods and my pain, which was unbearable at times to the point where I ended up in the hospital having morphine injections numerous times. Yes, I did get hot sweats and a little weight gain, but I will take that any day over the kind of pain that endometriosis brings. The only downside is that you do have to come off it periodically, as you can't stay on it for long periods of time due to its effects on bone density."

• Mel...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 15, 2023

"I was prescribed Zoladex to help stop the growth of my fibroid, it did just that. However, I was thrown into menopause at 21 years old, which is far too young to be experiencing such symptoms. It was awful: the sweating, the irritability, the weight gain, which I’m still, to this day, having so much trouble losing. I stopped Zoladex twice, the first time my period returned within three months, the second time stopping Zoladex, my period still hasn’t returned, and it’s been six months after my last injection. Still to this day, I’m irritable, and I believe Zoladex has made my depression far worse than it was before starting it. There is a chance my periods won’t return, which is devastating as I am still very young. I would go as far as to say Zoladex has ruined my life. I do not feel the same person as I was before taking it."

• Jim...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 14, 2024

For Prostate Cancer "I had radical prostate surgery some 22 years ago. Was checked regularly for PSA levels and they were good (0.1 to 0.3) for many years. About two years ago the PSA jumped to 5.0 and was 17.8 prior to taking Zoladex. The PSA level dropped to 0.6 and my testosterone level went from 1.9 to 0.4. Unfortunately, I had many side effects which included swollen hands, knuckles, and wrists; extreme pain in my shoulders, and a very lethargic feeling. I have lost a significant amount of strength and have little ambition to exercise as the pain in my shoulders and hands is too great. I used to play a lot of golf, but now have little desire. My medical team is taking me off Zoladex after two injections because of the side effects. Will be starting my radiation treatment soon. Hopefully, I can recover and get back to a normal life. The Zoladex did do its job, but there were consequences."

• Nat...
• July 8, 2019

For Endometriosis "I was absolutely dreading being put on Zoladex for 4 months before excision surgery - so much that I delayed surgery for 2 years. I am on my 3rd monthly injection now, and I must say I have been pleasantly surprised! I had some spotting 2 weeks in, but my endo pain has mostly subsided, and the hot flushes/headaches/insomnia have been totally manageable. I do feel quite forgetful and slightly achey, but so far no depression. If anything, my moods have improved (probably due to less pain!). I have been taking a methylated multivitamin and low-dose naltrexone at night, plus 30 mins exercise a day, maybe these have all helped. I wouldn't want to be on it longer than 4 months, but it definitely hasn't been as bad for me as I was anticipating. A lot of ladies do really seem to suffer on it, but maybe the people with positive experiences don't tend to write reviews? So I thought I would. My consultant also said they can offer HRT if the side effects are too bad, but I haven't needed it so far."

• Pat...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 11, 2019

For Endometriosis "I have been on Zoladex for 5 years now. My hair is still falling out, which was beautiful and thick, now dry and thin. My skin is always dry, my hands sometimes crack, so I have had to take high doses of calcium as it is now thinning my bones. I also take zinc and iron to help with my hair and the constant tiredness. I take antidepressants but have terrible mood swings. However, I will keep taking the Zoladex as this by far outweighs constant hospital visits and staying in due to extreme bleeding, and then having to have blood transfusions on 2 occasions. It has changed my life as I don't have as many hospital visits and have not had to have another transfusion since."

• 36y...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 27, 2022

For Breast Cancer, Palliative "Very bad reaction. I'm a 36-year-old woman diagnosed with breast invasive ductal carcinoma. After lumpectomy, chemotherapy, radiation, I was put on Zoladex, and I developed rheumatoid arthritis after 2 months of the 1st Zoladex injection. Very bad hot flushes, I felt I was burning alive. Bad temper too. Talked with my oncologist and refused to keep doing Zoladex. After 2 months without Zoladex, I no longer have hot flush symptoms, and arthritis symptoms have improved but not gone."

