[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [Pharmacology](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/) › [Somatostatin analogues](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/somatostatin-analogues/) › Lanreotide

# Lanreotide

## Somatostatin analogues?

Somatostatin analogues

A long-acting somatostatin copy injected deep under the skin every few weeks. It treats acromegaly and neuroendocrine tumours.

Updated Nov 1, 2026

## Quick facts

**Group**
[Somatostatin analogues](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/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.

On this page

- The basics Mechanism of action
- Indications
- Adverse effects
- Pharmacokinetics
- Memory aid

- Safety Contraindications
- Key interactions
- What is monitored
- Administration and safety
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Nursing care

- Study Test yourself

- Connections Connections

## Mechanism of action

◎**Somatostatin receptor type 2 (SSTR2), and SSTR5**Lanreotide

ⓘ The figure shows lanreotide itself bound to the human SSTR2 receptor with its Gi protein (cryo-EM).

**Target in 3D:** Somatostatin receptor type 2 (SSTR2), and SSTR5. PDB structure 7XAV (RCSB PDB, public domain). [View the structure at RCSB PDB](https://www.rcsb.org/structure/7XAV) · Drag to rotate · pinch to zoom

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 →](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/acromegaly-and-gigantism/)
- Unresectable or metastatic gastro-entero-pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours [Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (VIPoma, glucagonoma, somatostatinoma, non-functioning) →](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/pancreatic-neuroendocrine-tumours/)
- Carcinoid syndrome (diarrhoea and flushing) [Carcinoid syndrome →](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/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

### Serious (rare, important)

- Gallstones and biliary sludge
- Pancreatitis
- Bradycardia and conduction problems
- Hypo- or hyperglycaemia
- Hypothyroidism

## 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

## Memory aid

LANreotide LANds deep in the buttock once a month: the depot cousin of octreotide.

## 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.

[Add to my cards (3)](https://durgical.app/estudiar/?add=/en/pharmacology/lanreotide/)

[More Pharmacology questions →](https://durgical.com/en/practice/?f=pharmacology)

## Connections

## Related drugs 3

- [Octreotide](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/octreotide/)
- [Pasireotide](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/pasireotide/)
- [Pegvisomant](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/pegvisomant/)

## Related conditions 3

- [Acromegaly and gigantism](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/acromegaly-and-gigantism/)
- [Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (VIPoma, glucagonoma, somatostatinoma, non-functioning)](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/pancreatic-neuroendocrine-tumours/)
- [Carcinoid syndrome](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/carcinoid-syndrome/)

[← Back to the class: Somatostatin analogues](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/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](https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a615007.html) (MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); [ATCDDD - ATC/DDD Index](https://atcddd.fhi.no/atc_ddd_index/?code=H01CB03) (WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, 2026).

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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Source: https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/lanreotide/
License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/lanreotide/