Yes, completely free. QuickRx Specialty Pharmacy provides free enrollment and support for all Somatuline Depot (lanreotide) copay assistance programs including manufacturer copay cards and patient assistance programs. We never charge service fees for helping patients access medication savings.

What’s included at no cost:

• Application assistance for Somatuline Depot (lanreotide) manufacturer copay cards
• Insurance verification and benefit checks
• Prior authorization support when needed
• Foundation grant applications for acromegaly and neuroendocrine tumor treatment
• Ongoing monitoring to ensure continuous savings
• Prescription coordination and specialty medication delivery

Somatuline Depot (lanreotide) savings programs available:

For patients with commercial insurance, manufacturer copay cards for Somatuline Depot can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs.

For Medicare and Medicaid patients, foundation-based assistance programs provide grants that help cover medication expenses. These programs are also free to apply for with QuickRx’s help.

For uninsured patients, manufacturer patient assistance programs may provide Somatuline Depot (lanreotide) at no cost or significantly reduced prices based on financial need.

Our team’s only goal is to make Somatuline Depot (lanreotide) more affordable so you can focus on managing your acromegaly, neuroendocrine tumor, or carcinoid syndrome without financial stress. Contact QuickRx at (917) 830-2525 or (800) 496-6111 to get started today.

Eligibility for Somatuline Depot (lanreotide) copay assistance depends on your insurance type and your financial situation. QuickRx helps determine which programs you qualify for at no cost.

Eligibility criteria for Somatuline Depot copay cards:

Commercial insurance patients with coverage for Somatuline Depot (lanreotide) typically qualify for manufacturer copay cards. Requirements usually include:

• Active commercial (private) health insurance that covers Somatuline Depot
• Valid prescription for lanreotide
• Treatment for FDA-approved indications (acromegaly, GEP-NETs, or carcinoid syndrome)
• US residency

Alternative assistance for other insurance types:

Medicare and Medicaid patients cannot use manufacturer copay cards due to federal regulations, but may qualify for foundation grants and other patient assistance programs specifically designed for government insurance beneficiaries.

Uninsured patients may qualify for manufacturer patient assistance programs that provide free or low-cost Somatuline Depot (lanreotide) based on household income and financial need.

How QuickRx determines your eligibility:

When you contact QuickRx, we review your insurance coverage, prescription details, and financial situation to identify every Somatuline Depot (lanreotide) assistance program you qualify for. We then handle all applications and enrollment paperwork on your behalf.

Call ((917) 830-2525 or (800) 496-6111 to speak with a copay assistance specialist who can verify your eligibility for Somatuline Depot savings programs today.

Savings vary by insurance type and the assistance programs you qualify for. QuickRx works to maximize your savings through all available programs.

Potential Somatuline Depot (lanreotide) copay assistance savings:

With commercial insurance, manufacturer copay cards can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs for Somatuline Depot. The amount of savings depends on your insurance plan’s copay or coinsurance amount and the specific program benefit limits.

With Medicare or Medicaid, foundation grants and patient assistance programs help cover medication costs that Medicare doesn’t pay. Grant amounts vary by foundation and availability of funds.

For uninsured patients, manufacturer patient assistance programs may provide Somatuline Depot (lanreotide) at no cost if you meet income eligibility requirements.

Why savings amounts vary:

The cost of Somatuline Depot (lanreotide) can be substantial without assistance. Your actual savings depend on:

• Your insurance plan’s coverage and cost-sharing structure
• Whether your medication requires specialty pharmacy dispensing
• Annual benefit caps on copay assistance programs
• Foundation funding availability at the time of application
• Your household income (for patient assistance programs)

QuickRx maximizes your savings:

Our specialty in neuroendocrine medications means we know how to layer multiple assistance programs to achieve maximum savings on your Somatuline Depot (lanreotide) prescriptions. We monitor your benefits throughout the year and handle renewals to ensure uninterrupted assistance.

Contact QuickRx at (917) 830-2525 or (800) 496-6111 to find out exactly how much you can save on your Somatuline Depot medication.

