How does it work?

Buserelin belongs to the class of medicines known as gonadotrophin releasing hormone (gonadorelin) analogues. It acts on part of the brain called the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland controls the amount of many different types of hormones (chemical messengers) in the body. By acting on the pituitary, this medicine can alter the amount of hormones in the body, particularly the oestrogens (female sex hormones) and androgens (male sex hormones). This alteration of hormone levels can be exploited to treat disorders which are linked to hormone levels, such as some cancers of the prostate gland, which are stimulated to grow by testosterone. Using buserelin lowers the body's levels of testosterone, which starves the tumour of testosterone and causes it to shrink. Treatment is started with buserelin injection and after 7 days is changed to buserelin nasal spray for continuing treatment. Buserelin may at first increase testosterone levels, causing an initial worsening of tumour pain and related symptoms, before improvement begins. This can be prevented by the use of another type of anti-cancer medicine known as an anti-androgen (e.g. cyproterone acetate).

What is it used for?

Advanced prostate cancer

Warning!

This medicine may reduce your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you and you are sure it won't affect your performance.

People with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar carefully during treatment with this medicine.

It is recommended that people with high blood pressure (hypertension) should have their blood pressure monitored regularly while taking this medicine.

Blood levels of testosterone should be measured before and during treatment.

Use with caution in

Depression

Diabetes

High blood pressure

Not to be used in

Men who have had surgical removal of the testicles

Pregnancy

Tumours found to be insensitive to hormone manipulation

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. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

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 is for use by men only. It should not be taken by pregnant or breastfeeding women.

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.

Fatigue

Blood disorders

Disturbances of the gut such as diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain

Ankle swelling

Visual disturbances

Abnormal enlargement of breasts in the male (gynaecomastia)

Hearing distubances

Awareness of your heartbeat (palpitations)

Dizziness

Hot flushes

Concentration difficulties

Changes in hair distribution throughout the body

Decreased sex drive

Nasal irritation, nose bleeds and taste / smell disturbances (only applicable to the spray)

Appetite and weight changes

Anxiety

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Go To Next Page>>
The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Conditions for use



© Copyright 1998 - 2004 NetDoctor.co.uk - All rights reserved