Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Somatuline Autogel (Lanreotide).
Blood sugar levels: Somatuline Autogel (Lanreotide) can cause high or low blood sugar. Your doctor will monitor your blood sugar levels closely while you are using Somatuline Autogel (Lanreotide), especially when you start treatment or when the dose is changed. If you experience symptoms of low blood sugar (e.g., tiredness, fatigue, shakiness, headache, difficulty concentrating, hunger, blurred vision) or high blood sugar (e.g., excessive thirst, excessive urination, weight loss) contact your doctor. People with Diabetes should monitor their blood sugar regularly while using Somatuline Autogel (Lanreotide) and report any changes in blood sugar control to their doctor.
Gallbladder problems: Somatuline Autogel (Lanreotide) may cause gallbladder problems including gallstones. Your doctor will periodically monitor for this with an ultrasound. If you have had gallstones, discuss with your doctor how Somatuline Autogel (Lanreotide) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Somatuline Autogel (Lanreotide), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Heart rate: Somatuline Autogel (Lanreotide) may cause decreases in heart rate. If you experience a slow or irregular heartbeat, contact your doctor immediately. If you have any heart conditions, discuss with your doctor how Somatuline Autogel (Lanreotide) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Somatuline Autogel (Lanreotide), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Kidney function: Kidney Disease or reduced kidney function may cause Somatuline Autogel (Lanreotide) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have reduced kidney function or kidney disease, discuss with your doctor how Somatuline Autogel (Lanreotide) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Somatuline Autogel (Lanreotide), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Somatuline Autogel (Lanreotide) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Somatuline Autogel (Lanreotide) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Somatuline Autogel (Lanreotide), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Pancreatitis: Somatuline Autogel (Lanreotide) can cause the pancreas to become inflamed. If you have a history of pancreatitis, discuss with your doctor how Somatuline Autogel (Lanreotide) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Somatuline Autogel (Lanreotide), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Report signs of pancreatitis such as abdominal pain on the upper left side, back pain, nausea, fever, chills, rapid heartbeat, or swollen abdomen to your doctor immediately.
Thyroid problems: Somatuline Autogel (Lanreotide) may decrease thyroid function. Your doctor may monitor you for this with blood tests. If you experience symptoms of low thyroid (e.g., weight gain, tiredness, slow heart rate, feeling cold, or dry skin, swelling at the front of the neck), contact your doctor. If you have a thyroid condition, discuss with your doctor how Somatuline Autogel (Lanreotide) may affect your medical condition, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Pregnancy: Somatuline Autogel (Lanreotide) should not be used during pregnancy unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while using Somatuline Autogel (Lanreotide).
Breast-feeding: It is not known if Somatuline Autogel (Lanreotide) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Somatuline Autogel (Lanreotide), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Somatuline Autogel (Lanreotide) have not been established for children under the age of 16 years.