Before taking this medicine

ZOLADEX requires monitoring for tumor flare, metabolic changes, cardiovascular risks, and injection complications.

Clinical Vigilance and Risk Mitigation

Critical precautions include: 

(1) Tumor flare: Transient testosterone surge may exacerbate spinal cord compression or ureteral obstruction, necessitating close monitoring during initial weeks. 

(2) Hyperglycemia/diabetes: Regular glucose/HbA1c monitoring is advised due to GnRH-linked metabolic dysregulation. 

(3) Cardiovascular risks: Increased incidence of myocardial infarction, stroke, and QT prolongation mandates cardiovascular assessment and electrolyte management. 

(4) Hypersensitivity: Anaphylaxis and antibody formation, though rare, require immediate discontinuation. 

(5) Injection site injury: Vascular trauma or hemorrhage, particularly in high-risk patients, demands careful technique. Drug interactions are unconfirmed, but laboratory tests (e.g., pituitary function) may yield misleading results during therapy.