Key takeaways
Zoladex (goserelin) and Soltamox (tamoxifen) are both used to treat metastatic breast cancer, but they work differently and are used for different conditions. Zoladex is a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist that stops the body from making certain hormones. It is an implant injected under the skin every 4 weeks or 3 months and is also used for prostate cancer and endometriosis. Soltamox, on the other hand, is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) taken orally, usually once or twice daily, and it works by blocking estrogen from helping breast cancer cells grow. Soltamox is also used to lower the risk of breast cancer in women who are considered high risk. It’s available as a liquid, which might be easier for those who have trouble swallowing pills. Zoladex can cause bone weakening, while Soltamox might raise the risk of blood clots and uterine cancer. Both medications are only available as a brand-name, potentially making them more expensive.
