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Macmillan and Cancerbackup merged in 2008. Together we provide free, high quality information for people affected by cancer through our publications, website and phone service. Find out more|.
Find out how we produce our information|
This information is about a hormonal therapy| used to treat prostate cancer called buserelin. It should ideally be read with our general information about prostate cancer|.
Buserelin is a type of hormonal therapy used to treat advanced prostate cancer| when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body or come back after initial treatment. You will see your doctor regularly while you have this treatment so they can monitor its effects.
Hormonal therapies interfere with the production or action of particular hormones in the body. Hormones are substances produced naturally in the body. They act as chemical messengers and help control the activity of cells and organs.
Most prostate cancers need supplies of the male hormone testosterone to grow. Testosterone is produced by the testes and the adrenal glands.
Production of testosterone by the testes is stimulated by another hormone called luteinising hormone. This is produced by the pituitary gland, which is situated in the brain. Buserelin reduces the production of luteinising hormone, which leads to a reduction in testosterone levels. This may shrink or slow down the development of the cancer.
Buserelin is given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneously) three times a day for the first week. The injection can be given by your GP, district nurse or at your local hospital. Some men, or their partners, are taught how to give it themselves.
Sometimes people find the injection slightly uncomfortable and may notice an area of redness at the injection site afterwards.
After the first week, buserelin is continued as a nasal spray six times a day in each nostril. Your doctor can advise you how and at what times to take the spray during the day.
Buserelin is used to control the growth of prostate cancer in men with advanced prostate cancer.
Your doctor will discuss with you the length of treatment they feel is appropriate for your situation. Buserelin is often given for several months or even years. Treatment may continue for as long as it is effective in controlling your cancer.
Each person's reaction to any medicine is different. Many people have very few side effects with buserelin, while others may experience more. The side effects described here won't affect everyone and may be different if you are having more than one drug.
We have outlined the most common side effects but haven't included those that are rare and therefore unlikely to affect you. If you notice any effects that aren't listed here, discuss them with your doctor or nurse.
You may have some of the following side effects, to varying degrees:
The nasal spray may cause temporary irritation to the lining of the nose. Nasal decongestants should be avoided for 30 minutes before and after using the nasal spray.
There may be a temporary increase in testosterone levels in the first few days or weeks of starting buserelin. 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 tumour. This is known as tumour flare and is normal. It should improve in a few weeks. If you have any problems, 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 tumour flare.
These can be quite common, but many men find that the hot flushes wear off after a period of time. There are a number of ways to help reduce hot flushes and sweats. Some men find it helps to cut down on tea, coffee, nicotine and alcohol. Research suggests that hormones called progestogen or some antidepressants may help to control hot flushes. Your doctor or nurse can discuss this with you.
Some men find complementary therapies| helpful. Your GP may be able to give you details about getting these on the NHS.
You can read more about hot flushes and other hormonal symptoms in our section on prostate cancer and hormonal symptoms|.
Loss of sex| drive (libido) and erection difficulties (impotence) can occur. These often return to normal after stopping the drug. Some men may find these problems carry on after treatment is over. Discuss this with your doctor or nurse as they can prescribe drugs to help.
You may be at a higher risk of osteoporosis if you are taking buserelin for longer periods of time. Your doctor can give you advice on how this can be monitored and treated. Let them know if you have any discomfort in your bones or joints. You might find our information about bone health| useful.
You may notice that you gain weight, particularly around your waist. Eating a healthy diet| and exercising regularly may help control your weight.
You may feel less energetic| than usual and need to rest more.
If you're taking the nasal spray you may notice that you have headaches.
You may experience mood swings or feel nervous. Talk to your doctor if this continues.
If you have soreness or stiffness in the joints or shoulders, your doctor can prescribe painkillers to ease this.
Tell your doctor if you feel sick| or have diarrhoea|, as they can be controlled with medicines.
Occasionally, buserelin may cause breast swelling and tenderness known as gynaecomastia. Your doctor can advise you about how this can be prevented or treated.
You may find that your skin gets dry and that you have skin rashes.
If you experience dizziness, blurred vision, drowsiness or poor concentration, let your doctor know and avoid driving.
Always let your doctor or nurse know about any side effects you have. There are usually ways in which they can be controlled or improved.
This information is based on our Buserelin (Suprefact®) fact sheet and has been compiled using information from a number of reliable sources, including:
For answers, support or just a chat, call the Macmillan Support Line free (Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm)
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