Nafarelin

Nafarelin is used for:

Treating endometriosis, including relieving pain and reducing lesions. It is also used to treat early puberty (central precocious puberty [CPP]) in children of both sexes. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Nafarelin is a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist analog. It works by decreasing production of certain steroids in the body, which decreases the symptoms of endometriosis or early puberty.

Some medical conditions may interact with Nafarelin . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

* you are planning to become pregnant

* if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement

* if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances

* if you have a runny or stuffy nose, osteoporosis (weak bones), or a family history of osteoporosis

* if you regularly use alcohol or tobacco

* if the patient is a child with endometriosis

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Nafarelin . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

* Anticonvulsants (eg, phenytoin) or corticosteroids (eg, prednisone) because the risk of decreased bone density (weak bones) may be increased

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Nafarelin may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

Use Nafarelin as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

* An extra patient leaflet is available with Nafarelin . Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information.

* To use a nose spray, gently blow your nose. Sit down and tilt your head back slightly. Place the tip of the spray container into the nose. Using a finger from your other hand, press against the opposite nostril to close it off. Breathe gently through the open nostril and squeeze the spray container. If you are using more than 1 spray, wait for at least 30 seconds between sprays.

* After using the medicine, rinse the tip of the spray unit in hot water and dry with a clean tissue to prevent contamination.

* If you are also using a decongestant nasal spray, do not use it within 2 hours after using Nafarelin . Check with your doctor if you have questions about using Nafarelin along with your other medicines.

* It may take 4 to 8 weeks for Nafarelin to work. Continue to use Nafarelin even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.

* If you miss a dose of Nafarelin , use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

* If you miss more than 1 dose of Nafarelin , contact your doctor.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Nafarelin .

* Avoid sneezing during or immediately after using Nafarelin , if possible, because Nafarelin 's effectiveness may be decreased.

* Do not exceed the recommended dose or use Nafarelin for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor.

* If you are using Nafarelin for CPP, you may experience some signs of puberty (eg, vaginal bleeding, breast enlargement, increased pubic hair) or temporary body odor during the first month of treatment. This is normal. If these side effects persist or are severe, contact your doctor.

* If you are using Nafarelin for endometriosis, you may experience irregular or unusual vaginal bleeding during the first 2 months you use Nafarelin . This is normal. If you experience severe or persistent vaginal bleeding or if you have unusual vaginal bleeding that lasts longer than 2 months after you start Nafarelin , contact your doctor.

* If you are using Nafarelin for endometriosis, your menstrual period should stop while you use Nafarelin . Contact your doctor if your regular menstrual period continues while you are using Nafarelin .

* Women who may become pregnant must have a negative pregnancy test before beginning treatment with Nafarelin .

* Women of childbearing age should avoid becoming pregnant while using Nafarelin . To prevent pregnancy, use a nonhormonal form of birth control (eg, condoms) while using Nafarelin .

* Women who miss more than one dose of Nafarelin in a row may experience breakthrough vaginal bleeding and ovulation, with the possibility of pregnancy. Contact your doctor if you miss more than one dose of Nafarelin .

* Nafarelin may interfere with certain lab tests, including diagnostic tests of pituitary gonadotropic and gonadal function. Be sure your doctor and lab personnel know you are using Nafarelin .

* Lab tests, including gonadal sex steroid levels and growth rate, may be performed while you use Nafarelin . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.

* Nafarelin should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 18 years old who have endometriosis; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.

* PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Do not use Nafarelin if you are pregnant. It may cause harm to the fetus. Avoid becoming pregnant while you are taking it. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor right away. It is not known if Nafarelin is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Nafarelin .

Store Nafarelin upright at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep Nafarelin out of the reach of children and away from pets.