Lanreotide – Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interaction

Last updated: February 8, 2026Reviewed date: February 8, 2026Reading time: 35 min read
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Article Summary

Lanreotide is a synthetic polypeptide analog of somatostatin that resembles the native hormone in its ability to suppress levels and activity of growth hormone, insulin, glucagon, and many other gastrointestinal peptides. Because its half-life is longer than somatostatin, lanreotide can be used clinically to treat neuroendocrine tumors that secrete excessive amounts of growth hormone (acromegaly) or other active hormones or neuropeptides. Lanreotide has many side effects including suppression of...

Key Takeaways

  • This article explains Mechanism of Action in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Indications in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Contraindications in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Dosage in simple medical language.
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Definition

Lanreotide is a synthetic polypeptide analog of somatostatin that resembles the native hormone in its ability to suppress levels and activity of growth hormone, , glucagon, and many other gastrointestinal peptides. Because its half-life is longer than somatostatin, lanreotide can be used clinically to treat neuroendocrine tumors that secrete excessive amounts of growth hormone (acromegaly) or other active hormones or neuropeptides. Lanreotide has many side effects including suppression of gall contractility and bile production, and maintenance therapy may cause cholelithiasis and as well accompanying injury.

Lanreotide Acetate is the acetate salt of a synthetic cyclic octapeptide analog of somatostatin. Lanreotide binds to somatostatin receptors (SSTR), specifically SSTR-2, and also to SSTR-5 with a lesser affinity. However, compare with octreotide, this agent is less potent in inhibiting the release of growth hormone from the . Furthermore, lanreotide has an effect on decreasing circulating total and free insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-I). This agent is usually given as a prolonged-release microparticle or Autogel formulation for the treatment of acromegaly and to relieve the symptoms of neuroendocrine tumors.

Lanreotide is a synthetic cyclic octapeptide analog of somatostatin. Lanreotide binds to somatostatin receptors (SSTR), specifically SSTR-2 and also to SSTR-5 with a lesser affinity. However, compare with octreotide, this agent is less potent in inhibiting the release of growth hormone from the pituitary gland. Furthermore, lanreotide has an acute effect on decreasing circulating total and free insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-I). This agent is usually given as a prolonged-release microparticle or Autogel formulation for the treatment of acromegaly and to relieve the symptoms of neuroendocrine tumors.

Lanreotide Acetate is the acetate salt of a synthetic cyclic octapeptide analog of somatostatin. Lanreotide binds to somatostatin receptors (SSTR), specifically SSTR-2, and also to SSTR-5 with a lesser affinity. However, compare with octreotide, this agent is less potent in inhibiting the release of growth hormone from the pituitary gland. Furthermore, lanreotide has an acute effect on decreasing circulating total and free insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-I). This agent is usually given as a prolonged-release microparticle or Autogel formulation for the treatment of acromegaly and to relieve the symptoms of neuroendocrine tumors.

Lanreotide is a drug employed in the management of acromegaly (a hormonal condition caused by excess growth hormone) in addition to symptoms caused by neuroendocrine tumors, especially carcinoid . This drug is a long-acting analog of the drug somatostatin, a growth hormone inhibitor. Lanreotide is manufactured by the company, Ipsen Pharmaceuticals as lanreotide acetate, and marketed as Somatuline. It is approved in several countries worldwide, including the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. Lanreotide was first approved for use in the United States by the FDA on August 30, 2007.

Mechanism of Action

Lanreotide is a somatostatin analog (SSA) and has mainly inhibitory effects which are mediated via somatostatin receptors (SSTRs) 2 and 5 and include inhibition of growth hormone release in the brain. SSTR activation induces downstream cell cycle arrest and/or apoptosis, and also results in blunted production of substances that support tumor growth as well as tumor angiogenesis. This leads to the antiproliferative effects of Lanreotide.

Lanreotide exhibits antisecretory effects through cAMP suppression and activation of ion currents such as K+ and Ca2+ which leads to hyperpolarization of the membrane and inhibition of Ca2+-mediated depolarization. Furthermore, through direct and indirect mechanisms, Lanreotide has potent antiproliferative effects.

