From the Research
Lanreotide can reduce sweating in certain conditions, particularly in patients with acromegaly or carcinoid syndrome, by binding to somatostatin receptors and inhibiting the release of hormones and mediators that trigger excessive sweating. The typical dosage ranges from 60-120 mg administered as a deep subcutaneous injection every 4 weeks, though the specific dose should be determined by a healthcare provider based on the individual's condition and response 1. Patients should be aware that while improvement in sweating may occur within weeks of starting treatment, the full effect might take several months to develop. Lanreotide works by binding to somatostatin receptors, which inhibits the release of various hormones and mediators that can trigger excessive sweating. This medication requires a prescription and regular monitoring by a healthcare provider due to potential side effects including injection site reactions, gastrointestinal disturbances, and gallstone formation.
Some key points to consider when using lanreotide for sweating reduction include:
- The medication is not typically a first-line treatment for isolated hyperhidrosis but rather used when excessive sweating is related to underlying hormonal conditions 2
- Lanreotide has been shown to be effective in reducing tumor size and improving health-related quality of life in patients with acromegaly 3
- The medication has a favorable pharmacokinetic profile, allowing for administration once every 28-56 days given deep subcutaneously and by self-injection rather than intramuscular injection every 7-14 days 4
- Lanreotide is generally well-tolerated, with the most frequently reported adverse events being mild or moderate transient gastrointestinal symptoms 5
It's essential to note that lanreotide is a somatostatin analogue that has been used to treat various conditions, including acromegaly and gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, and its use for sweating reduction is based on its ability to inhibit hormone secretion and reduce tumor size. Regular monitoring by a healthcare provider is necessary to ensure the safe and effective use of lanreotide.