The basics
Lanreotide (brand name- Somatuline depot) is an FDA-approved treatment for acromegaly (condition in which the body produces too much growth hormone, causing enlargement of the hands, feet, and facial features; joint pain; and other symptoms) who have not successfully, or cannot be treated with surgery or radiation. It is also used to treat people with neuroendocrine tumors in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract or the pancreas (GEP-NETs) that have spread or cannot be removed by surgery.
Lanreotide injection is in a class of medications called somatostatin agonists. It works by decreasing the amounts of certain natural substances the body produces.
Let us walk you through the key things you need to know about Lanreotide.
How should I take lanreotide (Somatuline depot)?
Lanreotide comes as a long-acting solution (liquid) to be injected subcutaneously (under the skin) into the upper outer area of your buttock by a doctor or nurse. Lanreotide long-acting injection is usually injected once every 4 weeks. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.
Your doctor will probably adjust your dose or the length of time between doses depending on your lab results.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient.
What are the side effects of lanreotide (Somatuline depot)?
Common side effects
- diarrhea
- constipation
- gas
- vomiting
- weight loss
- headache
- redness, pain, itching, or a lump at the injection site
- muscle pain or discomfort
- yellowing of the skin and eyes
- fever with chills
- nausea
- rash
- hives
Serious side effects
- pain in the upper right part of the stomach, center of the stomach, back, or shoulder
- depression
- swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, or eyes
- tightness in the throat
- difficulty breathing and swallowing
- wheezing
- hoarseness
- shortness of breath
- slowed or irregular heartbeat
- changes in blood sugar
Lanreotide injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while receiving this medication. If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
Use the free Ankr platform or Ankr app to track your symptoms.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before receiving lanreotide injection (Somatuline depot)
- tell your doctor about your allergies
- tell your doctor about other intakes
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any disease, symptom, or treatment
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor about using birth control to prevent pregnancy during your treatment with lanreotide.
While you are on lanreotide injection (Somatuline depot)
- if you become pregnant while receiving lanreotide injection, call your doctor. Lanreotide may harm the fetus
- you should know that lanreotide injection may make you drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
In case of an emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can’t be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
How should I safely store and dispose of Lanreotide?
If you are storing the prefilled syringes in your home until it is time for it to be injected by your doctor or nurse, you should always store it in original carton in the refrigerator and protect it from light. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your healthcare provider about the proper disposal of your medication.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
Brand names
- Somatuline Depot®
Last Revised -06/16/2023, FDA-updated- 03/15/2015, SG
Get 24×7 support for lanreotide (Somatuline depot)
Don’t go through your cancer journey alone. Use Ankr to:
(1) find the best treatment for your cancer, and
(2) get advanced warning to cut side effects by upto 52%