Monthly Zoladex implant to be withdrawn from Australian market
08 Jun 2026
Monthly Zoladex implant to be withdrawn from Australian market
Source: RACGP newsGP
AstraZeneca has confirmed that the 3.6 mg monthly goserelin implant, sold as Zoladex, will be taken off the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and will no longer be available through private prescriptions. The change is part of a global decision and is not linked to safety or effectiveness.
The company, AstraZeneca, said it is changing dose options in some countries. It also stated that it understands the need to maintain treatment access and continuity of care for patients.
Doctors have raised concern about the decision, saying it may affect people being treated for conditions such as endometriosis and hormone-sensitive breast cancer. Some GPs say it could increase anxiety for patients and make treatment planning more difficult.
Around 29,680 prescriptions of the monthly implant have been processed this year in Australia.
To support patients, AstraZeneca said it will provide an access program after 1 November for six months for eligible patients who have no other treatment options. The program will be reviewed every six months.
The 10.8 mg three-monthly Zoladex implant will still remain available on the PBS for eligible prostate cancer patients. AstraZeneca is also working on applications to expand access of the longer-acting implant for hormone receptor positive breast cancer patients.
Doctors say they may need to manage patient concerns and help discuss alternative treatment options with specialist teams. They also warn that limited access to medicines can create challenges in everyday practice.
AstraZeneca said it is working to provide more details soon about the access program for clinicians.
Monthly Zoladex implant to be withdrawn from Australian market
Source: RACGP newsGP