Click on the first letter in the Drug name:

Nafarelin acetate

Generic name: Nafarelin acetate
Brand names: Synarel

Why is Nafarelin acetate prescribed?

Nafarelin acetate is used to relieve the symptoms of endometriosis, including menstrual cramps or low back pain during menstruation, painful intercourse, painful bowel movements, and abnormal and heavy menstrual bleeding. Endometriosis is a condition in which fragments of the tissue that lines the uterus are found in the other parts of the pelvic cavity. Nafarelin acetate is also used to treat unusually early puberty in children of both sexes.

Some doctors prescribe Nafarelin acetate as a contraceptive for both men and women.

Most important fact about Nafarelin acetate

Although Nafarelin acetate usually stops ovulation and menstruation, there is still a possibility of becoming pregnant while taking the medication. Since Nafarelin acetate could harm a fetus, be sure to use a nonhormonal, barrier form of birth control such as condoms and diaphragms. If you should become pregnant, stop the drug and tell your doctor immediately.

How should you take Nafarelin acetate?

Take Nafarelin acetate exactly as prescribed.

Nafarelin acetate is sprayed into one nostril in the morning and the other nostril in the evening. If your doctor increases the dose, you will spray Nafarelin acetate into both nostrils morning and evening.

Try not to sneeze during or immediately after spraying Nafarelin acetate into your nostrils.

Wait 2 hours after taking Nafarelin acetate before using a decongestant spray or drops.

You should not use Nafarelin acetate for more than 6 months. If your symptoms recur after you have finished taking the medication, your doctor will usually not prescribe it again.

Before you use each new bottle of Nafarelin acetate for the first time, you have to prime the spray pump. Remove the plastic wrap from the spray bottle and hold it in an upright position pointed away from you. Applying pressure evenly to the "shoulders," push down quickly and firmly 7 to 10 times. Usually the spray will appear after about 7 pumps. Priming need only be done once.

To use the Nafarelin acetate Nasal Spray Unit, follow these steps:

1. Gently blow your nose to clear both nostrils.
2. Remove the safety clip and clear plastic dust cover from the spray bottle.
3. Bend your head forward a little and put the spray tip into one nostril. Close the other nostril with your finger.
4. Applying pressure evenly to the "shoulders," quickly and firmly pump the sprayer one time while gently sniffing in.
5. Remove the sprayer from your nose and tilt your head backwards for a few seconds. Do not take additional sprays unless your doctor has specifically instructed you to do so.
6. Wipe tip of the pump with a soft cloth or tissue after each use.

--If you miss a dose...

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never try to "catch up" by doubling the dose.

Try not to miss any doses. If you miss successive doses, bleeding and ovulation can start again, and you could become pregnant.

--Storage instructions...

Store the Nafarelin acetate bottle upright at room temperature. Protect from excessive heat and freezing. Keep away from light.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine whether it is safe for you to continue taking Nafarelin acetate.

• More common side effects may include:
  Acne, decrease in breast size, decreased sex drive, depression, dry skin, hair growth, headaches, hot flashes, insomnia, muscle pain, nasal inflammation, nasal irritation, oily skin, rapidly shifting or changing emotions, swelling due to fluid retention, vaginal dryness, weight gain

When Nafarelin acetate is used in the treatment of early puberty, it causes body odor and a transient increase in the amount of pubic hair.

Why should Nafarelin acetate not be prescribed?

Do not take Nafarelin acetate is you are sensitive to it or have ever had an allergic reaction to it or to any of its ingredients.

Your doctor should not prescribe Nafarelin acetate if you have undiagnosed vaginal bleeding between menstrual periods.

You should not take Nafarelin acetate if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Special warnings about Nafarelin acetate

Because Nafarelin acetate works by temporarily reducing the body"s production of estrogen, you may experience some of the same changes that normally occur at the time of menopause when the body"s production of estrogen decreases naturally. For the first 2 months after you start using Nafarelin acetate, you may have some irregular vaginal bleeding. This will stop by itself.

Your menstrual periods should stop completely during Nafarelin acetate therapy. If you continue to bleed regularly, or if you spot or bleed between periods, inform your physician immediately. Vaginal bleeding can occur if you are not following your doctor"s instructions carefully or if you need a higher dosage of the medication.

Nafarelin acetate can cause vaginal dryness. If this is a problem, especially during sexual intercourse, you may want to use a vaginal lubricant. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a recommendation.

Nafarelin acetate may cause a small amount of bone loss over the course of your treatment. If you consume large amounts of alcohol, smoke, have a strong family history of osteoporosis, or use drugs that can reduce bone mass such as anticonvulsants or steroids, discuss your condition with your doctor before using Nafarelin acetate. It may be wiser for you to take another medication.

If your nasal passages become inflamed, your doctor may prescribe a medication to relieve your congestion while you are taking Nafarelin acetate.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Nafarelin acetate

No interactions have been reported.

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Although the effects of Nafarelin acetate during pregnancy have not been adequately studied, it is known that the medication could cause harm to a developing baby. If you are pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Use a barrier method of birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are taking Nafarelin acetate.

It is not known whether Nafarelin acetate appears in breast milk. If Nafarelin acetate is essential to your health, your doctor will advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment with the medication is finished.

Recommended dosage

The recommended dosage of Nafarelin acetate is 400 micrograms daily, divided into 2 doses--one spray (200 micrograms) into one nostril in the morning and one spray into the other nostril in the evening. Start your treatment between days 2 and 4 of your menstrual cycle.

If the above dosage does not stop your menstrual period after 2 months of treatment, your doctor may increase your dosage to 800 micrograms daily--one spray into each nostril in the morning and a second spray into each nostril in the evening.

Treatment should last no more than 6 months.

Overdosage

Although there is no information on Nafarelin acetate overdose, any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.