lanreotide Health Article

Generic name(s):

lanreotide

Brand name(s):

Somatuline Depot

What is the most important information I should know about lanreotide?

Before using lanreotide, tell your doctor if you have diabetes, gallbladder disease, heart disease or a heart rhythm disorder, thyroid problems, kidney disease, or liver disease. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to latex or natural rubber.

Lanreotide is given as an injection under the skin. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection. You may be shown how to use your medicine at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of needles and syringes used in giving the medicine.

Each prefilled syringe of lanreotide is for one use only. After giving your injection, throw away used the used needle and syringe in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood may need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Serious side effects of lanreotide include slow or uneven heartbeats, pain in your upper right stomach with nausea and vomiting, pale skin, weakness, easy bruising or bleeding, low blood sugar (confusion, weakness, sweating, tremor, nausea), or high blood sugar (increased thirst or urination, loss of appetite, fruity breath odor, dry skin).

What is lanreotide?

Lanreotide is a man-made protein that is similar to a hormone in the body called somatostatin. Lanreotide lowers many substances in the body such as insulin and glucagon (involved in regulating blood sugar), growth hormone, and chemicals that affect digestion.

Lanreotide is used to as a long-term treatment in people with acromegaly who cannot be treated with surgery or radiation.

Lanreotide is sometimes given when surgery or radiation treatments have been tried without successful treatment of symptoms.

Lanreotide may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using lanreotide?

Before using lanreotide, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• diabetes;

• gallbladder disease;

• heart disease or a heart rhythm disorder;

• thyroid problems;

• kidney disease;
• liver disease; or

• if you are allergic to latex or natural rubber.

If you have any of the conditions listed above, you may not be able to use lanreotide, or you may need a dose adjustment or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether lanreotide passes into breast milk. Do not use lanreotide without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.