Lanreotide is used to treat acromegaly (a disorder where the body has a high level of growth hormone). This medicine helps by lowering the growth hormones in your body.
Lanreotide is also used to relieve symptoms associated with carcinoid tumours (a tumour that usually starts at the digestive tract).
This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Use Lanreotide exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not use more or less than instructed by your doctor.
This medicine is to be injected subcutaneously (into the fatty layer under the skin, usually in the thigh, upper arm or abdomen area). Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.
If you are already eligible for self-administration of the pre-filled syringe preparation, follow these steps:
- Remove Lanreotide from the refrigerator and allow to reach room temperature for 30 minutes. Do not remove the pre-filled syringe from the sealed pouch unless it is already time for the injection.
- Wash your hands with soap and water.
- Choose an injection site. Usually injected in the upper, outer part of the thigh.
- Swab the injection site area with alcohol.
- Prepare the injection. Open the sealed pouch then remove the pre-filled syringe from its tray. Remove the needle cap by pulling it off. Do not touch the needle or push the plunger. Do not shake the pre-filled syringe or remove the cap until you are ready to inject.
- Flatten the injection area using your thumb and index finger to stretch the skin. Fully insert the needle perpendicularly (90° angle) using a strong and straight, dart-like action all the way into the skin. Once fully inserted, release the flattened area.
- Push the plunger with slow and constant pressure. The preparation is thick, it will take at least 20 seconds to deliver the full dose.
- Withdraw the needle from the injection site without releasing the pressure on the plunger. Once removed, release the pressure on the plunger. The needle will automatically retract into the needle guard.
- Apply gentle pressure over the injection site with a cotton ball or gauze pad to prevent bleeding.
- Dispose of the used syringe as instructed by your doctor or pharmacist. Do not throw away in household trash.
Remember to rotate the injection sites. Do not inject into the same area all the time. New injection sites should be at least 1.5 inches away from the previous injection site.
This medicine may also be administered to you via intramuscular (into the muscles) injection by your doctor or nurse.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your condition.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Lanreotide.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
If you are self-administering your dose, inject the missed dose as soon as you remember and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
Inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately if you forgot to administer your dose.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart disease
- gallstones
- diabetes
- thyroid disease
- kidney disease
- liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. thyroid, liver and kidney function, growth hormone levels, blood sugar level) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Monitor your blood pressure and heart rate during treatment.
- Regular monitoring of signs and symptoms of gallstone formation may also be needed.
Lanreotide may cause dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
This medicine may cause any of the following side effects: headache, diarrhoea, stomach pain, slow heart rate, constipation, stomach wind, nausea, vomiting, injection site pain, tiredness, muscle pain, difficulty sleeping, patchy hair loss, weight loss and foul-smelling stool.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- feeling thirsty or tired than usual, dry mouth as these may be signs of high sugar level in your blood
- sweating, hunger, feeling faint, confusion as these may be signs of low sugar level in your blood
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth as these may be signs of allergic reactions
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- bromocriptine (medicine to treat Parkinson’s disease )
- ciclosporin (medicine used in organ transplant or certain immune disorders)
- terfenadine (medicine for cold or allergy)
- medicine for diabetes e.g. insulin, pioglitazone, repaglinide
- medicine for high blood pressure or heart disease e.g. quinidine, propranolol, metoprolol
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Lanreotide.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in the refrigerator, between 2-8°C. Do not allow to freeze. If frozen, this medicine will become ineffective and should not be used. Protect from light. Light may cause the medication to lose some of its effectiveness.
Store away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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