• Anonymous
• October 28, 2010

For Endometriosis "I was given a 3-month injection with terrible side effects culminating in night sweats every 40 minutes, shivers, difficulties in breathing, headaches, neck pain, and eventually severe depression. The side effects started showing at week four. I had never experienced depression prior to this. After 6 months, sufficient levels of the medicine remain in my system to continue affecting me. Other medication (Provera) prescribed by my gynecologist to counter those symptoms have given me some relief, although it took 3 weeks for that to occur, rather than the 4 days expected."

• Lev...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 23, 2019

For Endometriosis "On my 3rd and final monthly injection of Zoladex for endometriosis. Suffered from mild headaches, very frequent hot flushes, fatigue, low libido, and feeling a bit grumpy some days, but... no more Endo pain, which feels amazing. The side effects were not constant and were totally manageable. Hot flushes were the worst side effect, and although I have about 1 an hour, they only last a couple of minutes. Not looking forward to coming off it."

• Anonymous
• January 8, 2012

For Endometriosis "My doctor suggested this for endometriosis. 6 months of injections, total agony. The injection itself is tolerable if the person giving it knows what they are doing. Every symptom of menopause hit me within 2 or 3 weeks. No weight gain. It did stop my periods. After 4 years of suffering and 2 of that in and out of doctors, I'm completely frustrated and exhausted."

• Poo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 5, 2021

For Endometriosis "I have severe endometriosis and multiple, persistent fibroids and have had two courses of Zoladex - one for 6 months in the run-up to an operation. The other was meant to be for 4 months, but I only managed three. I found the side effects too much to cope with: hot flushes, joint pain, depression, anger, tearfulness, hair loss, insomnia, appetite changes... I already have a lot of joint and body pain due to other health problems, which may be one reason why I found it hard to cope. For me, the worst thing is the low mood, which isn’t helped by the insomnia. I hope I never have to take this drug again. For me, it was a terrible experience."

• Sur...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 1, 2019

For Breast Cancer, Palliative "The side effects from this drug have not been as bad as I expected them to be. Hot flushes are the worst of it, particularly at night. I have gained a small amount of weight, but I am trying to eat healthily and exercise regularly to try and combat this."

• Moa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 4, 2019

For Prostate Cancer "Zoladex causes confusion. This also affects your heart and can cause heart problems or attacks. It had many dangerous side effects, so be sure that you are aware of these before commencing with this powerful and dangerous drug."

• Cla...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 7, 2016

For Endometriosis "My experience was horrible, side effects, it didn't help my pain much and certainly didn't shrink my endometriosis. I got my last shot 2 months in 2001. Now, since 2010, I have suffered severe pain in my joints and bones. I wouldn't recommend this drug to any endo girls."

• Wot...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 26, 2016

For Endometriosis "I was given an injection of this after a week-long stay in the hospital for extreme pain due to endometriosis. They told me it would keep my pain down until surgery, and for me, it was the most awful experience. I was still in pain, and on top of that, I had to deal with intense sweating, very bad mood swings, and feeling extremely tender, and my joints were sore. It made the month running up to surgery miserable for me and those around me. I would never, ever go on this again."

• Ros...
• August 24, 2018

For Endometriosis "I had my first injection 3 months ago to treat endometriosis before a second laparoscopy. I read the terrible reviews, and as an otherwise fit 24-year-old, I was absolutely TERRIFIED about the weight gain, insomnia, headaches, sickness, hot flashes, etc. But I wanted to post a review because it hasn't been that bad! The needle is large, but I just make sure I look away, and it just feels like a small sting. For the first month, I had no side effects. In month 2, I had headaches and hot flashes, but nothing that paracetamol (acetaminophen) couldn't treat! In month 3, the headaches have gone, but the hot flashes are frequent. They're annoying, and they wake me up every night, but it hasn't stopped me from living my life normally (going to work/gym, going on holiday, nights out with friends, etc.). Although my endo is severe, I'm lucky that my symptoms are minimal, so I haven't noticed a change, but I've read Zoladex helps people who have a lot of pain. Waiting on one more injection before my laparoscopy next month."

