In recent years, more and more women of reproductive age are suffering from endometriosis. This is a very unpleasant hormonal disease that requires complex correction. An antitumor drug is often used to eliminate it. However, the greatest effect will be achieved with additional surgical intervention.
This article will tell you about the medicine “Buserelin-Depot”. There are different reviews about it for endometriosis. The opinions of some patients will be described below. You will also find out what doctors think about this drug. It is worth mentioning what the instructions tell the consumer about the composition of Buserelin-Depot.
The drug Buserelin-Depot
According to the pharmacological classification, the drug belongs to the group of antitumor and antiandrogenic agents. This is an analogue of gonadotropin-releasing hormone in depot form, available in powder form for preparing a solution for subsequent injections. A similar drug is known - Buserelin in the form of a nasal spray, used by doctors before operations.
What is the difference between Buserelin-Depot and Buserelin-Long
An analogue of Buserelin Depot is Buserelin Long, which differs from the original drug in the concentration of the active substance (it is less - 2.1 versus 3.93 mg/ml) and manufacturer. The drug with the Long prefix uses components purchased from other factories, which makes it more expensive, plus it lingers longer in the body and has different dosages for use.
Composition and release form
Buserelin-Depot is available in the form of a lyophilisate for the preparation of a homogeneous white-yellowish suspension for further intramuscular injections. The composition of the medicine is indicated in the table:
Powder | Solvent | |
Description | White or light yellowish | Colorless transparent liquid |
Concentration of buserelin acetate, mg per 1 bottle | 3,93 | does not contain |
Compound | Polysorbate, copolymer of lactic and glycolic acids, carmellose sodium, mannitol | Mannitol solution |
Package | Dark colored glass vials with a syringe, two needles and alcohol swabs | Ampoule 2 ml |
Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics
The antitumor drug is a synthetic analogue of the hormone gonadotropin. In the body, the active component buserelin acetate binds to the receptors of the cells of the anterior pituitary gland, which causes a short-term increase in the level of sex hormones in the blood. After two weeks of using the drug, a blockade of the gonadotropic function of the pituitary gland appears. This leads to suppression of the production of sex hormones, a decrease in the concentration of estrogen in the blood plasma to post-menopausal values in women and testosterone levels before the post-castration period in men.
With continuous treatment with the drug for 14-21 days, the concentration of testosterone decreases to a state similar to the state of orchiectomy, so they say that pharmacological castration occurs. The drug has high bioavailability, reaching a maximum concentration 2-3 hours after administration and persisting for a month.
Indications for use
The instructions for use indicate the following indications for use of the medication:
- mammary cancer;
- hormone-dependent prostate cancer;
- uterine fibroids;
- preoperative and postoperative periods of endometriosis;
- hyperplastic processes in the endometrium;
- infertility treatment within the framework of an in vitro fertilization program (IVF method).
In what form is the medicine produced?
About the medication “Buserelin-depot” the instructions say that the drug has two main types - a spray for nasal use and a lyophilisate for intramuscular administration. In this case, the second type of medication must be diluted before use. The method of use is always described in detail in the instructions included with the medication.
The active ingredient of the drug is buserelin acetate. Depending on the form of release, the drug may also contain additional components.
What is the price of the medicine “Buserelin-Depot”? The cost of the medicine also varies depending on the type of drug. A nasal spray will cost you 800-900 rubles for a 17 ml bottle. If you need to purchase an injection of the Buserelin-Depot medicine, the price of one ampoule with an injection device will be about 4,000 rubles.
Instructions for use Buserelin-Depot
Only intramuscular injections are given. The injection suspension is prepared before administration using a solvent. This should only be done by specially trained medical personnel. Instructions for preparing the solution:
- The bottle is held vertically and lightly tapped so that all the powder accumulates at the bottom;
- open the syringe, attach a needle with a pink pavilion to withdraw the solvent;
- open the ampoule, draw out its contents with a syringe, set the dose to 2 ml;
- remove the cap of the bottle with the lyophilisate, disinfect the stopper with a swab, insert the needle through the center;
- inject the solvent along the wall of the bottle, remove the syringe;
- the bottle is held vertically for 3-5 minutes so that the solvent completely saturates the lyophilisate and a suspension is formed;
- Without turning the bottle over, collect the remaining dry powder on the walls and bottom; if there are any, leave for another 3-5 minutes;
- carefully mix the contents of the bottle in a circular motion for a minute; do not shake or turn the bottle over to avoid flakes falling out, which will make the suspension unusable;
- quickly insert the needle, lower its cut down and draw the suspension from the bottle at an angle of 45 degrees;
- the needle is replaced with a specimen with a green pavilion, the syringe is turned over, and the air is released.
