Lanreotide (Somatuline Depot): Uses & Side Effects

Locations:

AdvertisementAdvertisement

Lanreotide is a medication that treats symptoms of acromegaly. This condition happens when you have high levels of growth hormone in your body. Lanreotide is an injection that a healthcare provider will give to you in a hospital or clinic setting.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

LANREOTIDE (lan REE oh tide) treats high levels of growth hormone (acromegaly). It is used when other therapies have not worked well enough or cannot be tolerated. It works by reducing the amount of growth hormone your body makes. This reduces symptoms and the risk of health problems caused by too much growth hormone, such as diabetes and heart disease. It may also be used to treat neuroendocrine tumors, a cancer of the cells that release hormones and other substances in your body. It works by slowing down the release of these substances from the cells. This slows tumor growth. It also decreases the symptoms of carcinoid syndrome, such as flushing or diarrhea.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Somatuline Depot

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Diabetes
• Gallbladder disease
• Heart disease
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Pancreatic disease
• Thyroid disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to lanreotide, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

This medication is injected under the skin. It is given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

Keep appointments for follow-up doses. It is important not to miss your dose. Call your care team if you are unable to keep an appointment.

• Bromocriptine
• Cyclosporine
• Certain medications for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heartbeat
• Certain medications for diabetes
• Quinidine
• Terfenadine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

Advertisement

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication.

You may need blood work while you are taking this medication.

This medication may increase blood sugar. The risk may be higher in patients who already have diabetes. Ask your care team what you can do to lower your risk of diabetes while taking this medication.

Talk to your care team if you wish to become pregnant or think you may be pregnant. This medication can cause serious birth defects.

Do not breast-feed while taking this medication and for 6 months after stopping therapy.

This medication may cause infertility. Talk to your care team if you are concerned about your fertility.

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Gallbladder problems—severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever
• High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)—increased thirst or amount of urine, unusual weakness or fatigue, blurry vision
• Increase in blood pressure
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)—pale, blue or purple skin or lips, sweating, fussiness, rapid heartbeat, poor feeding, low body temperature
• Low thyroid levels (hypothyroidism)—unusual weakness or fatigue, increased sensitivity to cold, constipation, hair loss, dry skin, weight gain, feelings of depression
• Oily or light-colored stools, diarrhea, bloating, weight loss
• Slow heartbeat—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, confusion, trouble breathing, unusual weakness or fatigue

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Muscle spasms
• Nausea
• Pain, redness, or irritation at injection site
• Stomach pain

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Advertisement

Sign up for our Health Essentials emails for expert guidance on nutrition, fitness, sleep, skin care and more.

Copyright ©2026 Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

AdvertisementAdvertisement

Ad