Yes, Medicare patients can access Somatuline Depot (lanreotide) financial assistance, but not through manufacturer copay cards. Medicare beneficiaries may qualify for foundation grants and other patient assistance programs specifically designed to help cover out-of-pocket costs for neuroendocrine medications.

Why Medicare patients can’t use copay cards:

Federal anti-kickback laws prohibit pharmaceutical manufacturers from offering copay cards to Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. This applies to Somatuline Depot (lanreotide).

Alternative assistance for Medicare patients:

QuickRx connects Medicare patients with alternative Somatuline Depot (lanreotide) assistance programs including:

• Independent charitable foundations that provide grants for neuroendocrine medications
• Disease-specific foundations focused on acromegaly and NETs
• Manufacturer patient assistance programs for qualifying patients
• State pharmaceutical assistance programs (SPAPs) where available

How QuickRx helps Medicare patients:

Our team specializes in navigating the complex landscape of Medicare Part D coverage for specialty medications like Somatuline Depot. We help you:

• Understand your Medicare Part D plan’s coverage for lanreotide
• Apply for foundation grants to cover copays, coinsurance, and deductibles
• Navigate the Medicare donut hole (coverage gap)
• Complete patient assistance program applications if you qualify
• Monitor assistance programs year-round and handle renewals

Don’t let Medicare restrictions prevent you from affording your Somatuline Depot medication. Call QuickRx at (917) 830-2525 or (800) 496-6111 to explore all available assistance options.

If you’re struggling to afford Somatuline Depot (lanreotide), QuickRx Specialty Pharmacy can help you access financial assistance programs regardless of your insurance situation. We specialize in finding solutions for patients who cannot afford their neuroendocrine medications.

Financial assistance options by insurance type:

With commercial insurance:

• Manufacturer copay cards for Somatuline Depot
• Disease-specific foundation grants for acromegaly and NETs
• Premium assistance programs to help with insurance costs

With Medicare or Medicaid:

• Independent charitable foundation grants
• State pharmaceutical assistance programs
• Manufacturer patient assistance programs (if eligible)
• Medicare Extra Help/Low-Income Subsidy programs

Without insurance:

• Manufacturer patient assistance programs providing free medication
• Foundation grants for uninsured patients
• Hospital charity care programs
• Assistance finding affordable insurance coverage

Emergency medication access:

If you need your Somatuline Depot (lanreotide) medication urgently and cannot afford it, contact QuickRx immediately. We can often expedite applications for emergency assistance programs to ensure you don’t miss doses of your critical medication.

Why choose QuickRx for Somatuline Depot assistance:

We understand that acromegaly, neuroendocrine tumors, and carcinoid syndrome require continuous medication therapy, and missing doses due to cost is not an option. Our team works tirelessly to find every available resource to make your Somatuline Depot affordable.

Contact QuickRx urgently at (917) 830-2525 or (800) 496-6111 if you cannot afford your Somatuline Depot medication. We can help right away.

Somatuline Depot (lanreotide) is a prescription medication used to treat three specific conditions: acromegaly, gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs), and carcinoid syndrome. It is a long-acting somatostatin analog given as an injection.

Acromegaly treatment:

Somatuline Depot is used to treat acromegaly, a condition where the body produces too much growth hormone, typically due to a pituitary tumor. Excess growth hormone causes:

• Abnormal growth of bones and tissues, especially in the hands, feet, and face
• Joint pain and limited mobility
• Cardiovascular problems
• Metabolic changes including diabetes

Lanreotide works by reducing growth hormone levels in patients with acromegaly, helping to control symptoms and prevent complications.

Neuroendocrine tumor (NET) treatment:

Somatuline Depot is used to treat gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs), which are rare tumors that develop in the digestive system or pancreas. These tumors can produce hormones that cause various symptoms.

For GEP-NETs, lanreotide helps slow tumor growth and control hormone-related symptoms.

Carcinoid syndrome treatment:

Somatuline Depot is used to treat carcinoid syndrome, a group of symptoms caused by hormone-secreting neuroendocrine tumors. Symptoms of carcinoid syndrome include:

• Flushing (sudden redness and warmth of the face and upper body)
• Diarrhea
• Wheezing or difficulty breathing
• Rapid heartbeat

Lanreotide helps control these symptoms by reducing hormone secretion from the tumors.

