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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
|
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).
| © EMIS 2008 | 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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