Health Centres - Suprecur (buserelin)
How does it work?
Suprecur injection and nasal spray both contain the active ingredient buserelin, which is a type of medicine known as a gonadorelin (LHRH) analogue. It acts on the pituitary gland in the brain.
The pituitary gland produces and stores various hormones, including the sex hormones, luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). In women, FSH and LH cause the production of oestrogen by the ovaries and help control the menstrual cycle.
The amount of LH and FSH released from the pituitary gland is controlled by another hormone, called gonaderelin (LHRH). Gonadorelin acts on LHRH receptors in the pituitary gland, causing the release of LH and FSH and hence the subsequent production of oestrogen in women.
Buserelin is a synthetic form of gonaderelin. It acts on the LHRH receptors in the pituitary gland in the same way as natural gonadorelin.
Initially, buserelin causes an increase in the amount of FSH and LH released from the pituitary gland, with resulting increase in oestrogen production. However, chronic administration of buserelin desensitises the pituitary gland. This means that it produces less and less FSH and LH, which in turn stops the production of oestrogens in women. This reduction in the level of oestrogen is used to treat endometriosis.
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue resembling the womb or uterus lining (endometrium) is found in other sites in the body. The growth of this tissue is stimulated by oestrogen, so decreasing oestrogen levels with buserelin will stop the growth of this tissue, thereby relieving symptoms.
Buserelin is given by nasal spray to treat endometriosis. A six month course of treatment is recommended and this should not be exceeded or repeated.
Buserelin is also used in fertility treatment. In women who are infertile due to problems with their natural ovulation, it is used desensitise the pituitary gland and stop the natural production of FSH and LH. Synthetic FSH, LH and hCG (gonadotrophins) are then administered to artificially stimulate ovulation.
Buserelin can be given by injection under the skin (subcutaneously) or by nasal spray for infertility treatment.
The buserelin in Suprecur nasal spray is absorbed into the bloodstream through the rich supply of blood vessels found in the lining of the nose. The medicine is absorbed even if you have a cold, however if this is the case, you should blow your nose thoroughly before using the spray.
What is it used for?
-
Endometriosis (nasal spray only)
- Preparing the pituitary gland before treatment with gonadotrophins to stimulate ovulation in infertility treatment (nasal spray or injection).
Warning!
- People with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar carefully during treatment with this medicine.
- People with high blood pressure (hypertension) should have their blood pressure monitored regularly during treatment with this medicine.
- Women with endometriosis should stop taking any oral contraceptives before starting treatment with this medicine. You should use alternative, non-hormonal methods of contraception such as condoms to prevent pregnancy during treatment. (Although this medicine will stop ovulation, if treatment is interrupted even for only a few days, ovulation may occur and there is a risk of pregnancy.)
- Women with endometriosis will usually get a menstrual period during the first few weeks of treatment. Some women may also get breakthrough bleeding during the course of treatment.
Use with caution in
-
Depression
-
Diabetes
-
High blood pressure
- Metabolic bone disease, eg osteoporosis.
Not to be used in
- Children
- Women who have passed the menopause
-
Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Vaginal bleeding of unknown cause
- Hormone dependent cancer.
This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.
- This medicine must not be used in women who are already pregnant, because it may be harmful to a developing baby.
- Women being treated for infertility must have a pregnancy test to make sure they are not pregnant before starting this medicine. This medicine should then be stopped on the day you are given hCG (human chorionic gonadotrophin) to stimulate ovulation.
- Women with endometriosis should use non-hormonal methods of contraception such as condoms to prevent pregnancy during treatment with this medicine. This is because although this medicine will stop ovulation, if treatment is interrupted even for only a few days, ovulation may occur and there is a risk of pregnancy. If you get pregnant during treatment, stop using this medicine and consult your doctor immediately.
- This medicine passes into breast milk and should not be used by women who are breastfeeding. Seek further medical advice from your doctor.
Side effects
Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.
- Nasal irritation, nose bleeds, hoarseness and taste or smell disturbances (only applicable to the nasal spray)
- Hot flushes
- Increased sweating
- Dry vagina
- Decreased sex drive
- Decrease in bone density
- Change in breast size
- Breast tenderness
- Splitting nails
- Dry skin or eyes
- Fluid retention, causing swelling (oedema) of the face, arms or legs
- Disturbances of the gut such as diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain
- Production of breast milk
- Dizziness
- Awareness of your heartbeat (palpitations)
- Anxiety or nervousness
- Headache
- Sleep disturbances
- Blurred vision
- Tiredness
- Appetite and weight changes
- Increase or decrease in scalp or body hair
- Blood disorders
The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.
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