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Nafarelin (NAF-a-re-lin ) is a hormone similar to the one normally released from the hypothalamus gland in the brain. It is used in the treatment of: Endometriosis, a painful condition caused by extra tissue similar to the lining of the uterus growing inside and outside of the uterus. Central precocious puberty (CPP), puberty developing too early in boys and girls. Nafarelin works by decreasing the amount of estrogen and testosterone in the blood. When given regularly to boys and girls, Nafarelin helps to prevent them from continuing to develop the sexual features associated with puberty, slowing down the development of breasts in girls and the development of genital areas in boys and girls. Nafarelin delays puberty in a child only as long as the child continues to take it. Nafarelin prevents the growth of tissue associated with endometriosis in adult women during treatment and for 6 months after treatment is discontinued. Reducing the amount of estrogen in the body is one way of treating endometriosis. Suppressing estrogen can thin the bones or slow their growth. This is a problem for adult women whose bones are no longer growing like the bones of children. Slowing the growth of bones is a positive effect for girls and boys whose bones grow too fast when puberty begins too early. This is why Nafarelin is used only for up to 6 months in adult women treated for endometriosis, but often is used for a longer time in girls and boys with pubertal problems. Boys and girls may benefit by adding inches to their adult height when Nafarelin causes their bones to grow at a proper rate. Nafarelin is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form: Nasal Solution (U.S. and Canada) Nafarelin is a hormone used to treat symptoms of endometriosis such as pelvic pain, menstrual cramps, and painful intercourse. Nafarelin also is used to treat central precocious puberty (early puberty) in young boys and girls. Nafarelin is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Nafarelin comes as a nasal spray. To use it, first clear your nasal passages by gently blowing your nose. Then insert the sprayer into a nostril. Sniff as you squeeze the sprayer once. To prevent mucus from entering the sprayer, release your grip after you remove the sprayer from your nose. Gently sniff two or three more times. For treating endometriosis, initially Nafarelin is used twice a day: one spray in one nostril in the morning and one spray in the other nostril in the evening. Nafarelin should be started between the second and fourth days of your menstrual period. Nafarelin should not be used for longer than 6 months to treat endometriosis. For treating precocious puberty, initially Nafarelin is used once a day as two sprays in each nostril each morning, for a total of four sprays each morning. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Nafarelin initially worsens symptoms before improving them. Use Nafarelin exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop using Nafarelin without talking to your doctor. Brand names: - Nafarelin - Synarel |