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Buserelin

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About buserelin

Type of medicine	Gonadorelin analogue
Used for	Used with other medications in some types of fertility treatment Treatment of endometriosis in cases that do not require surgery as primary therapy Treatment of advanced prostate cancer
Also called	Suprecur® (licensed for ovulation and endometriosis) Suprefact® (licensed for advanced prostate cancer)
Available as	Injection Nasal spray

Buserelin is a man-made form of the hormone gonadorelin, and works by acting on the pituitary gland in the brain. To begin with, buserelin causes an increase in testosterone and oestrogen production but with long term use causes production of testosterone and oestrogen to stop.

Before taking buserelin

Before taking buserelin make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
If you suffer from depression.
If you have high blood pressure.
If you suffer from diabetes mellitus.
If you suffer from polycystic ovary disease.
If you suffer from any disease of the bone.
If you have experienced any bleeding from the vagina not related to your menstrual cycle (periods).
If you have a tumour.

How to take buserelin

Follow the instructions given to you by your doctor.
When used to treat endometriosis, treatment is usually started on day 1 or 2 of menstruation, and continued for up to six months.

Getting the most from your treatment

When using the nasal spray, avoid use of nasal decongestants before and for at least 30 minutes after treatment.
Keep your appointments with your doctor so that your progress can be monitored.
Although buserelin may be used during fertility treatment you should use a barrier method of contraception such as a condom while you are using buserelin. Speak to your doctor for further advice.

Can buserelin cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine	What can I do if I experience this
Menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, vaginal dryness, breast tenderness, decreased interest in sex	Speak to your doctor if this is severe/troublesome.
Weight changes	Continue to eat a well-balanced diet containing plenty of fibre and drink 6-8 glasses of water each day.
Changes in emotional state	Speak to your doctor if this is severe/troublesome.
Headache	Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer.
Dizziness, sleep disturbances, tiredness, drowsiness	Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
Palpitations (awareness of the heart beating)	Speak to your doctor if your heartbeat feels too fast, too slow or irregular.
Feeling or being sick	Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast. If you are sick, drink small amounts of liquid frequently.
Dry skin	Avoid scrubbing your skin; use a soap substitute; leave the affected area exposed to the air as much as possible.
Vaginal discharge and vaginal bleeding	If this persists speak to your doctor.
Muscle pain and stiffness	Having a hot bath may ease the discomfort.

The nasal spray may cause nosebleeds and hoarseness, as well as disturbances of smell and taste.
The injection may cause pain or local reaction at the injection site.
Very rarely, hypersensitivity reactions may occur, with reddening of the skin, itching, rashes, difficulty breathing - seek urgent medical help if this happens.
If you notice any other problems which you think may be caused by buserelin speak to your pharmacist or doctor.

How to store buserelin

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

Summary of Product Characteristics, Suprefact® Injection, Sanofi Aventis, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated September 2007, accessed December 2007.
Summary of Product Characteristics, Suprecur® Nasal Spray, Sanofi Aventis, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated September 2007, accessed December 2007.
British National Formulary; 54th Edition (September 2007) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).

DocID:
3400

DocRef:
dils2442

Last Updated:
4 Feb 2008

Date of Next Review:
3 Feb 2010

Version:
22

The authors and editors of this article are employed to create accurate and up to date content reflecting reliable research evidence, guidance and best clinical practice. They are free from any commercial conflicts of interest. Find out more about updating.

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