From the Guidelines
Lanreotide can potentially decrease libido in some patients due to its impact on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, leading to decreased levels of sex hormones like testosterone in men and estrogen in women. This medication, a somatostatin analogue, is used to treat conditions like acromegaly and neuroendocrine tumors, and its effect on libido is generally considered a side effect rather than a primary therapeutic goal 1. The mechanism behind reduced libido likely involves lanreotide's inhibition of the release of several hormones, including those that regulate sexual function. Patients receiving lanreotide therapy, typically administered as deep subcutaneous injections of 60-120 mg every 4 weeks, should be aware that sexual dysfunction, including decreased libido, may occur during treatment.
Some key points to consider:
- Lanreotide's impact on libido is a potential side effect, and patients should be monitored for changes in sexual desire during treatment 1.
- The likelihood and severity of libido changes vary between individuals, with some patients experiencing minimal or no sexual side effects.
- If a patient experiences significant changes in sexual desire that affect quality of life, they should discuss this with their healthcare provider, as dose adjustments or additional treatments might be considered to manage this side effect while maintaining control of their primary condition.
- The CLARINET study, which randomized 204 patients with locally advanced or metastatic nonfunctioning pancreatic or intestinal NETs to receive either lanreotide or placebo, did not specifically report on libido as an outcome, but it did demonstrate an improved progression-free survival with lanreotide treatment 1.
Overall, while lanreotide can potentially affect libido, the decision to use this medication should be based on its therapeutic benefits, and patients should be closely monitored for any changes in sexual function during treatment.
From the Research
Effects of Lanreotide on Libido
- The provided studies do not directly address the effect of Lanreotide on libido 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The studies focus on the use of somatostatin analogues, including Lanreotide, in the treatment of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) and acromegaly, and discuss their efficacy, safety, and potential side effects.
- However, none of the studies mention libido as a specific outcome or side effect of Lanreotide treatment.
- It is possible that the effect of Lanreotide on libido may be related to its impact on hormone regulation, as somatostatin analogues can affect the secretion of various hormones, including those involved in reproductive function 2.
- Further research would be needed to determine the specific effects of Lanreotide on libido.
Potential Indirect Effects on Libido
- Some studies suggest that somatostatin analogues, including Lanreotide, can cause side effects such as fatigue, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort 3, 4, which may indirectly affect libido.
- Additionally, the use of Lanreotide may be associated with changes in hormone levels, including testosterone and estrogen, which can also impact libido 2.
- However, these potential indirect effects on libido are speculative and would require further investigation to confirm.
Conclusion Not Applicable
As per the instructions, a conclusion section is not applicable in this response. The information provided is based on the available evidence and highlights the lack of direct research on the effect of Lanreotide on libido.