The resulting suspension of Buserelin Depot is used immediately after preparation - the injection site is disinfected with an alcohol swab. The needle is inserted deep into the gluteal muscle, the syringe plunger is pulled back slightly to check for damage to the blood vessels. The suspension is introduced slowly with constant pressure. For hormone-dependent prostate cancer, 3.75 mg is administered every four weeks.
When conducting an IVF program for the treatment of infertility, 3.75 mg of Buserelin is administered once on the second and 21-24 days of the menstrual cycle (follicular and luteal phases). After blocking the function of the pituitary gland, determined 12-15 days after the injection with confirmation of a halving of estrogen, in the absence of cysts and no more than 5 mm of the endometrial thickness, stimulation of superovulation is prescribed. This is done by gonadotropic hormones under the control of the concentration of estradiol in the blood and using ultrasound monitoring (ultrasound).
For uterine fibroids
For the treatment of uterine fibroids, Buserelin-Depot is administered 3.75 mg intramuscularly every four weeks. According to doctors, it is better to give injections in the first five days of the menstrual cycle. The duration of treatment before surgery to remove a tumor is three months, in all other cases – six months. The exact course of therapy is determined by the attending doctor.
Buserelin-Depot for endometriosis
When treating endometriosis (detachment of the inner layer lining the uterine cavity) or to eliminate pathological hyperplastic processes of the endometrium, 3.75 mg of the drug is administered intramuscularly every four weeks. Treatment is best carried out in the first five days of the menstrual cycle. The duration of therapy is approximately 4-6 months.
Method of using nasal spray: dosage and schedule
What do reviews say about Buserelin-Depot? For endometriosis, using a spray is very convenient. Women who are afraid of injections and want to save money choose this option. Consumers note that the described drug costs several times less than ampoules for intramuscular administration.
For the treatment of endometriosis, 900 mcg of medication per day is prescribed. The specified portion should be divided into three doses. One spray contains 150 mcg of medication. Based on this, we can draw the following conclusion. The medicine is administered one spray into each nasal passage three times a day.
Consumers report that it is necessary to clean the nose before using the medication. To do this, you can use any means convenient for you (shower, spray, rinse). The described substance can be used during rhinitis. The duration of therapy is up to 6 months.
The disadvantage of this form of release is that it must be taken after a certain time without any deviations from the rules. So, between each injection of the drug, 6 to 8 hours should pass. Doctors advise that when using a spray, think through the regimen of its use in advance and stick to it.
special instructions
The instructions for use for Buserelin Depot indicate its special instructions, which differ for men and women. A general precaution should be taken that when prescribing the drug, it is undesirable to drive vehicles or operate dangerous mechanisms that require concentration, since the medication reduces the speed of psychomotor reactions.
For women
Patients with any form of depression should be observed by a doctor throughout therapy with Buserelin Depot. Ovulation induction takes place under strict medical supervision; in the initial stage of drug treatment, the development of an ovarian cyst is possible. Before starting drug therapy, pregnancy should be excluded, hormonal contraceptives should be stopped, and non-hormonal methods of contraception should be used in the first two months.
Menstruation after Buserelin-Depot
The action of the injections suppresses the work of the pituitary gland, preventing the formation of follicles, which leads the reproductive system to a state similar to menopause. The restoration of menstruation after therapy varies individually; it may occur 30-35 days after the last injection or longer. The first cycle after stopping the drug will not be accompanied by ovulation, because the ovaries need more than two weeks to rehabilitate. If menstruation does not occur within 4-6 months after stopping the medication, it is better to consult a doctor.
The first menstruation after Buserelin is characterized by reduced abundance due to insufficient development of the endometrium. It is painless, the signs of PMS (premenstrual syndrome) are mild. The duration of menstruation is approximately 3-7 days. If menstruation remains profuse, as before the start of treatment, there is a risk of persisting foci of endometriosis, and with nagging pain in the side, there is a high probability of developing an ovarian cyst.
