BUSERELIN

Buserelin is an anticancer medicine belonging to the class of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues. It received FDA approval in 1985 for the treatment of prostate cancer.

Buserelin is a GNRH analogue used in the treatment of Advanced prostatic carcinoma. It is also used to treat endometriosis. It can be treated also for the Adjunctive use in ovulation induction.

The medicine will be administered to you by a healthcare professional in a hospital setting. It is usually administered as an injection under the skin (subcutaneously) or as a nasal spray. Do not self-administer this medicine. The dose of the injection will be decided by your doctor based on your disease condition and other factors.

The common side effects of Buserelin are hair loss, vaginal discharge, shoulder pain, constipation, and heart palpitations. Other serious side effects include eyesight problems, unusual bruising, low urination and high BP. Inform your physician if you face any of the symptoms.

Buserelin is not recommended in patients who have hypersensitivity reactions. This medicine may cause allergic reactions in some people. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include itching, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, and a rapid heartbeat. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult your doctor immediately. Buserelin is contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant during therapy. It may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. This medicine should be avoided in patients with severe liver or kidney disease who may not be able to tolerate buserelin injection, as the medication is metabolized and excreted through these organs. If you experience any pain, swelling, feeling of tension in your stomach, feel sick, gain weight, diarrhoea, difficulty breathing, or passing less urine. These could be signs of a serious side effect called “Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)”, so it is advised to inform your doctor immediately if all these symptoms exist.

Consult your doctor before using this medication if you are pregnant or plan to have a baby. Buserelin Injections are unsafe to use during pregnancy as it causes harm to an unborn fetus. Your health care practitioner will conduct a pregnancy test before you start treatment with Buserelin Injection. Discuss with your doctor effective birth control methods and utilise them for at least two weeks following the last dose. Breastfeeding should be avoided during the treatment with this drug as it may pass into breast milk in small amounts. This drug must not be given to premature or newborn babies because it contains benzyl alcohol which may cause toxic reactions and allergic reactions in infants and children up to 3 years old. You may feel dizzy, drowsy or have blurred eyesight while using this medicine. If this happens, do not drive or use any tools or machines.

Smoking cessation or limitation of tobacco use is advisable during buserelin therapy. Smoking may intensify certain side effects associated with this injection, including increased cardiovascular disease risk. Concurrent consumption of grapefruit juice should be avoided, as it may elevate buserelin levels in the body and increase the likelihood of adverse effects. Buserelin injection may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision; driving should be avoided under these circumstances. If a scheduled dose is missed and the next dose is approaching, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing schedule.

Neon Healthcare Ltd., Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on Oct 2020] [Accessed on 11th April 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.11243.pdf Sanofi-Aventis Canada Inc, [Revised on Aug 2010], https://www.oncozine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Suprefact%C2%AE-buserelin-acetate.pdf [Accessed on 11th April 2023] Suprefact® 1 mg/ML solution for injection - hpra.ie. Available at: https://www.hpra.ie/img/uploaded/swedocuments/2160255.PA0540_074_001.718e6dbb-66a2-4c24-a718-2253b059c0d3.000001529108_Suprefact%C2%AE%201%20mgml.150821.pdf [Accessed on 11th April 2023]. M.W.J. Strachan, J. Newell-Price, Endocrine disease, Davidson’s Principles & Practice of Medicine, 22nd Edition, 2014, 733-796. Roger K. Long, Hakan Cakmak, Hypothalamic & Pituitary Hormones, Lange's Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, 14th Edition, 2018, 667-686.