Type of medicine: gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog
Generic and brand names: nafarelin, intranasal; Synarel
This medicine is used to treat endometriosis, a condition that affects the lining of the uterus and often causes pain in the lower abdomen, especially a few days before and during the first few days of a menstrual period. This medicine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
When you take this medicine, your estrogen levels will be low. Low estrogen levels can result in a small loss of mineral from bone. Some things may increase your risk of bone thinning while taking this medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you:
Females of childbearing age: Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. This medicine has been reported to cause birth defects. Birth control pills may not prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine. You may need to use another method of birth control such as a condom or spermicide. Talk to your healthcare provider if you need birth control. If you become pregnant while you are taking this medicine, stop taking it and contact your healthcare provider right away. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.
This is not an ordinary nose spray. It is a medicine that is made specially to be absorbed into the body when sprayed into the nose. It is not used for colds. If you are using a nasal decongestant, use this medicine 2 hours before the decongestant.
Read the information that comes in the medicine package. Use this medicine exactly as directed by your healthcare provider. Do not take more or less or take it longer than prescribed. This medicine is usually taken for only 6 months unless your healthcare provider gives you special instructions.
Wash your hands before using this medicine. Before using this medicine, clear your nasal passages by gently blowing your nose.
To use the nasal spray, keep your head upright and sniff in the spray while you squeeze the bottle. Do this in both nostrils. Spray both nostrils again if directed. Try not to sneeze right after using this medicine.
Wipe the tip of the applicator with a clean tissue and replace the cap tightly after each use. Use this medicine exactly as directed.
Do not miss a dose. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
An acute overdose of this medicine is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center at 800-222-1222.
This medicine will stop your menstrual periods. If your periods continue, contact your healthcare provider right away.
If you miss 2 or 3 doses in a row, bleeding similar to a period may occur. If it does, contact your healthcare provider right away.
Continued treatment with this medicine may affect bone density. Your healthcare provider may order tests to determine if this medicine is affecting your bones.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are using this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Continued menstrual periods, breakthrough bleeding, chest pain.
Other: Hot flashes, decreased sex drive, dry vagina, headache, acne, decreased breast size, nasal irritation, mood changes, trouble sleeping, weight gain, muscle aches.
No significant drug interactions have been reported. However, do not use any other nose sprays or drops unless they are approved by the healthcare provider who prescribed this medicine. If your healthcare provider approves another nose spray or drops for congestion, wait at least 2 hours after using this medicine before you use the other medicine.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
