Lanreotide Injection
General Information
Lanreotide is used to treat a condition called acromegaly. It usually occurs when the body makes too much of a certain natural substance called growth hormone. Lanreotide is used when surgery or radiation treatment have not been fully successful or cannot be used. Treating acromegaly helps lessen the risk of serious problems such as heart disease and diabetes.
Lanreotide is also used for the treatment of certain cancer or tumors of the stomach, pancreas, or intestines. This medication helps to slow down the growth of these tumors.
How does Lanreotide work?
Lanreotide is similar to a natural substance called somatostatin. It is produced in the body by the hypothalamus. One of its functions is to ‘switch off’ the secretion of growth hormone by the pituitary gland. Somatostatin also lessens splanchnic blood flow. It also inhibits the release of gastrin, serotonin, vasoactive intestinal secretin, peptide, motilin, and pancreatic polypeptide.
Somatostatin is chemically unstable and broken down by the body within minutes of its release. In contrast, Lanreotide is very stable and much longer acting.
Why use Lanreotide Injection?
Lanreotide Injection may be also used to treat carcinoid syndrome because it contains the drug substance which is a synthetic octapeptide. It lessens the need to use another medication to treat diarrhea or flushing caused by the disease. Lanreotide Injection is used for the long-term treatment of a certain condition.
This medication is supplied as 60 mg/0.2 ml, 90 mg/0.3 ml, and 120 mg/0.5 ml for subcutaneous use. Lanreotide is available as sterile, ready-to-use, and single-use prefilled syringes. It is with biological activity similar to naturally occurring somatostatin, water for injection, and acetic acid. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already approved this medication.
How to use Lanreotide Injection?
Lanreotide is given by injection deep under the skin of your buttock by a doctor or healthcare professional. This is usually given once every 4 weeks. To lessen the irritation from the injection, your doctor will alternate between the left and right buttock with each dose.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to it. For the best benefit, use this medication regularly. Let your doctor know if your condition does not improve or if it gets worse.
What are the side effects of Lanreotide Injection?
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Muscle or joint pain
- Injection site reaction such as itching, pain, or a hard lump
Warnings and Precautions
- Tell your doctor if you have any allergies. This medication may have an inactive ingredient that causes an allergic reaction.
- If you have any medical history or current medications (herbal supplements or vitamins), tell it to your doctor.
- This may not be recommended for pregnant women. If you are also breastfeeding, consult your doctor first.
- This should not be used if you have diabetes, heart problems, and liver or kidney disease.
