Buserelin is an anticancer drug that belongs to the category of medicines known as Gonadotropin releasing hormone analogues. It was approved by the FDA in 1985 to treat 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.

It is recommended to quit smoking or limit tobacco use while taking this medication. Smoking may also worsen some of the side effects of this injection, such as the risk of cardiovascular disease. Avoid drinking grapefruit juice with this medicine as it may increase the levels of buserelin in the body, which can develop the risk of side effects. Buserelin injection may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision, so it is important to avoid driving. If you miss a dose of this injection and it is close to the time for your next scheduled dose, you should skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.

1. 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
2. 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]
3. 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].
4. M.W.J. Strachan, J. Newell-Price, Endocrine disease, Davidson’s Principles & Practice of Medicine, 22nd Edition, 2014, 733-796.
5. Roger K. Long, Hakan Cakmak, Hypothalamic & Pituitary Hormones, Lange's Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, 14th Edition, 2018, 667-686.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you can receive this treatment.