Goserelin depot versus danazol in the treatment of endometriosis the Australian/New Zealand experience

Abstract

A multicentre, open, randomized comparison of depot goserelin versus danazol to treat endometriosis was undertaken in 9 Australian/New Zealand centres. The study compared the effects of the 2 drugs on subjective and objective parameters in women with symptomatic and/or infertility associated endometriosis. The duration of treatment was 24 weeks with either depot goserelin acetate, 3.6 mg, subcutaneously at 4-weekly intervals or danazol, 600 mg/day. As shown in previous studies, depot goserelin and danazol were equally effective in reducing endometriosis scores and pain. Patients in our study showed considerably more intolerance of study drugs, particularly danazol, than women in American and European reports: 19 of 36 women randomized to danazol in our study failed to complete 6 months therapy, because of adverse events (9/36) or because of unwillingness to continue with therapy (8/36). Consumer satisfaction with medical treatment for endometriosis was an important issue in this study.