How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Lanreotide belongs to the class of medications called somatostatin analogues. Somatostatin is a hormone produced by the body that controls many processes in the body by blocking the action of other hormones.
Lanreotide is used to treat acromegaly, a condition where the body produces too much growth hormone, resulting in overgrowth of the hands, feet, and face. It works by lowering the levels of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1. Lanreotide also blocks the release of some gastrointestinal hormones and intestinal secretions.
Lanreotide is also used to treat a type of cancer called enteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumour. It works by delaying the growth of these tumours. Lanreotide is also used to treat adults with carcinoid syndrome, a condition where cancerous neuroendocrine tumours release proteins into the blood stream which results in diarrhea and flushing.
This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
60 mg/0.5 mL
Each 0.5 mL prefilled syringe of extended release solution contains 60 mg of lanreotide as lanreotide acetate. Nonmedicinal ingredients: glacial acetic acid and water for injection.
90 mg/0.5 mL
Each 0.5 mL prefilled syringe of extended release solution contains 90 mg of lanreotide as lanreotide acetate. Nonmedicinal ingredients: glacial acetic acid and water for injection.
120 mg/0.5 mL
Each 0.5 mL prefilled syringe of extended release solution contains 120 mg of lanreotide as lanreotide acetate. Nonmedicinal ingredients: glacial acetic acid and water for injection.
How should I use this medication?
For the treatment of acromegaly, the recommended starting dose of lanreotide is 90 mg given by deep subcutaneous injection (under the skin) every 28 days. Depending on how well the medication works and whether you experience side effects, your doctor may change the dose or the time between your injections.
For the treatment of enteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumour or carcinoid syndrome, the recommended dose of lanreotide is 120 mg given by deep subcutaneous injection (under the skin) every 28 days.
Lanreotide is used with the guidance and supervision of a doctor. Your doctor or nurse will assist you in the preparation and injection of your first dose (or first few doses) and can teach you how to give yourself the injection at home. Do not attempt to inject this medication on your own until you completely understand how to inject a dose. If you are unsure of how to prepare or administer a dose, ask a health care professional to clarify for you. If you are having difficulty giving yourself injections, ask a family member or other caregiver for help if they are willing to become involved with your treatment and are willing to learn how to give you your injections.
If you are injecting lanreotide yourself, it should be injected by deep subcutaneous injection into the upper outer part of your thigh. Avoid injecting this medication into an area of skin that is sore, red, infected, or otherwise damaged.
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 taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss an injection of lanreotide, contact your doctor to determine when you should get your next injection. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Store this medication in the refrigerator in its original package. Do not let it freeze. Keep it out of the reach of children.
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.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Do not take this medication if you:
- are allergic to lanreotide or any ingredients of the medication
- are allergic to somatostatin
- have complicated, untreated gallstones
What side effects are possible with this medication?
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.
The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.
Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.
- abdominal pain
- constipation
- diarrhea
- dizziness
- fatigue
- fatty stools
- gas
- hair loss
- headache
- increased perspiration
- indigestion
- loss of appetite
- muscle pain
- nausea
- pain, redness, or swelling at the site of injection
- vomiting
- weight loss
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
- confusion
- decreased heart rate
- increased blood pressure
- joint, bone or mouth pain
- persistent hard swelling at the site of injection
- ringing in the ears
- signs of anemia (low red blood cells; e.g., dizziness, pale skin, unusual tiredness or weakness, shortness of breath)
- signs of high blood sugar (e.g., frequent urination, increased thirst, excessive eating, unexplained weight loss, poor wound healing, infections, fruity breath odour)
- signs of liver problems (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools)signs of low blood sugar (e.g., tiredness, fatigue, shakiness, headache, difficulty concentrating, hunger, blurred vision)
- swelling of the arms or legs
- symptoms of gallstones (e.g., pain in back right shoulder blade, right sided chest pain below rib cage, nausea, vomiting, burping)
- weakness, numbness, tingling or pain in the hands or feet
Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:
- signs of a severe allergic reaction (e.g., hives; shortness of breath; difficulty breathing; or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat)
- signs of pancreatitis (e.g., abdominal pain on the upper left side, back pain, nausea, fever, chills, rapid heartbeat, swollen abdomen)
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.
Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?
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 this medication.
Blood sugar levels: Lanreotide can cause high or low blood sugar. Your doctor will monitor your blood sugar levels closely while you are using this medication, especially when you start treatment or when the dose is changed. If you experience symptoms of low blood sugar (e.g., tiredness, fatigue, shakiness, headache, difficulty concentrating, hunger, blurred vision) or high blood sugar (e.g., excessive thirst, excessive urination, weight loss) contact your doctor. People with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar regularly while using this medication and report any changes in blood sugar control to their doctor.
Gallbladder problems: Lanreotide may cause gallbladder problems including gallstones. Your doctor will periodically monitor for this with an ultrasound. If you have had gallstones, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Heart rate: Lanreotide may cause decreases in heart rate. If you experience a slow or irregular heartbeat, contact your doctor immediately. If you have any heart conditions, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Kidney function: Kidney disease or reduced kidney function may cause this medication to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have reduced kidney function or kidney disease, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause this medication to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Pancreatitis: Lanreotide can cause the pancreas to become inflamed. If you have a history of pancreatitis, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Report signs of pancreatitis such as abdominal pain on the upper left side, back pain, nausea, fever, chills, rapid heartbeat, or swollen abdomen to your doctor immediately.
Thyroid problems: This medication may decrease thyroid function. Your doctor may monitor you for this with blood tests. If you experience symptoms of low thyroid (e.g., weight gain, tiredness, slow heart rate, feeling cold, or dry skin, swelling at the front of the neck), contact your doctor. If you have a thyroid condition, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while using this medication.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if lanreotide passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking this medication, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children under the age of 16 years.
What other drugs could interact with this medication?
There may be an interaction between lanreotide and any of the following:
- amiodarone
- beta-adrenergic blockers (e.g., atenolol, propranolol, sotalol)
- bromocriptine
- ceritinib
- clonidine
- codeine
- cyclosporine
- diabetes medications (e.g., chlorpropamide, glipizide, glyburide, insulin, metformin, rosiglitazone, acarbose, canagliflozin)
- digoxin
- diltiazem
- disopyramide
- donepezil
- dronedarone
- fingolimod
- galantamine
- guanfacine
- hydroxychloroquine
- lacosamide
- linezolid
- methyldopa
- monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs; e.g., moclobemide, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine)
- octreotide
- pasireotide
- pegvisomant
- propafenone
- quinine
- quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, ofloxacin)
- rivastigmine
- selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs; e.g., citalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline)
- somatostatin
- sulfamethoxazole
- testosterone
- tizanidine
- tofacitinib
- verapamil
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 this medication. 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.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/Somatuline-Autogel
