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Your doctor may recommend ZOLADEX as part of your treatment plan for the management of endometriosis.
Before getting started, here is some basic information you might like to know. Remember, your healthcare team is there to help you; talk to them about how you are feeling so they can provide the care you need.
Endometriosis is a condition that affects your uterus (the womb where a baby grows during pregnancy). The lining of the uterus is a type of tissue called the endometrium. Sometimes, this lining tissue grows in areas outside of the uterus, such as on the ovaries, behind the uterus, or on the fallopian tubes.
The tissue that has grown outside of the uterus responds the same as the tissue inside. That means every month, when the hormone estrogen causes the lining of the uterus to build up, the tissue in surrounding areas will also build up. When the uterus sheds tissue and blood through the vagina as a menstrual period, the tissue in other areas also tries to shed, but the only place it can go is into the body. This may end up being a painful process.
There is no known cause for endometriosis. These growths of endometriosis are not cancerous, but they can cause problems for you. Some hormone treatments greatly reduce the amount of estrogen in your body so that your period stops and endometrial tissue doesn’t grow or shed.
The rise and fall of hormones, like estrogen, during the menstrual cycle cause endometrial lesions (or wounds) to thicken, break down, and bleed during menstruation.
Most of the estrogen in your body is produced by the ovaries. A treatment, like ZOLADEX, prevents estrogen production by the ovaries, which prevents menstruation. Without estrogen, the growth of endometrial tissue will slow down and may shrink.
Once you begin treatment with ZOLADEX, your ovaries will produce less estrogen, and you should stop having menstrual periods for as long as you receive treatment. Within about 4 weeks of treatment, most women have fewer symptoms of endometriosis. It's important that you keep scheduled appointments so you get the correct dosage at the correct time. Talk to your healthcare team if you are facing any challenges with treatment so they can help you stay on track.
Because ZOLADEX stops your ovaries from producing estrogen, side effects are similar to those of menopause. The most common side effects include hot flashes, vaginitis, headaches, mood swings, change in sex drive, sweating, and depression.
What to expect when starting ZOLADEX
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
INDICATIONS
ZOLADEX 3.6 mg and ZOLADEX 10.8 mg
ZOLADEX 3.6 mg
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. To report suspected adverse reactions, contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. You may also contact TerSera Therapeutics at 1-844-334-4035 or medicalinformation@tersera.com.
Please see Full Prescribing Information for ZOLADEX 3.6 mg and ZOLADEX 10.8 mg.