Indications

  • Lanreotide is indicated for the long-term treatment of patients with acromegaly who have had an inadequate response to, or cannot be treated with, surgery and/or . It is also indicated in the treatment of adult patients with unresectable, well- or moderately-differentiated, locally advanced, or metastatic gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) to improve -free survival. Lanreotide is additionally indicated for the treatment of adults with carcinoid syndrome – when used, it reduces the frequency of short-acting somatostatin analog rescue therapy.
  • Lanreotide is a somatostatin analog used for the treatment of unresectable, well- or moderately-differentiated, locally advanced or metastatic gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors and acromegaly.
  • Treatment of acromegaly, Treatment of gastrointestinal fistulae, Treatment of metastases to the , Treatment of pituitary gigantism, Treatment of pituitary neoplasms
  • Lanreotide is a synthetic polypeptide analog of somatostatin that resembles the native hormone in its ability to suppress levels and activity of growth hormone, insulin, glucagon, and many other gastrointestinal peptides. Because its half-life is longer than somatostatin, lanreotide can be used clinically to treat neuroendocrine tumors that secrete excessive amounts of growth hormone (acromegaly) or other active hormones or neuropeptides.
  • Lanreotide is used in the treatment of acromegaly, due to both pituitary and non-pituitary growth hormone-secreting tumors, and the management of symptoms caused by neuroendocrine tumors, particularly carcinoid tumors, and VIPomas. In the United States and Canada, lanreotide is only indicated for the treatment of acromegaly. In the United Kingdom, it is also indicated in the treatment of thyrotrophic adenoma,[rx] a rare tumor of the pituitary gland which secretes TSH. Lanreotide also shows activity against non-endocrine tumors, and, along with other somatostatin analogs, is being studied as a possible general antitumor agent.
  • Acromegaly
  • Carcinoid Syndrome
  • Unresectable, locally advanced enteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors
  • Unresectable, locally advanced well- or moderately-differentiated Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors
  • Unresectable, metastatic enteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors
  • Unresectable, metastatic well- or moderately-differentiated Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors

Use in Cancer

Lanreotide acetate is approved to treat:

Lanreotide acetate is also being studied in the treatment of other conditions or types of cancer.

Contraindications

  • , cardiac disease. Use lanreotide with caution in patients with underlying cardiac disease or preexisting bradycardia.
  • .
  • disease.
  • Hepatic disease.
  • , disease.
  • Pregnancy.
  • , reproductive risk.
  • Breast-feeding.
  • a condition with low thyroid hormone levels
  • high blood pressure
  • slow heartbeat
  • liver problems
  • gallstones
  • disease of the gallbladder
  • a patient who is producing milk and breastfeeding
  • stage 3A ()
  • disease stage 3B (moderate)
  • chronic kidney disease stage 4 ()
  • chronic kidney disease stage 5 (failure)
  • kidney disease with likely reduction in kidney function

Strengths: 60 mg/0.2 mL; 90 mg/0.3 mL; 120 mg/0.5 mL

Acromegaly

  • Initial dose: 90 mg, by deep subcutaneous injection, every 4 weeks for 3 months
  • The goal of treatment is to reduce growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) levels to normal.
  • Adjust dose after initial 3 months.
  • No dose adjustment is required for elderly patients.
  • Long-term treatment of acromegalic patients who have had an inadequate response to surgery and/or radiotherapy, or for whom surgery and/or radiotherapy is not an option.

Neuroendocrine

  • 120 mg, by deep subcutaneous injection, every 4 weeks
  • No dose adjustment is required for elderly patients.
  • Treatment of patients with unresectable, well or moderately-differentiated, locally advanced, or metastatic gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) to improve progression-free survival.

Carcinoid Syndrome

  • 120 mg by deep subcutaneous injection every 4 weeks
  • If patients are already being treated for GEP-NETs, do not administer an additional dose for the treatment of carcinoid syndrome.
  • For the treatment of carcinoid syndrome; when used, it reduces the frequency of short-acting somatostatin analog rescue therapy.

Dose Adjustments

Acromegaly:

  • Moderate to severe renal impairment: Initial dose: 60 mg, by deep subcutaneous injection, every 4 weeks for 3 months, followed by dose adjustments as described for non-really impaired patients.
  • Use caution when considering an extended dosing interval (120 mg every 6 or 8 weeks) in moderate or severe renal impairment.

Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors:

  • No adjustment is recommended for to moderate renal impairment
  • Data not available for severe renal impairment

Liver Dose Adjustments

Acromegaly:

  • Moderate to severe hepatic impairment: Initial dose: 60 mg, by deep subcutaneous injection, every 4 weeks for 3 months, followed by dose adjustments as described for non-hepatically impaired patients.

Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors:

  • Data not available for any level of hepatic impairment

Dose Adjustments

Acromegaly:
After the initial 3 month dosing, adjust dose based on growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) levels:

  • GH over 1 and up to 2.5 ng/mL, IGF-1 normal, and symptoms controlled: 90 mg, by deep subcutaneous (SC) injection, every 4 weeks
  • GH over 2.5 ng/mL, IGF-1 elevated, and/or symptoms uncontrolled: 120 mg, by deep SC injection, every 4 weeks
  • GH less than 1 ng/mL, IGF-1 normal, symptoms controlled: 60 mg, by deep SC injection, every 4 weeks
  • Adjust dose according to patient response, as judged by a reduction in GH and/or IGF-1 levels, and/or changes in acromegaly symptoms.
  • Patients controlled on 60 mg or 90 mg may be considered for an extended dosing interval of 120 mg every 6 or 8 weeks; obtain GH and IGF-1 levels 6 weeks after this change to evaluate persistence of patient response.
  • Continued monitoring of patient response with dose adjustments for biochemical and clinical symptom control, as necessary, is recommended.
  • No dose adjustment is required for elderly patients.
  • No difference in safety and effectiveness was seen in elderly patients, however greater sensitivity cannot be ruled out.
  • In general, dose selection for elderly patient should be cautious, starting at the low end of the dosing range.
  • No dose adjustment is required for elderly patients.