How Somatuline Depot works:

Lanreotide is a synthetic version of somatostatin, a natural hormone that regulates other hormones in the body. By mimicking somatostatin, Somatuline Depot:

• Reduces growth hormone production in acromegaly
• Slows tumor cell growth in neuroendocrine tumors
• Decreases hormone secretion from NETs that cause carcinoid syndrome

Long-acting formulation:

Somatuline Depot is designed as a long-acting injection, typically given once every 4 weeks. The “Depot” formulation slowly releases lanreotide over time, providing continuous treatment between injections.

Somatuline Depot (lanreotide) is given as an injection into the fatty part of the skin (subcutaneous injection), typically in the upper outer area of the buttock. The injection is usually administered by a healthcare provider in a medical office or clinic.

Injection frequency:

Somatuline Depot is typically given once every 4 weeks (28 days). The long-acting formulation slowly releases lanreotide over time, so you don’t need daily injections. Your doctor will determine the exact dosing schedule based on your condition and response to treatment.

Where the injection is given:

The medication is injected deep into the fatty tissue under the skin, usually in the upper outer area of the buttock. Healthcare providers alternate between the left and right sides with each injection to reduce irritation at injection sites.

Who administers the injection:

Somatuline Depot is typically administered by a healthcare professional such as:

• Your doctor or nurse in the medical office
• A trained nurse at an infusion center
• A home health nurse if home administration is arranged

In some cases, patients or caregivers may be trained to give the injection at home, but this requires proper instruction from healthcare providers.

What to expect during injection:

The injection process takes only a few minutes. You may experience:

• Brief discomfort or stinging when the needle enters the skin
• Mild irritation at the injection site afterward
• Temporary redness or soreness that typically resolves within a few days

Storage requirements:

If you need to store Somatuline Depot at home before injection, your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist will provide specific storage instructions. Proper storage is important to maintain medication effectiveness.

What if I miss a scheduled injection:

If you miss your scheduled Somatuline Depot injection, call your doctor to find out what to do. It’s important to maintain your regular injection schedule for optimal treatment results.

QuickRx coordination of Somatuline Depot injections:

QuickRx Specialty Pharmacy can help coordinate:

• Medication delivery to your doctor’s office or infusion center
• Home health nursing services if appropriate
• Injection scheduling reminders
• Insurance authorization for injection administration

Like all medications, Somatuline Depot (lanreotide) can cause side effects. Many patients experience only minor effects that improve over time. Contact your doctor if side effects bother you or don’t go away.

Common side effects (minor):

• Gas
• Constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain, upset stomach, or nausea/vomiting
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Muscle or joint pain
• Muscle spasms
• Weight loss
• Irritation where the injection is given

Serious side effects requiring immediate medical attention:

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you have:

Signs of allergic reaction:

• Rash, hives, itching
• Swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
• Wheezing or chest tightness
• Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
• Swelling of mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat

Signs of gallbladder problems:

• Pain in upper right belly area, right shoulder, or between shoulder blades
• Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Fever with chills
• Bloating or severe nausea/vomiting

Signs of pancreatitis (pancreas inflammation):

• Very severe stomach pain
• Very severe back pain
• Severe nausea or vomiting

Signs of high blood pressure:

• Very severe headache or dizziness
• Passing out
• Changes in eyesight

Signs of thyroid problems:

• Unexplained weight changes
• Feeling nervous, restless, or weak
• Hair thinning or depression
• Eye or neck swelling
• Trouble focusing or sensitivity to temperature
• Menstrual changes or shakiness

Cardiovascular symptoms:

• Chest pain or pressure
• Slow heartbeat
• Shortness of breath
• Flushing

Neurological symptoms:

• Feeling confused
• Memory problems or loss
• Severe dizziness or passing out
• Feeling very tired or weak
• Depression

Digestive symptoms:

• Stools that are loose, pale, oily, and foul-smelling
• Stomach bloating with weight loss

Signs of high or low blood sugar:

• Breath that smells fruity
• Fast breathing or heartbeat
• Feeling confused, sleepy, or weak
• Flushing or unusual thirst/hunger
• Urinating more often than usual
• Shaking or sweating

Important health monitoring:

While taking Somatuline Depot, your doctor will monitor:

• Blood sugar levels (both high and low blood sugar can occur)
• Blood pressure
• Thyroid function
• Gallbladder health
• Heart rate and rhythm

Attend all scheduled appointments and blood work as directed by your doctor.

