Lanreotide is a medication classified as a somatostatin analogue. The somatostatin hormone regulates many different functions in the body and controls the release of other hormones such as growth hormone, insulin, and glucagon. Lanreotide can reduce the release of certain hormones by mimicking the similar effects of somatostatin hormone. Lanreotide is used to regulate hormone levels and alleviate symptoms in the treatment of these conditions. However, the use and dosage of the medication may vary depending on the specific condition of the patient.
What is Lanreotide Used For?
Lanreotide is prescribed as a medication in the following main areas:
- Acyromegaly
- Neuroendocrine Tumors
How to Use Lanreotide?
Before using Lanreotide, you must fully comply with your doctor’s instructions and prescription:
Dosage: The dosage of Lanreotide may vary depending on the patient’s condition, treatment goals, and severity of symptoms.
Administration: Lanreotide is used in injectable form. Injections can be administered subcutaneously.
Administration Timing: Lanreotide is used at specific intervals. These intervals are determined by your doctor.
First Injection: When using the medication for the first time, you can administer the first injection under the supervision of your doctor or healthcare professional.
Cleansing: You should thoroughly wash your hands before each injection. You should also clean the injection site properly.
Needle Change: You should use sterile needles for needle applications. You should change the needle after each injection.
Side Effects: Side effects may occur during the use of Lanreotide.
Doctor’s Check-ups: You should have regular check-ups recommended by your doctor during the treatment.
Prescription and Non-prescription Medications: If the change of Lanreotide or your other medications, or the addition of new medications is required, you should discuss this with your doctor.
What are the Side Effects of Lanreotide?
The side effects that may occur during the use of Lanreotide can vary from person to person:
- Pain or tenderness at the injection site
- Diarrhea, nausea
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Headache, fatigue
- Loss of appetite, gallstones
- Skin reactions
- Pancreatitis
- Changes in blood sugar
- Allergic reactions
- Liver problems
- Heart problems
Does Lanreotide Interact with Other Medications?
Lanreotide may interact with other medications:
- Insulin and Hypoglycemic Agents
- Cyclosporine
- Other Hormone Medications
- Liver Enzyme Inducing Drugs
When Should Lanreotide Not Be Used?
Lanreotide may need to be avoided or require special attention in certain conditions:
Allergy: If you have previously experienced serious allergic reactions to Lanreotide or any component of the medication, you may need to avoid using these medications.
Liver Problems: Severe disturbances in liver functions, liver failure, or significant increases in liver enzymes may require special attention or avoidance of the use of these medications.
Gallstones: The use of Lanreotide may increase the risk of gallstone formation.
Diabetes: The use of Lanreotide may lower blood sugar.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: The safety of using Lanreotide during pregnancy or breastfeeding is not fully known.
Heart Problems: If you have irregular heart rhythm or other serious heart problems, the use of Lanreotide may require special attention.
What Precautions Should Be Taken While Using Lanreotide?
There are some important considerations to take into account while using Lanreotide:
Compliance with Doctor’s Instructions: You must always use Lanreotide exactly as recommended by your doctor and follow their instructions completely.
Medication Administration: Lanreotide is generally used in injectable form. Injections can be administered subcutaneously.
Medication Timing: Lanreotide is used at specific intervals. These intervals are determined by your doctor.
First Injection: When using the medication for the first time, you can administer the first injection under the supervision of your doctor or healthcare professional.
Cleansing: You should thoroughly wash your hands before each injection. You should also clean the injection site properly.
Needle Change: You should use sterile needles for needle applications. You should change the needle after each injection.
Side Effects: Side effects may occur during the use of Lanreotide.
Doctor’s Check-ups: You should have regular check-ups recommended by your doctor.
Prescription and Non-prescription Medications: If the change of Lanreotide or your other medications, or the addition of new medications is required, you should discuss this with your doctor.
