Lanreotide injection for hyperinsulinism

What is lanreotide?

Lanreotide is a medication used to treat hyperinsulinemia, a condition where the body makes too much insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps to keep blood glucose (blood sugar) levels normal; however, too much insulin can cause low blood glucose levels.

Low blood sugar can be very dangerous. A steady amount of glucose to the brain is needed for normal brain function and development. If the brain does not get the sugar it needs, it may lead to difficulty concentrating, confusion, seizures, coma and death if untreated.

Lanreotide is used in children who are not responsive to diazoxide, an oral medication which is used to treat hyperinsulinism.

Lanreotide acts by lowering levels of insulin.

You may also hear lanreotide called by its brand name, Somatuline. Lanreotide comes as a clear liquid for injection.

What do you need to know before giving your child lanreotide?

Before starting lanreotide, your child's health-care team will order blood tests as well as an ultrasound of your child's liver and gallbladder.

Lanreotide is typically given to children who are already receiving octreotide injections. Your child will be slowly weaned off octreotide as they receive lanreotide.

How is lanreotide given?

Lanreotide is an injection given in the deep layer of subcutaneous fat, usually in the buttocks.

It is given once every 28 days.

What to do for a missed dose

If your child has missed their injection, please give the injection as soon as you remember and reach out to the health-care team for more information.

What are the possible side effects of lanreotide?

Rarely, allergic-type reactions have been reported.

Local reactions at the injection site include:

• pain
• tingling
• stinging
• burning
• redness
• swelling

Lanreotide may also cause:

• skin reaction
• abdominal upset or pain, bloating and/or diarrhea
• loss of appetite
• gallbladder or liver problems
• suppression of growth or thyroid hormones

What safety measures should be taken while your child is on lanreotide?

During treatment, your child will need regular blood work as well as an ultrasound of the liver and gallbladder every six to 12 months.

Please continue to monitor your child's blood glucose and contact your child's health-care team as directed.

What other important information should you know about lanreotide?

• Do not share your child's medication with others and do not give anyone else's medication to your child.
• Make sure you always have enough lanreotide to last through weekends, holidays and vacations. Call your pharmacy at least two days before your child runs out of medicine to order refills.
• After you give your child the injection, throw away the needles and syringes in the special container that was given to you. If you did not receive a special container or if your container is full, an empty large plastic container with a small opening may be used, such as an empty liquid laundry detergent container.
• Do not keep any medications that are out of date. Check with your pharmacist about the best way to throw away outdated or leftover medications.

Keep lanreotide out of your child’s sight and reach and locked up in a safe place. If your child takes too much lanreotide, call your local Poison Information Centre at one of these numbers. These calls are free. 

• Call 1-844 POISON-X, or 1-844-764-7669, from anywhere in Canada except Quebec.
• Call 1-800-463-5060 if you live in Quebec.