Before starting Somatuline Depot (lanreotide), have an honest conversation with your doctor about your complete medical history and all medications you’re currently taking. This helps prevent dangerous drug interactions and complications.

Tell your doctor if you:

• Are allergic to lanreotide or any part of Somatuline Depot
• Are allergic to any other drugs, foods, or substances
• Are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• Are breast-feeding (you must not breast-feed while taking Somatuline Depot or for 6 months after your last injection)
• Have diabetes or blood sugar problems
• Have heart problems or slow heart rate
• Have thyroid problems
• Have gallbladder disease or gallstones
• Have liver or kidney problems
• Have a history of pancreatitis

Provide a complete medication list:

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about ALL medications you take, including:

• Prescription medications
• Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs
• Natural products and supplements
• Vitamins and herbal remedies

Somatuline Depot may interact with other drugs, so your doctor needs this information to check for potential interactions.

Important drug interactions:

Be especially sure to mention if you’re taking:

• Diabetes medications (insulin or oral diabetes drugs)
• Blood pressure medications
• Heart medications
• Thyroid medications
• Other hormone medications

Fertility concerns:

Somatuline Depot may cause fertility problems that could affect your ability to have children. Discuss this with your doctor if you’re planning to have children in the future.

Questions to ask your doctor:

Before starting Somatuline Depot, make sure you understand:

• Why lanreotide was chosen for your specific condition
• How often you’ll need injections
• What side effects to watch for and when to call for help
• How to monitor blood sugar if you have diabetes
• When to schedule follow-up appointments and lab work
• What symptoms indicate you should call the doctor immediately
• How to access copay assistance to afford your medication

QuickRx Specialty Pharmacy works closely with endocrinologists and oncologists to coordinate Somatuline Depot therapy. We provide ongoing medication counseling and can answer questions about drug interactions and proper monitoring.

Somatuline Depot (lanreotide) requires careful management to ensure safe and effective treatment. Follow these precautions while receiving lanreotide injections.

Dizziness precautions:

Somatuline Depot may cause dizziness:

• Avoid driving or operating machinery if you feel dizzy
• Don’t perform tasks requiring alertness until you know how the medication affects you
• Talk with your doctor if dizziness persists or worsens

Blood sugar monitoring:

Both high and low blood sugar can occur with Somatuline Depot:

• Check your blood sugar regularly as directed by your doctor
• Be alert for symptoms of high blood sugar (increased thirst, urination, fruity breath odor)
• Watch for signs of low blood sugar (shakiness, sweating, confusion, rapid heartbeat)
• If you have diabetes, your diabetes medications may need adjustment
• Keep fast-acting sugar sources available in case of low blood sugar

Blood pressure monitoring:

High blood pressure can occur with Somatuline Depot:

• Have your blood pressure checked regularly as directed
• Report severe headaches, dizziness, or vision changes immediately
• Your blood pressure medication may need adjustment

Regular blood work and monitoring:

Your doctor will order regular tests to monitor:

• Thyroid function (TSH and thyroid hormones)
• Blood glucose levels
• Growth hormone and IGF-1 levels (for acromegaly patients)
• Liver function
• Gallbladder health (imaging studies if needed)
• Heart function (ECG to check heart rate and rhythm)

Attend all scheduled appointments and don’t skip blood work.