- Tubal HSG
- Tonsillitis - treatment with folk remedies and drugs
- Consequences of chlamydia in women
For men
Special instructions for the use of Buserelin Depot for men include the fact that in order to prevent the occurrence of possible adverse reactions in the first phase of the drug's action, antiandrogens are required. This is done two weeks before the first injection of the medication and for two weeks after it. All the time injections are used, careful supervision by doctors is necessary.
Injections: method of using the drug in ampoules
"Buserelin-depot" can be used in the form of injections. In this case, the injection is performed exclusively intramuscularly. Any other administration of the drug is unacceptable. Before use, the composition must be prepared. Detailed instructions are included with each ampoule. However, to receive competent treatment, you should consult a doctor and administer the medication in a hospital setting.
The suspension must be prepared using a special solvent. In this case, it is inserted with a needle with a red or pink pavilion. After mixing the substances, you need to shake them well and wait a while to obtain a homogeneous liquid. Next, draw the composition into the syringe. The peculiarity of this manipulation is that you do not need to turn the ampoule over. After filling, the syringe is removed from the red needle and inserted into the green one. Any existing air bubbles are released and an immediate injection is given. It is preferable to use the gluteal muscle for the injection. Pre-wipe your skin with an alcohol wipe. As a last resort, it is allowed to inject the medicine into the leg muscle. However, there must be appropriate indications for this.
The duration of therapy is from 3 to 6 months. If necessary, it can be longer. The injection is given once every 4 weeks. Women say that this is much more convenient than spraying the composition onto the nasal mucosa three times a day. However, this correction will be more expensive.
During pregnancy
According to reviews and according to the instructions, the use of Buserelin during pregnancy and lactation is prohibited. This is due to the hormonal effect of the drug and the negative effect on fetal development. During breastfeeding, the medication passes into breast milk, so it can enter the newborn’s body and lead to negative consequences.
What kind of medicine is this? Description of the action of the medication
The antitumor drug "Buserelin-depot" is a gonadotropin-releasing hormone. It is called GnRH for short. You may also hear from doctors the designation gonadorelin and others. To clarify the situation somewhat, it is worth saying that this class of hormones is stimulating. Gonads are testes. In other words, the Buserelin-Depot spray or injection affects sex hormones.
The drug actively stimulates the anterior pituitary gland. Under its action, the production of two main substances is turned off - follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones. Without these components, ovulation is completely blocked in a woman’s body. When treated with the described drug, a decrease in plasma estradiol to post-menopausal values is observed.
In childhood
It is prohibited to use the medication in childhood due to the effect of the hormonal drug on the function of the pituitary gland. In addition, the medication is used in adults with a mature reproductive system, which is not the case in children. Taking the drug can cause negative consequences, including delayed sexual development and pathology of the genital organs.
Use against endometriosis
The drug is very effective in treating this disease. Endometriosis is currently diagnosed in approximately 10% of women after thirty years of age. This pathology is estrogen-dependent, and clinical manifestations directly depend on the degree of involvement of nearby organs in the disease process. To treat the disease, it is necessary to suppress the secretion of estrogen, so it is advisable to use gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues, one of which is Buserelin spray. The instructions indicate that the drug significantly reduces or leads to complete disappearance of signs of endometriosis, and prevents relapses of the disease for a long period after stopping taking this medication. However, the medicine does not completely cure endometriosis; after a while, some patients may experience a relapse. The most radical solution to this problem is surgery with concomitant drug therapy.
Men are prescribed the drug for prostate cancer, and women are prescribed for the development of endometriosis, breast cancer, uterine fibroids and hyperplastic processes in the endometrium. Treatment should begin in the first few days of menstruation. At the beginning of therapy, an exacerbation of the underlying disease is possible, but subsequently the functions of the ovaries are suppressed, and the hormone-dependent disease is suspended.
Are there any analogues to Buserelin Depot injections? The instructions do not contain such information.
Buserelin and alcohol
Doctors do not recommend combining Buserelin with alcohol. Combination with ethanol leads to a decrease in the effectiveness of the drug and an increase in the severity of its side effects. While drinking alcoholic beverages, the functioning of the cardiovascular and endocrine systems deteriorates, the efficiency of the functions of the sense organs decreases, and a person may feel unwell.
