lanreotide acetate at a glance
Medicine class
Long-acting somatostatin analogue
Main uses
Acromegaly and selected gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours, including symptom control
Administration
Deep subcutaneous injection into the upper outer buttock or thigh
Self-injection
May be possible after training and approval from a healthcare professional
What is lanreotide acetate used for?
The selected product is licensed for:
Acromegaly when growth hormone or IGF-1 remains abnormal after surgery or radiotherapy, or when medical treatment is otherwise required.
Certain unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours arising from the midgut, pancreas or an unknown site where a hindgut origin has been excluded.
Symptoms associated with neuroendocrine tumours, particularly carcinoid tumours, such as flushing and diarrhoea.
How does lanreotide acetate work?
Lanreotide resembles the natural hormone somatostatin and mainly activates somatostatin receptors 2 and 5. It suppresses growth-hormone release and several digestive or tumour-related secretions. It can also slow the growth of susceptible neuroendocrine tumours.
lanreotide acetate preparations and strengths
Injection
Route: Parenteral
Strengths: 60 mg, 90 mg, 120 mg
How to take lanreotide acetate
This is a ready-to-use, single-use pre-filled syringe for deep subcutaneous injection. A healthcare professional may inject the upper outer buttock or thigh; appropriately trained patients should self-inject into the upper outer thigh.
Follow the current package-leaflet technique exactly.
Alternate between right and left injection sites.
Do not fold the skin; insert the needle fully and perpendicular to the skin.
Do not use the syringe if its laminated pouch is damaged or already open.
Dispose of the used device in an approved sharps container.
lanreotide acetate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Diarrhoea, loose stools or abdominal pain
- Gallstones, which may cause no symptoms
- Nausea, vomiting, constipation, wind or abdominal bloating
- Injection-site pain, itching, a lump or hardened area
- High or low blood glucose
- Headache, dizziness or tiredness
- Reduced appetite, weight loss or greasy stools
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction, including facial swelling, wheezing, breathlessness or collapse
- Severe abdominal pain suggesting pancreatitis or a gallstone complication
- Fever, jaundice or persistent upper abdominal pain suggesting gallbladder or bile-duct inflammation
- Severe confusion, fainting or other symptoms of markedly abnormal blood glucose
- A painful, hot, swollen or draining injection site suggesting an abscess
lanreotide acetate in pregnancy
Human pregnancy information is limited, and animal studies found reproductive toxicity. The selected product advises avoiding lanreotide during pregnancy as a precaution. Discuss pregnancy or plans to conceive promptly with the specialist team without stopping treatment independently.
lanreotide acetate while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether lanreotide enters human milk, and risk to a breastfed child cannot be excluded. The selected product states that it should not be used while breastfeeding, so specialist advice is needed.
lanreotide acetate interactions
Tell the prescribing team about all medicines, particularly those affecting glucose or heart rate and medicines requiring close blood-level control.
Ciclosporin
Lanreotide may reduce intestinal absorption and ciclosporin exposure, requiring blood-level monitoring and possible adjustment.
Insulin and other glucose-lowering medicines
Lanreotide can raise or lower blood glucose, so closer monitoring and treatment adjustment may be required.
Beta blockers and other heart-rate-lowering medicines
The combined effect may slow the heart rate further.
Common questions about lanreotide acetate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is lanreotide acetate used for?
It is used for acromegaly and selected neuroendocrine tumours, either to control tumour growth or hormone-related symptoms.
Is lanreotide acetate chemotherapy?
No. It is a somatostatin analogue that modifies hormone secretion and can slow the growth of susceptible neuroendocrine tumours.
Can I inject lanreotide acetate myself?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.