Gallbladder awareness:

Gallbladder problems including gallstones can develop with Somatuline Depot use:

• Report severe abdominal pain immediately, especially in the upper right area
• Watch for yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Notify your doctor of nausea, vomiting, or fever
• Some patients may require gallbladder removal if serious problems develop

Tell all healthcare providers:

Inform all doctors, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, and other healthcare providers that you receive Somatuline Depot injections. This is especially important before any surgeries, dental work, or other medical procedures.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding precautions:

If you’re pregnant or planning pregnancy:

• Discuss risks and benefits with your doctor
• Use effective contraception if pregnancy should be avoided
• Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant

If you’re breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed:

• Do not breastfeed while receiving Somatuline Depot
• Do not breastfeed for 6 months after your last injection

Acromegaly is one of the conditions that Somatuline Depot (lanreotide) is used to treat. Understanding acromegaly helps patients better manage their treatment and recognize the importance of medication adherence.

What happens in acromegaly:

Acromegaly is a rare hormonal disorder that occurs when the pituitary gland produces too much growth hormone, usually due to a benign tumor (adenoma) on the pituitary gland. This excess growth hormone causes:

• Abnormal growth of bones and soft tissues
• Progressive changes in physical appearance
• Serious health complications if left untreated

Common symptoms and signs of acromegaly:

Physical changes:

• Enlarged hands and feet (rings and shoes no longer fit)
• Facial features become coarser (enlarged nose, lips, jaw)
• Protruding brow and lower jaw
• Widely spaced teeth
• Enlarged tongue
• Deepening of the voice
• Skin changes (thickening, increased oiliness, skin tags)
• Excessive sweating and body odor

Joint and muscle symptoms:

• Joint pain and limited range of motion
• Arthritis
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Muscle weakness and fatigue

Other health problems:

• Headaches (from pituitary tumor pressure)
• Vision problems (if tumor presses on optic nerves)
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes or prediabetes
• Heart disease and enlarged heart
• Sleep apnea
• Colon polyps (increased cancer risk)
• Menstrual irregularities in women
• Erectile dysfunction in men

Why acromegaly develops slowly:

Acromegaly typically develops gradually over many years, which is why it’s often not diagnosed immediately. The slow progression means physical changes may not be noticed until they become significant. Average time from symptom onset to diagnosis is about 5-10 years.

How Somatuline Depot helps acromegaly:

Somatuline Depot (lanreotide) treats acromegaly by:

• Reducing growth hormone production
• Lowering IGF-1 levels (a hormone produced in response to growth hormone)
• Shrinking the pituitary tumor in some patients
• Preventing progression of physical changes
• Reducing symptoms like headaches, sweating, and joint pain
• Helping prevent serious complications

Other acromegaly treatments:

Treatment for acromegaly may include:

• Surgery to remove the pituitary tumor (often first-line treatment)
• Medications like Somatuline Depot (used after surgery or when surgery isn’t possible)
• Radiation therapy in some cases
• Combination therapy for optimal control

Importance of ongoing treatment:

Even after successful treatment, acromegaly requires lifelong monitoring because:

• Tumors can recur after surgery
• Hormone levels need regular checking
• Complications require ongoing management
• Medication like Somatuline Depot may be needed long-term

Regular monitoring includes:

• Blood tests for growth hormone and IGF-1 levels
• MRI scans of the pituitary gland
• Blood sugar and diabetes screening
• Heart function tests
• Colonoscopy for polyp screening
• Sleep studies if sleep apnea is suspected

QuickRx Specialty Pharmacy specializes in acromegaly medications and provides comprehensive support for acromegaly patients. Our team understands the complexity of acromegaly treatment and works to ensure you can afford your Somatuline Depot therapy.

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are one of the conditions that Somatuline Depot (lanreotide) is used to treat. Understanding NETs helps patients better manage their treatment.