• sta...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 30, 2021

For Endometriosis "You know, these reviews had me horrified when I first started this medication 6 months ago. I was a mess of anxiety because I thought this stuff was gonna be horrible. So let me tell you, don’t worry! People are more likely to write about their negative experiences rather than their positive ones. I’ve literally had zero side effects from these injections. My periods stopped after the first one. I spotted up until the 4th one. I have severe stage 4 endo, so I do still have symptoms from that. But the actual injections are nothing. They numb my stomach before injecting. I feel a slight pinch, and that’s it. I have no hot flashes, nothing. I just wish it 100% took my endo pain away. Hopefully, my surgery will help for a little while, at least."

• sam...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 10, 2019

For Breast Cancer, Palliative "Twenty-one years ago, I was given Zoladex as breast cancer treatment. I stopped treatment after 18 months as the hot flushes were severe. Now, two decades later, they are still horrendous. Has anyone else had this experience?"

• Jan...
• September 21, 2018

For Bleeding Disorder "I’m 40 and have no children. I was suffering abnormal bleeding due to fibroids, but no pain. I was losing so much blood, I had been rushed into the hospital on several occasions. The bleeding caused me to suffer severe anemia. I was really happy when Zoladex was suggested, as it meant I didn’t have to have a hysterectomy. Unfortunately, my experience was not good. I had my first injection, and about 2 weeks in, I was having cluster headaches, depression, my whole body ached, I was getting confused, the hot sweats were unbearable, I put nearly 2 stone on, and I was an emotional wreck. I still had the second injection and was taking HRT to help, but the Zoladex was taking over. The gynecologist had then told me not to have the 3rd. My last one was 7 weeks ago, but I’m feeling so much better already. I would never have Zoladex again. I’m booked in for a hysterectomy now and can’t wait for it all to be over so I can get back to being myself. I would never take Zoladex again."

• col...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 7, 2023

For Prostate Cancer "Early-stage prostate cancer. Now on the third session of the Zoladex implant. PSA rapidly reduced. No night sweats or mood swings. Definite muscle and energy loss despite regular visits to the gym to try and keep fit. Small price to pay."

• SIs...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 7, 2019

For Endometriosis "I love Zoladex. My GYN first tried this with me back in late September 2015. He started with the 30-day dose, then moved me to the 90-day dose. I was thrilled with this medicine, the only issues were my libido was down (not good for a woman that just married in 2014), and I experienced extreme brain fog. I visited my GYN, told him that I did not want the Zoladex anymore because of the brain fog I experienced. He said that he wished I'd told him that because he would have prescribed me estrogen. He said that the reason we experience the brain fog is that the medicine cuts off all the hormone estrogen to the brain. All that was needed was to get 1% estrogen to the brain, and brain fog should be eliminated. Well, it worked like a charm, but I was scared to try it again. Nothing worked, they made me bleed longer, which was not a good thing because I was anemic. My GYN and I discussed getting back on the Zoladex with Prempo (estrogen) from the start. I agreed, and he put the Zoladex in."

• VRE...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 20, 2017

For Endometriosis "I have been on this injection for three months, and it has changed my life! I wake up happy, not worrying about what day of the month it is and being totally pain-free from this awful disease! It has stopped the inflammation of the endometriosis, which is growing all over my womb and ligaments, and I'm not bleeding every 21 days! My skin is perfect, my nails strong, and my weight has stayed the same despite an increase in appetite! No heaving floods or crippling cramps and bowel pain! I also just started taking the Tipolone to counteract bone issues, just dreading the last Zoladex injection and getting my periods back for that three-month stop gap. Three months of misery. But side effects have been hot flushes and anxiety, hoping Tipolone works."

• Thi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 1, 2018

For Prostate Cancer "Zoladex hammered down my PSA from 50 at initial diagnosis to 5 after 6 weeks of treatment. Intention is to shrink and damp down tumor activity before prostatectomy. Having cancer is depressing, but this seems effective. How can one tell what symptoms are from the drug and what is from the other conditions one has and from the ideas one has about having cancer? (UK patient covered by free NHS care)"