Possible short-term memory loss associated with nafarelin acetate.
OBJECTIVE
A survey was conducted to determine the occurrence of short-term memory loss in patients using nafarelin acetate nasal spray.


METHODS
A list of all patients receiving nafarelin acetate from our pharmacy over a four-month period was generated. We contacted and surveyed 16 women.


METHODS
Each patient was asked to repeat three words at the beginning of the survey and after a series of questions, each patient was asked to recall the three words. Patients were also asked if they believed that their memory was affected by nafarelin acetate nasal spray.


RESULTS
Eleven patients (69 percent) recalled three words, 3 (19 percent) recalled two words, and 2 (13 percent) recalled one word at the conclusion of the survey. Nine of 16 patients (56 percent) reported some type of memory difficulty.


CONCLUSIONS
Nafarelin acetate nasal spray may adversely affect short-term memory. This effect is not documented in current literature and further investigation is warranted in the possible relationship between gonadotropin releasing hormone agonists, estrogen deficiency, menopause, and short-term memory. Our survey also demonstrates the significance of communication between pharmacists and patients on newly marketed medications.
Kortepeter
C
C
Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu, HI 96859.
Macmillan
M
M
Ferrell
R
R
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000281:Administration, Intranasal; D000328:Adult; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D006801:Humans; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced*; D008570:Memory, Short-Term / Q000187:drug effects*; D017274:Nafarelin; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D017274:Nafarelin; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone