[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [Pharmacology](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/) › [GnRH analogues (agonists and antagonists)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/gnrh-analogues/) › Goserelin

[Pharmacology](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/) · [GnRH analogues (agonists and antagonists)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/gnrh-analogues/)

# Goserelin

A small implant placed under the skin of the abdomen that releases a GnRH agonist for weeks. It treats prostate and breast cancer and endometriosis.

Updated 2026-11-01

- Class: [GnRH analogues (agonists and antagonists)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/gnrh-analogues/)
- Receptor: Gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor (GnRH-R)
- ATC code: L02AE03

## Mechanism of action

Goserelin is a long-acting GnRH agonist released steadily from a biodegradable implant. Continuous stimulation first raises LH, FSH and sex steroids for a few weeks, then desensitises the pituitary GnRH receptors, so testosterone in men and oestrogen in premenopausal women fall to castration levels.

- The implant releases goserelin steadily
- Hormones rise in the first weeks (flare)
- Pituitary GnRH receptors desensitise
- Testosterone or oestrogen fall to castration levels

## Pharmacokinetics

**Absorption**
Released slowly from a subcutaneous implant in the abdomen over 4 or 12 weeks, depending on the product

**Onset and duration**
Hormone levels rise during the first weeks before falling

## Indications

- Prostate cancer [Prostate cancer →](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/prostate-cancer/)
- Hormone-sensitive breast cancer [Breast cancer →](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/breast-cancer/)
- Endometriosis [Endometriosis →](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/endometriosis/)
- Thinning of the endometrium before ablation for abnormal uterine bleeding [Abnormal uterine bleeding →](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/abnormal-uterine-bleeding/)

## Adverse effects

### Common

- Hot flushes and sweating
- Headache
- Decreased libido
- Decrease in breast size in women
- Acne and skin changes

### Serious (rare, important)

- Tumour flare in the first weeks
- Loss of bone density and fractures
- High blood sugar and diabetes
- Heart attack and stroke
- New or worsening depression
- Severe allergic reactions

## Contraindications

- Hypersensitivity to goserelin
- Pregnancy, except in advanced breast cancer

## Key interactions

**Drugs that prolong the QT interval**
Androgen deprivation can prolong the QT interval; effects may add up.

## What is monitored

- Testosterone and PSA in prostate cancer
- Blood glucose
- Cardiovascular symptoms
- Bone density with long treatment
- Mood

## Administration and safety

- Subcutaneous implant inserted into the abdominal wall by a health professional, every 4 or 12 weeks depending on the strength.
- Insertion dates follow the schedule set by the treating team; the site is checked after insertion.

## Nursing care

- Ask about long-term alcohol or tobacco use and family history of osteoporosis, which add to bone loss.
- Watch for new bone pain, urinary trouble or leg weakness in the first weeks of prostate cancer treatment.
- Confirm a negative pregnancy test before use in women of reproductive age; non-hormonal contraception is used.
- Teach to report chest pain, weakness on one side, extreme thirst or new low mood.

## Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Not used in pregnancy except for advanced breast cancer; a pregnancy test may be required before treatment.

## Memory aid

GOSERELIN GOes under the SKIN: one implant, a few weeks of flare, then months of quiet hormones.

## Test yourself

Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.

## How is goserelin given?

As a small biodegradable implant inserted under the skin of the abdomen, which releases the drug over 4 or 12 weeks.

## Why can goserelin worsen symptoms in the first weeks?

As a GnRH agonist it first stimulates the pituitary, so sex hormones rise before they fall.

## Which gynaecological uses does goserelin have besides breast cancer?

Endometriosis, and thinning the endometrium before ablation for abnormal uterine bleeding.

[Add to my cards (3)](https://durgical.app/estudiar/?add=/en/pharmacology/goserelin/)

## Related drugs

- [Leuprorelin](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/leuprorelin/)
- [Triptorelin](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/triptorelin/)
- [Degarelix](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/degarelix/)

## Related conditions

- [Prostate cancer](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/prostate-cancer/)
- [Breast cancer](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/breast-cancer/)
- [Endometriosis](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/endometriosis/)
- [Abnormal uterine bleeding](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/abnormal-uterine-bleeding/)

[← Back to the class: GnRH analogues (agonists and antagonists)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/gnrh-analogues/)

Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.

Sources: [Goserelin Implant: MedlinePlus Drug Information](https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601002.html) (MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2025); [ATCDDD - ATC/DDD Index](https://atcddd.fhi.no/atc_ddd_index/?code=L02AE03) (WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, 2026); Goodman & Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 14th ed., ch. 46 (McGraw Hill, 2023).

## **Spotted a mistake?** We are always improving for the community. Tell us what is wrong and our team will review it. Report a mistake

Representative model, for educational purposes only.

---
Source: https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/goserelin/
License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/goserelin/