Lanreotide (lan-REE-oh-tide)

Treats acromegaly (a growth hormone disorder) in patients who cannot be treated with surgery or radiation.

Brand Name(s):

Somatuline Depot

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.

If a dose is missed:

• Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using bromocriptine (Parlodel®), cyclosporine (Gengraf®, Neoral®, or Sandimmune®), quinidine (Quinidex®), terfenadine (Seldane®), diabetes medicine (insulin or oral medicine such as glyburide, metformin, Actos®, Avandia®, or Glucotrol®), or certain blood pressure medicines (such as atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol, or Toprol®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, or thyroid problems.
• Tell your doctor if you are allergic to rubber. The needle cover of the prefilled syringe contains natural dry rubber latex, which may cause an allergic reaction if you have a latex allergy.
• This medicine may raise or lower your blood sugar, or it may cover up symptoms of very low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
• Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Increased thirst, hunger, or urination.
• Severe stomach pain with nausea and vomiting.
• Slow heartbeat.
• Unusual bleeding or bruising.
• Unusual tiredness or weakness.
• Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Constipation, diarrhea, passing gas, or mild nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain.
• Headache.
• Joint pain.
• Pain, itching, or a lump under your skin where the shot is given.
• Weight loss.