What are neuroendocrine tumors:

Neuroendocrine tumors are rare tumors that develop from neuroendocrine cells, which are specialized cells throughout the body that have features of both nerve cells and hormone-producing cells. These tumors can occur in many locations, but Somatuline Depot specifically treats gastroenteropancreatic NETs (GEP-NETs), which develop in:

• The gastrointestinal (GI) tract (stomach, intestines, appendix, colon, rectum)
• The pancreas

Types of neuroendocrine tumors:

Functional NETs: Produce and release excess hormones that cause symptoms (like carcinoid syndrome)

Non-functional NETs: Don’t produce hormones or produce hormones that don’t cause symptoms, so they may not be discovered until they grow large or spread

Common symptoms of GEP-NETs:

Symptoms vary depending on tumor location and whether it produces hormones:

If tumor produces hormones (functional NET):

• Flushing (sudden redness and warmth of face and upper body)
• Diarrhea
• Wheezing or difficulty breathing
• Rapid heartbeat
• Low blood sugar (if insulin-producing)
• Stomach ulcers (if gastrin-producing)

If tumor is large or spreading (functional or non-functional):

• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Intestinal blockage
• Bleeding from digestive tract
• Weight loss without trying
• Fatigue and weakness
• Jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes)

How NETs are classified:

NETs are graded based on how quickly they’re growing:

• Low-grade (Grade 1): Slow-growing, less aggressive
• Intermediate-grade (Grade 2): Moderately growing
• High-grade (Grade 3): Fast-growing, more aggressive

Somatuline Depot is typically used for well-differentiated (Grade 1 or 2) NETs.

How Somatuline Depot helps NETs:

Somatuline Depot (lanreotide) treats GEP-NETs by:

• Slowing tumor growth and progression
• Controlling hormone-related symptoms (if functional NET)
• Improving quality of life
• Potentially extending progression-free survival

Other NET treatments:

Treatment for NETs may include:

• Surgery to remove tumors (if possible)
• Medications like Somatuline Depot
• Other targeted therapies
• Chemotherapy (for some high-grade tumors)
• Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT)
• Liver-directed therapies if NETs have spread to the liver

Importance of ongoing monitoring:

NETs require regular monitoring through:

• Blood tests (including chromogranin A and hormone levels)
• Imaging studies (CT, MRI, or specialized scans)
• Symptom assessment
• Nutritional status evaluation

QuickRx Specialty Pharmacy specializes in neuroendocrine tumor medications and provides comprehensive support for NET patients. Our team works to ensure you can afford your Somatuline Depot therapy.

Carcinoid syndrome is one of the conditions that Somatuline Depot (lanreotide) is used to treat. Understanding carcinoid syndrome helps patients recognize symptoms and the importance of treatment.

What is carcinoid syndrome:

Carcinoid syndrome is a group of symptoms caused by hormone-secreting neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), usually when these tumors have spread to the liver or when they originate in certain locations like the lungs. The tumors release excess hormones (primarily serotonin and other substances) into the bloodstream, causing various symptoms.

Common symptoms of carcinoid syndrome:

Flushing:

• Sudden redness and warmth of the face, neck, and upper chest
• Episodes can last from minutes to hours
• May be triggered by stress, alcohol, certain foods, or physical activity
• Skin may appear red or purple during episodes

Diarrhea:

• Frequent, watery bowel movements
• Can occur multiple times daily
• May be accompanied by abdominal cramping
• Can lead to dehydration and weight loss

Respiratory symptoms:

• Wheezing or difficulty breathing
• Asthma-like symptoms
• May worsen during flushing episodes

Cardiovascular symptoms:

• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Low or high blood pressure during episodes
• In advanced cases, damage to heart valves (carcinoid heart disease)

Other symptoms:

• Abdominal pain or bloating
• Nausea
• Skin changes (thickening, especially on legs)
• Joint pain
• Fatigue and weakness

What causes carcinoid syndrome:

Carcinoid syndrome typically occurs when:

• Neuroendocrine tumors in the digestive system spread (metastasize) to the liver
• Hormones from liver metastases enter the bloodstream directly
• Tumors originate in locations like the lungs where hormones bypass liver metabolism

The liver normally breaks down these hormones, which is why carcinoid syndrome usually only develops when tumors spread to the liver or originate outside the digestive system.

