Goserelin: Goserelin-Teva is your new brand

The funded brand of goserelin changed from Zoladex to Goserelin-Teva.

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Goserelin is from a group of anti-hormonal medicines called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues. 

What changed?

The funded brand of goserelin changed from Zoladex to Goserelin-Teva.

This change began on 1 December 2020. There was a five-month transition period, from 1 December 2020 until 1 May 2021.

Key transition dates

  • From 1 December 2020 Goserelin-Teva became fully funded and available for patients.
  • From 1 May 2021 only Goserelin-Teva is fully funded. Zoladex is no longer funded.

If you want to stay on your current brand of goserelin, you can ask your pharmacist to check its price and availability. Pharmac cannot guarantee the availability or price of Zoladex after 1 May 2021. 

Goserelin-Teva works the same as Zoladex

  • Goserelin-Teva works the same way as Zoladex.
  • Goserelin-Teva has the same active ingredient which is delivered to the body in the same way.
  • You shouldn’t notice any difference in how Goserelin-Teva affects you.
  • Goserelin-Teva has been evaluated by Medsafe to ensure it’s safe.

We understand that people have experienced a difference in the administration of Goserelin-Teva. We are monitoring this situation and reporting to the supplier of Goserelin-Teva. All feedback will be considered when we re-tender for goserelin in the future.

If you have any questions about this change, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Learn more about generic medicines 

Reporting a problem

You can contact the supplier's Medical/Quality Assurance team about the product.  

Medsafe also monitors problems with medicines. Either you, your doctor, or pharmacist can report any adverse events to the Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring (CARM).

Reporting a problem – Medsafe's website(external link)

Your brand is changing to help us fund other medicines

A decision to change a medicine isn’t taken lightly. Our job is to make sure New Zealanders have access to the medicines they need. Making changes to medicines frees up our limited budget to help more New Zealanders access the medicines they need. 

For healthcare professionals

You play an important role in supporting patients through changes to medicines. We’d like to support you as you help your patients with the change to goserelin. 

Key points to tell your patients about Goserelin-Teva

  • Goserelin-Teva has the same active ingredient as Zoladex.
  • The new brand is just as safe and works the same as the old brand.
  • Patients shouldn’t notice any difference in how it affects them.
  • Patients take Goserelin-Teva at the same frequency as Zoladex.

Needle retraction

When the needle retracts, the device appears blunted. This is an important safety feature to to minimise needle stick injuries.

This is a normal feature of the device administration.

Reducing discomfort when giving goserelin

The needle must be used at the appropriate angle to minimise discomfort. We're advised that it may take a little practise to get the angle right. Demonstration implant kits are available from Teva NZ on request. 

If you would like to access these materials please contact Teva NZ on 0800 800 097 opt 2 or nzenquiries@tevapharm.com

Download Teva's guide to administering their brand of goserelin

What is goserelin and what does it treat 

Goserelin reduces levels of the sex hormones.

  • In men, goserelin reduces levels of the male hormone, testosterone
  • In women, it reduces the levels of the female hormone, oestrogen. 

GnRH analogues are used to treat a range of conditions, including:

  • prostate cancer
  • breast cancer
  • endometriosis
  • uterine fibroids
  • central precocious puberty.

It is also used in assisted reproduction and to delay puberty in transgender youth.

Patient brochures

Teva NZ has patient information brochures for prescribers to share with people as they change their brand of goserelin. 

Who to contact

If you have any questions about changing brands, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you have questions about funding or access criteria: