lanreotide acetate

Lanreotide acetate is a medication used in the management of acromegaly and symptoms caused by neuroendocrine tumors, most notably carcinoid syndrome. As a matter of fact, this drug is similar to a natural chemical called somatostatin, which in turn is produced in the body by the hypothalamus. One of its functions is to "switch off" the secretion of growth hormone by the pituitary gland. Somatostatin also decreases splanchnic blood flow and inhibits the release of serotonin, gastrin, vasoactive intestinal peptide, secretin, motilin and pancreatic polypeptide. These actions are basically what help to control the symptoms of flushing and diarrhea in carcinoid tumors and Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide secreting adenomas. Bear in mind that the main side effects of lanreotide treatment are mild to moderate pain at the injection site and gastrointestinal disturbances, such as diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Isolated cases of gallstone formation have also been associated with use of this medication, particularly over long periods of time. There is still no data on use in pregnant women to know the risks of this drug, including the risk of fetal harm or reproductive effects.