How Somatuline Depot helps carcinoid syndrome:

Somatuline Depot (lanreotide) treats carcinoid syndrome by:

• Reducing hormone secretion from neuroendocrine tumors
• Decreasing frequency and severity of flushing episodes
• Reducing diarrhea
• Controlling other hormone-related symptoms
• Improving quality of life
• Helping prevent carcinoid crisis (life-threatening complication)

Other treatments for carcinoid syndrome:

Management may include:

• Somatostatin analogs like Somatuline Depot (primary treatment)
• Antidiarrheal medications
• Nutritional support (vitamin supplementation, especially B vitamins)
• Avoiding triggers (alcohol, aged cheeses, certain medications)
• Treatment of underlying tumors (surgery, targeted therapies)

Carcinoid crisis prevention:

Carcinoid crisis is a life-threatening complication that can occur during:

• Surgery or anesthesia
• Severe stress
• Tumor manipulation

Patients with carcinoid syndrome should:

• Inform all healthcare providers about their condition
• Carry medical alert identification
• Receive preventive treatment before surgeries or procedures

Regular monitoring needed:

• Blood tests (5-HIAA urine test, chromogranin A)
• Imaging to monitor tumor growth
• Heart function tests (echocardiogram to check for valve damage)
• Symptom diaries to track flushing and diarrhea
• Nutritional assessments

QuickRx Specialty Pharmacy specializes in carcinoid syndrome medications and provides comprehensive support. Our team works to ensure you can afford your Somatuline Depot therapy.

If you have carcinoid syndrome, you should avoid alcohol while taking Somatuline Depot (lanreotide). For patients with acromegaly or NETs without carcinoid syndrome, discuss alcohol use with your doctor.

Why carcinoid syndrome patients should avoid alcohol:

Alcohol is a common trigger for carcinoid syndrome symptoms:

• Can cause or worsen flushing episodes
• May increase severity and duration of flushing
• Can trigger or worsen diarrhea
• May exacerbate other hormone-related symptoms

Even while taking Somatuline Depot to control symptoms, alcohol can still trigger breakthrough symptoms in carcinoid syndrome patients.

Other foods and substances to avoid with carcinoid syndrome:

Patients with carcinoid syndrome should also avoid:

• Aged cheeses
• Smoked or cured meats
• Foods high in tyramine
• Certain medications (ask your pharmacist)
• Stressful situations when possible

For acromegaly patients:

If you have acromegaly without carcinoid syndrome:

• Discuss alcohol consumption with your doctor
• Moderate alcohol use may be acceptable
• Consider that alcohol can affect blood sugar levels
• Be aware of potential interactions with other medications

General considerations about alcohol:

Keep in mind that alcohol can:

• Worsen dizziness (a potential side effect of Somatuline Depot)
• Affect blood sugar control (important since Somatuline can cause blood sugar changes)
• Interact with other medications you may be taking
• Impair judgment if you need to recognize serious side effects

Questions to ask your doctor:

• Is it safe for me to consume any alcohol given my specific condition?
• What symptoms should I watch for if I do consume alcohol?
• Are there other dietary restrictions I should follow?
• How can I identify my personal symptom triggers?

If you need to store Somatuline Depot (lanreotide) at home before your injection appointment, proper storage is essential to maintain medication effectiveness. Your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist will provide specific storage instructions for your situation.

General storage guidelines:

Somatuline Depot typically requires refrigeration:

• Store in the refrigerator at the temperature specified on the packaging
• Keep in the original packaging to protect from light
• Do not freeze the medication
• Do not use if the medication has been frozen

Before injection:

Somatuline Depot should typically be brought to room temperature before injection:

• Remove from refrigerator before your appointment as directed
• Allow medication to warm naturally – do not heat or microwave
• Your healthcare provider will prepare the medication properly

Transportation to appointments:

If you’re transporting Somatuline Depot to your doctor’s office or infusion center:

• Keep medication refrigerated until departure
• Use an insulated cooler with ice packs for transport
• Protect from extreme temperatures
• Don’t leave in hot car or direct sunlight
• Bring directly to your appointment – don’t make other stops

What to check before use:

Before the medication is injected, healthcare providers should verify:

• The solution is clear and free of particles
• The medication hasn’t changed color
• The expiration date hasn’t passed
• The packaging is intact and undamaged

If anything looks wrong, the medication should not be used.

