Public Statement: Continued Access to Zoladex® (goserelin) for people with endometriosis
The Australian Endometriosis Foundation (AEF) welcomes the news that people with endometriosis will still be able to access the medication Zoladex® (goserelin) through a new Continuity Program, even after it comes off the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
From 1 November 2026, Zoladex will no longer be listed on the PBS. AstraZeneca (the company that makes Zoladex) has set up a Zoladex Continuity Program so people can still access this medication.
This includes:
people already receiving Zoladex, and
new patients whose treating clinician determines Zoladex is the most suitable option for them.
How the continuity program works
Healthcare professionals can begin registering for the program from September 2026, ahead of the PBS removal date, so existing patients can transition without an interruption to treatment.
Registration remains open after 1 November 2026 - patients who start or need Zoladex later can still be enrolled when it’s clinically appropriate.
Your doctor writes your script and enrols you in the program at the same time. Enrollment requires your date of birth and your nominated pharmacy.
Zoladex itself is free through the program. Your pharmacist might still charge a small dispensing fee.
It will take approximately 7 business days for Zoladex to arrive at your pharmacy, so try to plan ahead with your doctor when possible.
If you are travelling or cannot attend your regular pharmacy, your pharmacy can organise for your Zoladex to go to another pharmacy, or your doctor can update your nominated pharmacy.
If you or your clinician miss the expected enrollment window or an urgent supply issue comes up, AstraZeneca can work with your doctor and pharmacy to sort it out quickly.
Getting support
AstraZeneca's Medical Information Line is open for enquiries, Mon-Fri 9:00am-5:00pm AEST/AEDT: 1800 805 342 or MedInfo.Australia@astrazeneca.com.
A dedicated phone and email line specifically for Zoladex enquiries is currently being established by AstraZeneca.
Note: Some recent reports have incorrectly stated that Zoladex will remain on the PBS; this is not correct. Zoladex is being removed from the PBS from 1 November 2026, and access from that date will be via the Continuity Program described above.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please refer to AstraZeneca’s official statement.
If you have questions about your own treatment, please speak with your doctor.
The AEF is in ongoing contact with AstraZeneca and will keep this page updated as further information becomes available.
FAQs
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Zoladex is a monthly implant used to manage endometriosis. It works by suppressing the hormones that stimulate the ovaries (which produce estrogen), which may help reduce endometriosis symptoms such as pain, and may shrink the size and number of endometrial lesions.
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Your doctor will be able to decide if Zoladex is right for you, based on your individual situation. This includes those who have used Zoladex in the past, and those prescribed it beyond 1 November 2026.
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Currently there is no set end date for the Continuity Program. Its continuation will depend on whether a suitable alternative treatment becomes available.
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The higher-dose, 3-monthly implant is currently approved in Australia for prostate cancer, and is being considered for use in breast cancer. However, there isn’t yet enough clinical data to support its use for endometriosis. Generating this data would require further clinical trials, and any decision to register it for endometriosis rests with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC). For now, the monthly (3.6mg) implant remains the approved option for endometriosis, and is what’s available through the Continuity Program.
References
ONGOING ACCESS TO ZOLADEX® (goserelin) MONTHLY (3.6mg) IMPLANT IN AUSTRALIA, Media Release, AstraZeneca, last updated: 16 July 2026. https://www.astrazeneca.com.au/news/media-releases/2026/ONGOING-ACCESS-TO-ZOLADEX-goserelin-MONTHLY-3-6mg-IMPLANT-IN-AUSTRALIA.html
Chen L, Tang L, Dong W, Zeng S, Wu S, Ye H. Meta-analysis of the effect of goserelin acetate implant on improving hormone levels in patients with endometriosis. Pak J Pharm Sci. 2026 Apr;39(4):1121-1133. doi: 10.36721/PJPS.2026.39.4.REG.14460.1. PMID: 41761808.
Rock JA, Truglia JA, Caplan RJ. Zoladex (goserelin acetate implant) in the treatment of endometriosis: a randomized comparison with danazol. The Zoladex Endometriosis Study Group. Obstet Gynecol. 1993 Aug;82(2):198-205. PMID: 8336864.