Buserelin for women Suprecur

Last updated by Peer reviewed by Sid Dajani
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Buserelin (brand name Suprecur®) is a hormone treatment for women.

Each time you collect your prescription for buserelin, please check to make sure that the brand name is Suprecur®. This is because there is another brand of buserelin nasal spray available, which is not suitable for you.

Type of medicineA gonadorelin analogue
Used forBefore some types of fertility treatment; endometriosis
Also calledSuprecur®
Available asInjection and nasal spray

Buserelin is a synthetic form of a hormone which occurs naturally in your body. It is used as part of some types of fertility treatment. It works by acting on the pituitary gland in your brain to stop the production of natural hormones that control the release of eggs from your ovaries. Other hormone treatments are then used to stimulate ovulation.

Buserelin is also used to treat endometriosis. Endometriosis is a condition where tissue that normally lines the inside of your womb (uterus) is found elsewhere in your body, often in the pelvic area or tummy (abdomen). Buserelin reduces the production of female sex hormones by acting on your pituitary gland. Female hormones (such as oestrogen) can worsen problems like endometriosis. By reducing the levels of these hormones, buserelin will help to relieve your symptoms.

Buserelin is also used in some disorders which affect men. There is a separate medicine leaflet called Buserelin for men which gives more information about this.

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start using buserelin it is important that your doctor knows:

  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • If you have low moods or are depressed.
  • If you have high blood pressure (hypertension).
  • If you have diabetes (diabetes mellitus).
  • If you have a bone disease such as osteoporosis.
  • If you have polycystic ovary disease.
  • If you have had any bleeding from your vagina that you do not think is related to your periods.
  • If you have a tumour.
  • If you are taking or using any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.
  • Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about buserelin and will provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you could experience.
  • If you are having buserelin injections, these are usually administered to begin with by a doctor or a nurse. They are given just underneath the surface of your skin. As your treatment continues, you may be trained to give the injections yourself. In this case, your doctor will tell you how often to use the injections. Please carefully follow the instructions you are given.
  • If you are using buserelin nasal spray, your doctor will tell you how many times a day to use the spray, and whether you should use the spray in one or both nostrils. This will depend upon the reason why you are using it, so please carefully follow the instructions you are given by your doctor. If you are still unsure about what to do, please ask your pharmacist to explain it to you again.
  • Each time you open a new bottle of nasal spray, you will need to attach the nebuliser to the bottle of solution and then 'prime' the spray. You do this by pumping the spray about six or seven times until you see a fine mist. Priming the spray in this way, fills the nebuliser and tests that the spray is working correctly.
  • It is important that you use the spray regularly and space the doses out evenly through the day. You can use the spray either before or after meals.
  • If you forget to take a dose at your usual time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose when you remember, then skip the missed dose and take your next dose when it is due. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.
  • Please keep your appointments with your doctor so that your progress can be monitored. Your doctor may want you to have regular blood tests to check your hormone levels.
  • Even if you get a cold or your nose feels blocked, you should continue to use the spray as it will still work. If you are using any other nasal sprays (such as decongestants), you should use buserelin spray first, then wait at least 30 minutes after using buserelin before using the other nasal spray.
  • If you are being treated for endometriosis, you should use a non-hormonal method of contraception such as a condom during treatment with buserelin. Hormonal methods of contraception (such as 'the pill' or 'mini pill') will not work. Speak with your doctor if you need further advice about what methods of contraception are suitable for you and your partner.
  • Buserelin can affect your blood sugar (glucose) levels. If you have diabetes you may need to check your blood glucose more frequently. Your doctor will advise you about this.

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with buserelin. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

Common buserelin side-effects (these affect fewer than 1 in 10 women)What can I do if I experience this?
Menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, dry vagina, increased sweating, reduced interest in sexSpeak with your doctor if this becomes severe or troublesome
Feeling dizzy, tired, or sleepyIf this happens, do not drive and do not use tools or machines while affected
Feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting), stomach or tummy (abdominal) painStick to simple foods - avoid rich or spicy meals
DiarrhoeaDrink plenty of water to replace lost fluids
ConstipationEat a well-balanced diet and drink several glasses of water each day
Vaginal bleeding and changes in your periodIf this continues, speak with your doctor
Headache, muscle pain and stiffnessAsk your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller
Irritation of your nose or throat, nosebleeds, changes in the way things smell and taste, changes in your weight, feeling nervous or depressed, disturbed sleep, being aware of a fast heartbeat, dry skin, acne, changes in the thickness of your hair, and breast changesIf any of these become troublesome, speak with your doctor

Important: if you get a red skin rash, or if you develop any difficulties with your breathing, you should contact your doctor for advice straightaway. These are rare but possibly serious symptoms, as they can be signs of an allergic reaction.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to buserelin, please speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
  • The nasal spray should only be used for five weeks once the bottle has been opened. Even if there is some solution left after this time, do not use it. Instead, open a fresh bottle.

If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.

Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else might have taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.

If you are having an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.

This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Do not 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.

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