This medication is a long-acting form of lanreotide.
Lanreotide is used to treat a condition called acromegaly that occurs when
the body makes too much of a certain natural substance called growth
hormone. It is used when surgery or radiation treatment have not been fully
successful or cannot be used. Treating acromegaly helps reduce the risk of
serious problems such as diabetes and heart disease. Lanreotide works by
decreasing the amount of growth hormone to normal levels.
This drug is not a cure for acromegaly. It is used for
the long-term treatment of this condition.
This medication is also used to treat certain cancer or
tumors of the stomach, intestines, or pancreas. It may help to slow down
the growth of these tumors. Lanreotide is also used to treat carcinoid
syndrome. It may help reduce the need to use another medication to treat
diarrhea or flushing caused by carcinoid syndrome.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start using lanreotide and before each monthly
injection. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
This medication is given by injection under the skin by
a health care professional. It is given as directed by your doctor, usually
once every 4 weeks. The injection is given in the buttocks. To reduce
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 treatment.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, mark your calendar with a
reminder.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
or if it gets worse.
Headache, muscle/joint pain, dizziness, nausea,
vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach upset, gas, or bloating may
occur. Pain and irritation at the injection site may also occur. If any of
these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- signs of gallbladder problems/gallstones (such as fever,
stomach/abdominal pain, severe nausea/vomiting, yellowing eyes/skin,
unexplained pain in the back/right shoulder)
- signs of an underactive thyroid (such as unexplained weight
gain, cold intolerance, severe constipation, unusual/extreme tiredness,
growth/lump/swelling on the front of the neck)
- slow heartbeat
- mental/mood changes (such as depression)
- weight loss
- change in stool color
This medication may rarely cause changes in blood sugar,
especially if you have diabetes. Symptoms of high blood sugar include
increased thirst and urination. Symptoms of low blood sugar include
nervousness, shakiness, sweating, fast heartbeat, and hunger. Tell your
doctor right away if you experience symptoms of high or low blood sugar
while using this medication. Monitor your blood sugar levels as directed by
your doctor. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes
medications.
This medication may raise your blood pressure. Check
your blood pressure regularly and tell your doctor if the results are
high.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using lanreotide, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product
may contain inactive ingredients (such as dry natural rubber/latex found in
the packaging), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk
to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- diabetes
- heart problems (such as slow heartbeat, high blood pressure,
heart valve problems)
- thyroid problems
- gallbladder problems (such as gallstones)
This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana
(cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do
anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic
beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana
(cannabis).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
A product that may interact with this drug
is:
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as growth hormone levels,
blood glucose tests, thyroid function, blood pressure, heart rate) should
be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab
appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
It is important to get each dose of this medication as
scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for
a new dosing schedule.
Not applicable. This medication is given in a clinic and
will not be stored at home.