What condition does Lanreotide treat?
Lanreotide is a medication recommended for the treatment of acromegaly. Acromegaly usually happens when the body makes large amounts of a certain natural substance called growth hormone. This medicine is used when surgery or radiation treatment has 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.
Lanreotide is also recommended for use for the treatment of carcinoid syndrome because it contains the drug substance which is a synthetic octapeptide. It lessens the need to use another medicine to treat flushing or diarrhea caused by the disease. Lanreotide Injection is used for the long-term treatment of a certain condition. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already approved this medication.
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 hormones 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.
What is the recommended dosage for Lanreotide?
Lanreotide is given by injection deep under the skin of your buttock by a doctor or healthcare professional. The medicine is usually given once every 4 weeks. To lessen the irritation from the injection, your doctor will change between the left and right buttocks with each dosage.
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?
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Muscle or joint pain
- Injection site reaction such as itching, pain, or a hard lump
What are the precautions in taking Lanreotide?
- This medicine may rarely cause changes in blood sugar especially if you have diabetes. Symptoms of high blood sugar include urination and increased thirst. Inform also your health care provider if you experience symptoms of low blood sugar such as sweating, hunger, shakiness, or nervousness.
- 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 including herbal supplements or vitamins, tell to your doctor.
- This medicine 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.
- Lanreotide may raise your blood pressure. Check your blood pressure regularly and share it with your doctor if the results are high.
