Zoladex Dosage/Direction for Use

Adults: Caution should be taken while inserting ZOLADEX into anterior abdominal wall due to the proximity of underlying inferior epigastric artery and its branches.
Use extra care when administering ZOLADEX to patients with a low body mass index (BMI) and/or who are receiving full anticoagulation medication (see Precautions).
For correct administration of ZOLADEX, see instructions on the instruction card.
One 3.6 mg depot of ZOLADEX injected subcutaneously into the anterior abdominal wall every 28 days.
Assisted reproduction: ZOLADEX is administered to downregulate the pituitary gland, as defined by serum oestradiol levels similar to those observed in the early follicular phase (approximately 150 pmol/l). This will usually take between 7 and 21 days.
When downregulation is achieved, superovulation (controlled ovarian stimulation) with gonadotrophin is commenced. The downregulation achieved with a depot agonist is more consistent suggesting that, in some cases, there may be an increased requirement for gonadotrophin. At the appropriate stage of follicular development, gonadotrophin is stopped and human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) is administered to induce ovulation. Treatment monitoring, oocyte retrieval and fertilisation techniques are performed according to the normal practice of the individual clinic.
No dosage adjustment is necessary for patients with renal impairment.
No dosage adjustment is necessary for patients with hepatic impairment.
No dosage adjustment is necessary in the elderly.
Endometriosis should be treated for a period of six months only, since at present there are no clinical data for longer treatment periods. Repeat courses should not be given due to concern about loss of bone mineral density. In patients receiving ZOLADEX for the treatment of endometriosis, the addition of hormone replacement therapy (a daily oestrogenic agent and a progestogenic agent) has been shown to reduce bone mineral density loss and vasomotor symptoms.
For use in endometrial thinning: two depots to be administered 4 weeks apart, with surgery timed for between zero and two weeks after the second depot.
Children: ZOLADEX is not indicated for use in children.