A little summary
You have learned about a sex hormone blocker with the trade name “Buserelin-depot”. There are positive and negative reviews of the medicine for endometriosis. Those women who undergo correction may speak negatively about the drug. After all, their side effects manifest themselves in full force. Many representatives of the fairer sex cannot withstand therapy and quit treatment halfway through. Positive opinions are expressed by those patients who were able to gain strength and complete such a difficult treatment. They began to feel much better, all the disturbing signs went away.
Doctors say that the drug “Buserelin-depot” is one of the most effective remedies that help cope with endometriosis. The medicine acts on the problem from the inside. It blocks the production of estrogens, which provoke the growth of lesions in large quantities. Patience in your treatment and good health!
Side effects
While taking the drug, the following side effects from different systems and organs may develop:
- urticaria, redness of the skin, angioedema;
- frequent mood swings, sleep disturbances, headaches, depression;
- bone demineralization, osteoporosis;
- sweating, decreased libido, menstrual-like bleeding;
- dyseptic disorders;
- exacerbation of the disease in men, gynecomastia, flushing of the face, decreased potency, urinary retention;
- swelling of the eyelids, face, legs, muscle weakness, increased bone pain;
- ureteral obstruction, spinal cord compression, pulmonary embolism.
Patients' opinions about the drug Buserelin-Long
Like any modern drug, Buserelin-Long has both positive and negative reviews from patients. Those who have had a positive experience of treatment with drugs containing buserelin report good results. A certain percentage of women claim that there are mild hot flashes, some experience slight discharge. After completion of therapy, the menstrual cycle is restored within 1-2 months. In male patients, after stopping treatment with Buserelin, both sexual desire and potency are fully restored.
Another part of the patients was dissatisfied with the treatment, since, according to their comments, the drug provoked the development of a whole list of side effects. Some people talk about poor skin condition, severe headaches, dizziness and constant nausea. In such cases, there may be several reasons. The presence of individual intolerance to buserelin cannot be discounted. There is only one way out - change the drug (naturally, only as directed by the attending physician). Negative consequences can result from non-compliance with the medication regimen developed by a specialist and a change in the dosage of the drug taken.
In any case, no matter how good or bad the patient reviews describing honey. drugs (“Buserelin-Long” and the like), the decision to prescribe a drug should be made only by the attending doctor, who will take into account all the individual characteristics of the course of the disease in each individual patient. Only in this case can we hope to achieve positive results of therapy without the risk of causing serious damage to our health.
Contraindications
The main contraindications prohibiting the use of the drug for its intended purpose are pregnancy, lactation, childhood and adolescence, and hypersensitivity to the components. The medication is used with caution for depression, dysfunction of the ovaries, liver and kidneys, and when combined with certain other drugs.
Drug interactions
This medication may reduce the effectiveness of antidiabetic medications.
When using Buserelin simultaneously with medications that contain sex hormones, an excessive ovarian response may occur, which will lead to serious complications.
To avoid negative consequences, you need to inform the doctor in advance about all medications that are taken that day (prescription, purchased without a prescription, vitamins, dietary supplements). Before starting a course of treatment, it is necessary to make sure that Buserelin will be safe in combination with the medications you are taking. You should also not stop or start taking any other medicine without consulting the doctor who prescribed it.
Analogs
Direct or indirect analogues of Buserelin are similar to it in terms of the active ingredients of their composition or the therapeutic effect they exhibit. Popular substitute drugs for the medication in question are the following in the form of ready-made suspensions or requiring the preparation of injection solutions:
- Decapeptyl;
- Decapeptyl depot;
- Diferelin;
- Zoladex;
- Lucrine depot;
- Eligard.
Chemical composition and produced forms
The main active ingredient in the drug is buserelin acetate, the saturation of which differs depending on the form. There are only two last ones:
- Nasal spray;
- Lyophilisate (i.e. powder) for preparing a suspension.
A detailed description of the type of medication is presented in the table.
