Buserelin (Buserelin acetate, Suprefact)

Class of Drugs: Antineoplastic

Manufacturer:

Information on Patient Assistance Program: Not commercially available in the U.S.A.

Description: Buserelin is a liquid to be injected under the skin or a nasal spray.

Ingredient: Buserelin acetate

Use: In men, buserelin lowers levels of testosterone which is a male sex hormone. It is used in prostate cancer treatment. In women, buserelin lowers levels of estrogens and progesterone which are female sex hormones and has been studied as a treatment in estrogen receptor positive breast cancer.

Warnings:
It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure that this medicine is working properly and to check for unwanted side effects. When this medication is used as a prostate cancer treatment, some men may have an increase in symptoms such as bone pain, or may have problems passing urine. Rarely, other problems may occur due to a temporary increase in the size of the tumor. This is known as tumor flare. If you have any problems, you will need to let your doctor know. Other types of hormonal therapy such as cyproterone acetate, flutamide or bicalutamide, may be given for the first few weeks of starting buserelin to prevent tumor flare.

Check with your doctor immediately if you notice blood in your urine or vaginal bleeding.

Side Effects: Increased bone pain may occur for the first 1-2 weeks. Painkillers may be required. Hot flushes (sudden sweating and feelings of warmth) often occur. These effects should improve as your body adjusts to buserelin.

Impotence (loss of sexual ability) may occur in men. Decreased sex drive may occur in both men and women and breast swelling and/or soreness may occur in men. This may return to normal when you stop using buserelin.

Pain or tenderness may occur where the needle was placed if the drug is administered by IV. Apply warm compresses or soak the affected area in warm water to relieve this. Nasal irritation is also common. Avoid using any nasal decongestants or sprays for at least 1/2 an hour before and after administering the buserelin.

Other side effects are uncontrolled bone or joint pain, nausea and vomiting, appetite or bowel changes, excessive breast swelling or soreness, numbness or tingling of hands or feet, itching, redness, swelling, sores or pain where the needle was placed. If these become very uncomfortable, speak to your health care professional about ways to reduce the discomfort.

Do not stop using this medicine without first checking with your doctor.

References: Buserelin (Buserelin acetate, Suprefact)

Return to Drug Index

This information is intended as reference and not as medical advice. All treatment decisions should be made with your team of medical professionals and prescriptions must be given by your doctor. See TERMS AND CONDITIONS.