Lanreotide
Somatostatin analogues
Somatostatin analogues
A long-acting somatostatin copy injected deep under the skin every few weeks. It treats acromegaly and neuroendocrine tumours.
Quick facts
- Group
- Somatostatin analogues
- Target
- Somatostatin receptor type 2 (SSTR2), and SSTR5
- Used for
- Acromegaly when surgery · Unresectable
- Key effects
- Diarrhoea · Injection-site pain
- Monitor
- GH and IGF-1 in acromegaly · Blood glucose
- ATC
- H01CB03
No doses: the clinician sets them by the current guideline.
Mechanism of action
The figure shows lanreotide itself bound to the human SSTR2 receptor with its Gi protein (cryo-EM).
Lanreotide is a cyclic peptide analogue of somatostatin that resists breakdown. It binds mainly SSTR2 (and SSTR5), Gi-coupled receptors that lower cAMP and calcium entry. Growth hormone, insulin, glucagon, serotonin and other gut hormone secretion fall; in neuroendocrine tumours it also slows growth. Its depot form releases the drug slowly over weeks.
- Lanreotide binds SSTR2 on pituitary, gut and tumour cells
- Gi lowers cAMP and calcium entry
- GH, serotonin and gut hormone secretion fall
- Neuroendocrine tumour growth slows
Indications
- Acromegaly when surgery or radiotherapy has failed or is not possible Acromegaly and gigantism →
- Unresectable or metastatic gastro-entero-pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (VIPoma, glucagonoma, somatostatinoma, non-functioning) →
- Carcinoid syndrome (diarrhoea and flushing) Carcinoid syndrome →
Adverse effects
Common
- Diarrhoea, abdominal pain, flatulence, nausea or constipation
- Injection-site pain, itching or lump
- Headache and muscle or joint pain
- Changes in blood glucose
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to lanreotide
Key interactions
- Insulin and oral antidiabetic drugs
- Glucose may rise or fall; treatment may need adjusting
- Beta-blockers and other drugs that slow the heart
- Additive bradycardia
What is monitored
- GH and IGF-1 in acromegaly
- Blood glucose
- Heart rate
- Gallbladder symptoms (ultrasound if needed)
- Thyroid function
Administration and safety
- Deep subcutaneous injection into the upper outer buttock by a health professional
- Given about every 4 weeks; missed appointments are rescheduled promptly
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Information in pregnancy is limited; the prescriber is told about pregnancy. Breastfeeding is avoided during treatment and for 6 months after the last dose; it may reduce female fertility.
Nursing care
- Check glucose, especially in people with diabetes
- Ask about right upper abdominal pain, fever, jaundice or fatty stools
- Check heart rate and ask about dizziness or fainting
- Warn that it may cause drowsiness or dizziness
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption
- Deep subcutaneous depot injection, released slowly
- Half-life
- Long; the depot is given about every 4 weeks
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
Which receptors does lanreotide mainly stimulate?
Somatostatin receptors SSTR2 and SSTR5, Gi-coupled receptors that inhibit hormone secretion.
Why do somatostatin analogues such as lanreotide cause gallstones?
They reduce gallbladder contraction and bile flow, so bile stagnates.
How is lanreotide given?
As a deep subcutaneous depot injection into the upper outer buttock, about every 4 weeks.
Connections
← Back to the class: Somatostatin analogues
Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.
Sources: Lanreotide Injection: MedlinePlus Drug Information (MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); ATCDDD - ATC/DDD Index (WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, 2026).
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Representative model, for educational purposes only.