Administration advice:

  • Healthcare providers should administer this drug.
  • Administer in the superior external quadrant of the buttock; alternate between right and left sides with each injection.
  • Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before administration, but keep pouch sealed until ready to administer.

Side Effects

The Most Common

  • diarrhea
  • loose stools
  • constipation
  • gas
  • vomiting
  • weight loss
  • headache
  • redness, pain, itching, or a lump at the injection site
  • depression
  • pain in the upper right part of the stomach, center of the stomach, back, or shoulder
  • muscle pain or discomfort
  • yellowing of the skin and eyes
  • fever with chills
  • nausea
  • swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, or eyes
  • tightness in the throat
  • difficulty breathing and swallowing
  • wheezing
  • hoarseness
  • rash
  • itching
  • hives
  • shortness of breath
  • slowed or irregular heartbeat

More common

  • Blurred vision
  • chest pain or discomfort
  • dizziness
  • gaseous abdominal or stomach pain
  • headache
  • lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
  • nervousness
  • pale skin
  • pounding in the ears
  • recurrent fever
  • slow, fast, or irregular heartbeat
  • stomach fullness
  • troubled breathing with exertion
  • unusual bleeding or bruising
  • unusual tiredness or weakness
  • yellow eyes or skin
  • Difficulty having a bowel movement
  • difficulty with moving
  • excess air or gas in the stomach or bowels
  • feeling of fullness
  • inflammation, itching, lumps, or pain at the injection site
  • muscle pain or stiffness
  • pain in the joints
  • passing gas
  • weight loss

Rare

  • Bloating
  • chills
  • clay-colored stools
  • confusion
  • constipation
  • cough
  • dark urine
  • diarrhea
  • difficulty swallowing
  • dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
  • fat in the stool
  • fever
  • hives, itching, skin rash
  • indigestion
  • large, hive-like swelling on face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or genitals
  • loss of appetite
  • nausea
  • pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back
  • puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
  • severe nausea or vomiting
  • stomach pain or cramps
  • sudden loss of weight
  • sweating
  • tightness in the chest
  • unusual drowsiness, dullness, or feeling of sluggishness
  • vomiting

Drug Interactions

Pregnancy and Lactation

AU TGA pregnancy category: C
US FDA pregnancy category: Not assigned

Pregnancy

Limited available data based on post-marketing case reports with lanreotide use in pregnant women are not sufficient to determine a drug-associated risk of adverse developmental outcomes. In animal reproduction studies, decreased embryo/fetal survival was observed in pregnant rats and rabbits at subcutaneous doses 5- and 2-times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 120 mg, respectively (see Data). The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to
20%, respectively.

Lactation

There is no information available on the presence of lanreotide in human milk, the effects of the drug on the breastfed infant, or the effects of the drug on milk production. Studies show that lanreotide administered subcutaneously passes into the milk of lactating rats; however,
due to specifies-specific differences in lactation physiology, animal data may not reliably predict drug levels in human milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants from Lanreotide Injection, including effects on glucose metabolism and
bradycardia, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with Lanreotide Injection and for 6 months (6 half-lives) following the last dose.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Lanreotide injection is used to treat people with acromegaly (a condition in which the body produces too much growth hormone, causing enlargement of the hands, feet, and facial features; joint pain; and other symptoms) who have not successfully, or cannot be treated with surgery or radiation. Lanreotide injection is also used to treat people with neuroendocrine tumors in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract or the pancreas (GEP-NETs) that have spread or cannot be removed by surgery. Lanreotide injection is in a class of medications called somatostatin agonists. It works by decreasing the amounts of certain natural substances produced by the body.

How should this medicine be used?

Lanreotide comes as a long-acting solution (liquid) to be injected subcutaneously (under the skin) into the upper outer area of your buttock by a doctor or nurse. Lanreotide long-acting injection is usually injected once every 4 weeks. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.

