Brand Name
Suprefact
Common Name
buserelin acetate
In this drug factsheet:
DIN (Drug Identification Number)| 02225166 | SUPREFACT 1MG/ML SUBCUTANEOUS SOLUTION |
| 02225158 | SUPREFACT 1MG/ML NASAL SOLUTION |
How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Buserelin is a medication that has been designed to mimic the actions of natural gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH or LHRH), a hormone released from the hypothalamus gland in the brain.
The hypothalamus uses GnRH to send messages to the pituitary gland in the brain, which then sends messages to the ovaries in females, and the testicles in males, telling them to produce the sex hormones estrogen (females) and testosterone (males).
Normally, GnRH comes from the hypothalamus in pulses. If GnRH came from the hypothalamus all of the time (rather than in "pulses"), it would have the opposite effect and "turn off" hormone production. This is how buserelin works.
Buserelin is used for the treatment of prostate cancer. It helps prostate cancer by causing a reduction in the amount of testosterone in the blood. It is also used to treat endometriosis (a painful condition caused by growth of extra tissue inside or outside the uterus). It helps endometriosis by reducing the amount of estrogen in the blood.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are using this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to use this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
How should I use this medication?
Buserelin is available in injectable forms and nasal solution.
For prostate cancer, the usual starting dose is buserelin 500 µg by subcutaneous (under the skin) injection every 8 hours for 7 days. This is followed by maintenance therapy with an injection of 200 µg buserelin once daily or 400 µg of nasal spray (2 sprays into each nostril) 3 times daily.
Women using buserelin for treatment of endometriosis usually use the buserelin nasal solution at a dose of 400 µg (2 sprays into each nostril) 3 times daily. The treatment usually continues for 6 months but should not continue past 9 months.
If using the injectable form, always use the syringes provided in the kit and dispose of the syringes in a safe manner. Carefully read the patient directions for use available in the package insert. Ask your health care professional if you have any questions. To help reduce redness, itching, or swelling where the medication is injected, rotate the place where you are injecting this medication.
If using the nasal spray, use the spray pump provided. Each spray delivers 100 µg buserelin. Carefully read the patient directions for use available in the package insert. Ask your health professional if you have any questions.
Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important to use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, use it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not use a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
For men using buserelin for long-term control of prostate cancer, a long-lasting buserelin implant (called a "depot") can be implanted under the skin into the abdominal wall by the doctor every 2 or 3 months. If you forget to have your implant given on the correct day, have it administered as soon as possible.
Store buserelin at room temperature, away from heat and direct light, and keep it out of the reach of children. The injection can be kept at room temperature for up to 14 days after opening. The nasal spray can be kept at room temperature for up to 5 weeks after opening.
This medication is available under multiple brand names and in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms listed here. The forms available for the specific brand you have searched are listed under "What form(s) does this medication come in?"
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Injection
Each mL of sterile aqueous injection solution contains buserelin acetate 1.05 mg (equivalent to 1 mg pure anhydrous buserelin free base). Nonmedicinal ingredients: benzyl alcohol, monobasic sodium phosphate, sodium chloride, and sodium hydroxide.
Nasal Solution
Each mL of aqueous intranasal solution contains buserelin acetate 1.06 mg (equivalent to 1 mg pure anhydrous buserelin free base). Nonmedicinal ingredients: benzalkonium chloride, citric acid/sodium citrate, and sodium chloride.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Do not use this medication if you:
- are allergic to buserelin or any ingredients of this medication
- are a man with non-hormone dependent cancer
- are pregnant or breast-feeding
- have prostate cancer and have had your testicles removed
- have undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding
