Synarel

The usual recommended dose of Synarel (Nafarelin) nasal spray is one spray (200 µg) into one nostril in the morning, and one spray into the other nostril in the evening, for a total daily dose of 400 µg. The doses should be approximately 12 hours apart. Some women may require higher doses (e.g., 800 µg per day).

Treatment should be started between the second and fourth day after the beginning of menstrual bleeding. During the first 2 months of using Synarel (Nafarelin), vaginal bleeding, also known as breakthrough bleeding, may occur. The length of treatment is usually for 6 months, unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist to teach you the proper way to use this nasal spray. If you are using Synarel (Nafarelin) for the first time or using a new bottle of Synarel (Nafarelin) you will need to prime the spray pump. To prime the spray pump, turn the tip of the bottle away from you, put 2 fingers on the "shoulders" of the spray bottle and put your thumb at the bottom of the bottle, and push down 7 to 10 times until you see a fine mist appear.

Gently blow your nose to clear your nostrils before each use. If you sneeze during or immediately after the dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

After each use, clean the spray tip by holding the bottle in a horizontal position and rinsing the spray tip with warm water while wiping the tip with your finger or a soft cloth for approximately 15 seconds.

If you are using another nasal spray (e.g., a decongestant spray), wait 30 minutes after using Synarel (Nafarelin) nasal spray before using the other nasal spray.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to use Synarel (Nafarelin) exactly as prescribed by the doctor. For Synarel (Nafarelin) to be effective, it must be used regularly without interruption (e.g., no missed doses). If you miss a dose of Synarel (Nafarelin), contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Store Synarel (Nafarelin) at room temperature in an upright position, protect it from light, and keep it out of the reach of children. Do not freeze the medication.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

In addition to its desired action, this medication may cause some adverse effects, notably: it may cause pimples (acne); it may cause hot flashes; it may cause headaches; it may lower your sex drive (libido); it may cause weight gain, mostly with prolonged use; it may cause vaginal dryness. Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing adverse effects (including those described here, or others), talk to your health care professional. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.

Each mL of nasal solution contains Synarel (Nafarelin) acetate 2 mg (as Synarel (Nafarelin) base). Each spray delivers approximately 200 µg Synarel (Nafarelin) base. Each bottle contains at least 60 sprays. Nonmedicinal ingredients: benzalkonium chloride, glacial acetic acid, hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide, sorbitol, and purified water.

Do not use Synarel (Nafarelin) if you:

• are allergic to Synarel (Nafarelin), or any ingredients of the medication
• are allergic to related medications (i.e., other GnRH analogues)
• are breast-feeding
• are pregnant or may become pregnant during treatment
• have abnormal vaginal bleeding that has not been evaluated by your doctor

There may be an interaction between Synarel (Nafarelin) nasal spray and any of the following:

• birth control pills
• Decongestant Nasal sprays
• other nasal sprays

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Synarel (Nafarelin). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Synarel (Nafarelin).

Birth control: Even though Synarel (Nafarelin) blocks ovulation, it does not provide reliable birth control. Women should use a nonhormonal method of birth control (e.g., condoms, diaphragms) while taking Synarel (Nafarelin). Do not use birth control pills while taking this medication.

Bone density: Over a 6-month course of treatment, Synarel (Nafarelin) may cause a small loss in bone density, some of which may not be reversible. This loss of bone density is usually not significant for healthy people. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of using Synarel (Nafarelin) if you have risk factors for low bone density, such as:

• chronic use of alcohol or tobacco
• a family history of Osteoporosis (thinning of the bones with fractures)
• use of other medications that can reduce bone mass (such as antiepileptic medications or corticosteroids)

Menstrual periods: When Synarel (Nafarelin) is used regularly at the recommended doses, menstrual periods will stop. If regular menstrual periods continue, contact your doctor. If you miss one or more of doses of Synarel (Nafarelin), you may experience breakthrough vaginal bleeding.

Pregnancy: Synarel (Nafarelin) should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, stop the medication and contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if Synarel (Nafarelin) passes into breast milk or if breast-fed babies experience any side effects of Synarel (Nafarelin) use by the mother. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Synarel (Nafarelin), it may affect your baby. It is generally recommended that women using Synarel (Nafarelin) do not breast-feed.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Synarel (Nafarelin) have not been established for children.

Prior to its first use, the vaporizer must be primed as described on the package insert. This product is to be sprayed into the nostrils. To use: Blow your nose to clear your nostrils. Shake the container well. Tilt your head forward slightly. Spray the prescribed dose into the nostrils, breathing normally - do not sniff deeply. Wait 15 minutes after using the product before blowing your nose. Following its use, wipe the nozzle tip with a clean tissue or a smooth cloth. This medication is typically used twice a day. However, your pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. Use it regularly and continuously to maintain its beneficial effects. Important: Follow the instructions on the label. Do not use more of this product, or more often, than prescribed. If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember -- unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose. Do not double the next dose to catch up.