Your doctor will probably adjust your dose or the length of time between doses depending on your lab results. Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient. This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before receiving lanreotide injection,

  • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to lanreotide injection, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in lanreotide injection. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: beta-blockers such as atenolol (Tenormin, in Tenoretic), labetalol (Trandate), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL, in Dutoprol), nadolol (Corgard, in Corzide), and propranolol (Hemangeol, Inderal, InnoPran); bromocriptine (Cycloset, Parlodel); cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune); insulin and oral medications for diabetes; quinidine (in Nuedexta), or terfenadine (no longer available in the U.S.). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
  • tell your doctor if you have or have ever had diabetes, or gallbladder, heart, kidney, thyroid, or liver disease.
  • tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while receiving a lanreotide injection, call your doctor.
  • you should know that lanreotide injection may make you drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.

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What to tell the doctor

  • Write when the problem started and how it changed.
  • Bring old prescriptions, investigation reports, and current medicines.
  • Write allergies, pregnancy status, diabetes, kidney/liver disease, and major past illnesses.
  • Bring one family member if the patient is weak, elderly, confused, or a child.

Questions to ask

  • What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
  • Which danger signs mean I should go to hospital quickly?
  • Which tests are necessary now, and which can wait?
  • How should I take medicines safely and what side effects should I watch for?
  • When should I come for follow-up?

Tests to discuss

  • Vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen saturation
  • Basic physical examination by a clinician
  • CBC, urine test, blood sugar, or imaging only when clinically needed

Avoid these mistakes

  • Do not use antibiotics, steroid tablets/injections, or strong painkillers without proper medical advice.
  • Do not hide pregnancy, kidney disease, ulcer, allergy, or blood thinner use.
  • Do not delay emergency care when danger signs are present.

Medicine safety and first-aid guide

This section is for patient education only. It does not replace a doctor, pharmacist, or emergency care.

Safe first steps

  • Avoid heavy lifting, sudden bending, and prolonged bed rest.
  • Use comfortable posture and gentle movement as tolerated.
  • Discuss physiotherapy, X-ray, or MRI only when clinically needed.

OTC medicine safety

  • For mild back pain, pain-relief medicine may be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist.
  • Avoid repeated painkiller use if you have kidney disease, stomach ulcer, uncontrolled blood pressure, or are taking blood thinners.

Avoid these mistakes

  • Do not start antibiotics without a proper medical decision.
  • Do not use steroid tablets or injections casually for quick relief.
  • Do not delay emergency care because of home remedies.

Get urgent help if

  • Back pain with leg weakness, numbness around private area, loss of urine/stool control, fever, cancer history, or major injury needs urgent care.
Medicine names, dose, and timing must be decided by a qualified clinician or pharmacist after checking age, pregnancy, allergy, other diseases, and current medicines.

For rural patients and family caregivers

Patient health record and symptom diary

Write your symptoms, medicines already taken, test results, and questions before visiting a doctor. This note stays on your device unless you print or copy it.

Doctor to discuss: Medicine doctor / pediatrician for children / qualified clinician
Tests to discuss with doctor
  • Temperature chart and hydration assessment
  • CBC with platelet count if fever persists or dengue/other infection is possible
  • Urine test, malaria/dengue tests, chest evaluation, or blood culture only when clinically indicated
Questions to ask
  • What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
  • Which warning signs mean I should go to emergency care?
  • Which tests are really needed now?
  • Which medicines are safe for my age, pregnancy status, allergy, kidney/liver/stomach condition, and current medicines?
  • Do I need antibiotics, or is this more likely viral?

Emergency warning signs such as chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, sudden weakness, confusion, severe dehydration, major injury, or loss of bladder/bowel control need urgent medical care. Do not wait for online information.

Safe pathway to proper treatment

Care roadmap for: Lanreotide – Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interaction

Use this simple roadmap to understand the next safe steps. It is educational and does not replace examination by a doctor.

Go to emergency care if you notice:
  • Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms
  • Breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, major injury, or severe dehydration
Doctor / service to discuss: Qualified healthcare provider; specialist depends on symptoms and examination.
  1. Step 1

    Check danger signs first

    If danger signs are present, seek emergency care and do not wait for online information.

  2. Step 2

    Record the symptom story

    Write when symptoms started, severity, medicines already taken, allergies, pregnancy status, and test results.

  3. Step 3

    Visit a qualified clinician

    A doctor, nurse, or qualified healthcare provider can examine you and decide which tests or treatment are needed.

  4. Step 4

    Do only useful tests

    Do tests after clinical assessment. Avoid unnecessary tests, random antibiotics, or repeated medicines without diagnosis.

  5. Step 5

    Follow up and return early if worse

    If symptoms worsen, new warning signs appear, or treatment is not helping, return for review quickly.

Rural patient practical tips
  • Take a written symptom diary and all previous prescriptions/test reports.
  • Do not hide medicines already taken, even herbal or over-the-counter medicines.
  • Ask which warning signs mean urgent referral to hospital.

This roadmap is for education. A real diagnosis and treatment plan requires history, examination, and clinical judgment.