Zoladex: how bad are the injections & SEs?

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katiegrey
katiegrey Member Posts: 79
edited June 2014 in Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After

I started neoadjuvant chemo (AC and Taxol) in January, had my BMX in May and my MO says that despite all the hot flashes during chemo, I'm still premenopausal (I'm 51) and need hormonal therapy next to shut down my estrogen production. I came in for my hormonal therapy appointment today thinking I'd be getting a scrip for a pill, but was told I would need Zoladex, which is given via a very large needle into the stomach every couple of months until menopause is achieved. 

I cried, and said I couldn't go through with the injection, and walked out. Part of this is just the overwhelming feeling that I've been tortured enough, but I also really wasn't ready to find out I need a huge needle in my stomach as "therapy" on an ongoing basis. 

Is anyone else getting Zoladex injections, and how are they? 

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  • Nan54
    Nan54 Member Posts: 93
    edited June 2014

    Yes, I'm getting them (and will be for quite some time). I promise you, the injection itself is no big deal - even though the needle looks awful! They numb me with lidocaine or a spray and I can't really feel much when they actually inject. It does help to have an experienced person give the shot. One month I had a 'newbie' and it didn't go as well! 

    In terms of side effects, it is all things menopause. Hot flashes, dryness, etc. I have been on it for a year and I can honestly say that it has been tolerable for me so far (I also take tamoxifen).

    Good luck to you!

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  • PoohBear-61
    PoohBear-61 Member Posts: 263
    edited June 2014


    Hi KAtie grey ....

    Ive been off the discussion boards for a few months now ...needed to take a break but just popped in to see what was going on and saw your post .

    I was terrified of the zoladex shots as well ...have now been on them for a yr ( also on tamox ) .

    The shots are painless ...I have them apply ice for 2 minutes before and its a piece of cake, its not a HUGE needle either .....

    Side effects at first were the occasional hot flash that lasted one or 2 minutes ...i barely have them anymore ....and low libido....so its tolerable in my case  ......I am hoping my libido kicks back in after my shots are done ...but we'll see . 

    I did 12 months of monthly shots ...and have just switched to the 3 month shots .....got tired of going to the hospital .....so now i only have 4 more to go ....then i am done ......Happy

    Hang in there girl .....

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