General medication safety:

• Keep all medications in a safe place away from children and pets
• Never use expired medication
• Don’t flush medication down toilet or pour down drain
• Ask your pharmacist about proper disposal methods
• Check for medication take-back programs in your area

QuickRx storage and delivery support:

QuickRx Specialty Pharmacy can help with:

• Direct delivery to your doctor’s office or infusion center
• Temperature-controlled shipping to your home if needed
• Storage instructions specific to your situation
• Coordination with your healthcare provider
• Assistance with insurance requirements for specialty medication delivery

Somatuline Depot (lanreotide) use during pregnancy and breastfeeding requires careful consideration and medical guidance. You must discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

Somatuline Depot during pregnancy:

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, tell your doctor immediately. Your doctor will need to weigh the potential benefits of Somatuline Depot treatment against possible risks to your developing baby.

Important pregnancy considerations:

• The effects of lanreotide on pregnancy are not fully understood
• Limited data is available about lanreotide use in pregnant women
• Your doctor will consider the severity of your condition (acromegaly, NETs, or carcinoid syndrome)
• Stopping treatment suddenly may have consequences for your health
• You may need more frequent monitoring if treatment continues during pregnancy

If you become pregnant while taking Somatuline Depot:

• Notify your doctor immediately
• Do not stop treatment without medical guidance
• Your doctor will reassess your treatment plan
• Close monitoring will be necessary

Somatuline Depot while breastfeeding:

Do not breastfeed if you are receiving Somatuline Depot injections.

Important breastfeeding restrictions:

• You must not breastfeed while taking Somatuline Depot
• You must not breastfeed for 6 months after your last injection
• It is not known whether lanreotide passes into breast milk
• The potential risks to a nursing infant are unknown

Planning for breastfeeding:

• If you’re considering breastfeeding, discuss this with your doctor before starting Somatuline Depot
• Consider alternative feeding options for your baby
• Explore whether alternative treatments are appropriate for your condition
• Understand the 6-month waiting period after stopping treatment

Fertility concerns:

Somatuline Depot may cause fertility problems in both men and women:

• This may affect your ability to have children
• Discuss fertility concerns with your doctor before starting treatment
• Ask about fertility preservation options if appropriate
• Consider timing of treatment if you’re planning to have children

Birth control considerations:

Women of childbearing age should:

• Use effective contraception during treatment if pregnancy should be avoided
• Discuss birth control options with your doctor
• Consider that some conditions treated by Somatuline Depot may affect fertility anyway
• Understand risks before conception

Men taking Somatuline Depot:

Male patients should discuss with their doctor:

• Potential effects on fertility
• Considerations if partner is pregnant or planning pregnancy
• Any concerns about fathering children during or after treatment

Importance of open communication:

Be honest with your healthcare team about:

• Whether you’re pregnant or suspect pregnancy
• Plans to become pregnant in the future
• Whether you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed
• Any concerns about fertility or family planning
• Your complete medical and medication history

QuickRx support for women’s health concerns:

QuickRx Specialty Pharmacy provides confidential counseling on:

• Medication safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Coordinating with your endocrinologist, oncologist, and OB/GYN
• Managing medication therapy during pregnancy
• Accessing copay assistance for Somatuline Depot during this time
• Alternative feeding options and resources

For confidential discussion of pregnancy and breastfeeding concerns while taking Somatuline Depot, call QuickRx at (917) 830-2525 or (800) 496-6111 to speak with our clinical pharmacists.

Medical References & Sources

REFERENCES TEXT:
The medical information about Somatuline Depot (lanreotide) on this page is for educational purposes only and is sourced from:

• U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved prescribing information for Somatuline Depot (lanreotide injection)
• UpToDate clinical drug information database
• Peer-reviewed endocrinology and oncology medical literature
• Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation resources
• Carcinoid Cancer Foundation educational materials

This information is not intended to replace professional medical advice from your doctor or healthcare provider. Always consult your endocrinologist, oncologist, or pharmacist for guidance about your specific Somatuline Depot treatment.

For questions about Somatuline Depot (lanreotide) copay assistance programs or financial help, contact QuickRx Specialty Pharmacy at (917) 830-2525 or (800) 496-6111.

Last reviewed: November 2025