Buserelin for women

About buserelin for women

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.

Before using buserelin

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.

How to use buserelin

• 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.

Getting the most from your treatment

• 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.

Can buserelin cause problems?

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.

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

How to store buserelin

• 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.

Important information about all medicines