Form name | Description of container | a brief description of | Chemical composition |
Nasal spray | Bottles (17.5 ml) complete with dosing tip | Transparent colorless liquid without other inclusions | Active substance: Buserelin acetate – 150 mcg; Additional ingredients: 1. Benzalkonium chloride – 0.1 mg; 2. Water – up to 1 ml. |
Lyophilisate for preparing a suspension. | The package contains: 1. Dark glass bottles. 2. Solvent; 3. Syringe; 4. Needles; 5.Alcohol swabs | White or light yellow powder | Active substance: Buserelin acetate - 3.93 mg; Additional ingredients: 1. Copolymer of DL-lactic and glycolic acids - 200.0 mg. 2. D-Mannitol - 85.0 mg; 3. Carmellose sodium - 30.0 mg; 4. Polysorbate-80 - 2.0 mg. |
The dissolved lyophilisate is intended for intravenous administration.
Price for Buserelin-Depot
You can buy Buserelin-Depot in pharmacies or through online platforms at prices that depend on the level of trade margins. In Moscow and St. Petersburg, the cost of one bottle for preparing the suspension is indicated in the table fields:
Pharmacy name | Price per pack of the drug, in rubles |
Pills.ru | 3899 |
WER.RU | 3550 |
ZdravZone | 3897 |
Pharmacy IFC | 4345 |
Europharm | 4263 |
Dialogue | 3559 |
Vitamin | 4185 |
What do doctors say about the described treatment?
The drug "Buserelin-Depot" has the following reviews from doctors. Doctors say the medicine is quite effective. During treatment, the rampant foci of endometriosis fade away. However, once treatment is completed, the problem may return. That is why gynecologists advise complex treatment.
If drug therapy is combined with surgery, very good results can be obtained. Most often, doctors prescribe the described medicine for two months. After this, surgery is performed (usually laparoscopy). By that time, the foci of endometriosis become much smaller, which means that treatment will be minimally traumatic. After the intervention, hormonal correction continues for another 4-8 months. The prognosis of this approach is very good. In most cases, the woman is no longer bothered by the usual symptoms, since adhesions and foci of endometriosis are removed, and hormonal treatment does not allow them to form again.
Release form
Lyophilisate for the preparation of a suspension for intramuscular administration of prolonged action, containing 3.75 mg of buserelin.
In dark glass bottles with a capacity of 10 ml. 2 ml of solvent (mannitol, 0.8% solution) in a neutral glass ampoule. The following is placed in a blister pack: 1 fl. with the drug; 1 amp. with solvent; 1 disposable syringe, capacity 5 ml; 1 sterile injection needle, size 0.8 mm × 40 mm; 1 sterile solvent needle, size 1.2 mm × 50 mm; 1 knife for opening ampoules or 1 scarifier; 2 alcohol wipes.
When packing the solvent into imported ampoules that have rings for opening or a breaking point, an ampoule scarifier or a knife for opening the ampoules is not inserted. 1 blister pack of the kit is placed in a cardboard pack.
Features of application
The use of Buserelin has its own specifics depending on the gender of the patient. To avoid side effects, men are prescribed additional androgenic medications. They start taking them half a month before the start of therapy, and finish two weeks after the end of the course.
When using the medication in women, the following features were noticed:
When starting to take the drug, some patients developed a cyst; The doctor should monitor the patient’s ovulation processes; A woman who has severe forms of depression should be regularly monitored by a doctor; Great care should be taken when driving independently; If the patient has a runny nose, then the nasal passage is washed before using the medication; After stopping taking Buserelin, the ovaries begin to show activity after a few months.
The manufacturer does not indicate whether alcohol can be consumed while undergoing the treatment course. It is very difficult to predict the nature of its interaction with the drug. It is still better to avoid alcoholic drinks.
Indications for use
The drug is used in the treatment of reproductive diseases caused by increased levels of sex hormones. The cause of relative (absolute) hyperestrogenism is a large accumulation of estrogens. This concentration impairs the functioning of internal organs and upsets the hormonal balance in the body.
The following diseases are treated with medication:
- Hyperplasia of the uterine endometrium (proliferation of uterine tissue);
- Hormone-dependent prostate cancer, i.e. caused by high testosterone levels;
- Uterine fibroids (benign tumor);
- Preparation for the in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure;
- Mammary cancer;
- Endometriosis (before and after surgery).
Depending on the diagnosis, a course of medication is prescribed.