Lanreotide shot given too fast, any side effects?

So sorry this has happened. I have had some Lanreotide injections that I thought were too fast. It is a shot to be given slowly. I always tell the nurse that I like it slow and cold. A good shot of cold spray can really help with it. I hope you are feeling better?

Hello @hopefullilly and welcome to Mayo Connect. I'm sorry to hear about the problem you had with the last injection you had. Was this your first injection of Lanreotide, or have you had injections before? Share, as you are comfortable, what symptoms brought you to the ER and how the symptoms were treated.

As this is your first post, I would be interested in learning more about your NETs journey. Is this a new diagnosis for you? Have you received other treatments (such as surgeries or radiation) in addition to the monthly injections?

There shouldn't be any side effects for the shot other than pain. The reason to administer it warm over 20 seconds, I believe, is so it don't hurt so much. It is best to have the nurse read the directions before you get stabbed.

I was diagnosed with NET (liver & thyroid) in Sept. 2023. Started Lanreotide shots then and continue with it and daily Everolimus pill (started pill in Oct. 2024. Now to your question. In May 2024, the local cancer center administered the Lanreotide incorrectly ( interestingly I was in the process of changing to a NET oncologist specialist as the local hospital had only a few NET patients and honestly we new more about the disease than they did (everyone, please research every step in your care). How was it administered incorrectly: 1.) the 120 mg material was not brought up to room or body temp, 2.) it was injected in under 10 seconds for the full dosage (quite painful). 3.) staff admitted misapplication but provided no assistance in understanding side effects 4.) side effects were significant bruising and knot at injection site, plus significant rash and flushing which I had never had. Recovered from such in approx. 10 days. I reported all to local hospital administration which they admitted to incorrect admin. Further reported issue to Ipsen pharma which they reported hospital to FDA. Hospital staff had to be retrained by Ipsen and go through EPA review. My current NET team felt that I did not gain full advantage of the drug, but no research is available to verify such. I am fortunate that we were already in the process of moving my care to a great NET Team and feel fortunate that my NET is stable after two years of ongoing treatment. While my NET is fairly low grade it is stable with a 8cm mass on my liver and several on various lymph nodes. My NET will not accept PRRT so hopefully staying stable. All the best to everyone. Stay Strong!

No. I am not a Specialist but I have the feeling that your side effect have nothing to do with the speed of the injection.

I have received these injections for more than 8 years. Different nurses. When product was not warm enough, more chances to block and they have to inject again. When given too quick, it burns and that last not too long. Sometimes the site of the injection becomes red, warm and sensible. Sometimes. Nothing. But I feel you had a reaction to the product.

@tltnnc2023 I can tell you I will not let that happen again. Learning as I go. Thank you for your input.

@spelleti00 Per Ipsen pharmaceutical the manufacturer, my reaction was due to the inaccurate administration of Lanreotide per Ipsen the combination of 1.) drug not at proper temperature (as it is a semi-solid in cold state) 2.) incorrect speed of injection (minimum of 20-30 secs.). The nurse who administered the drug thought she was giving a different product and admitted to completely not following instructions per the 41 page label which Ipsen developed for Lanreotide at 120 mg. It is important to note that Lanreotide is administered sub-q with a 18 gauge needle, thus it advised today to receive the injection in a comfortable position (per individual) and the area measured for proper location and use of a freeze-on product for ease of injection. Kindest regards.

I get the injection monthly. They warm the lanreotide and alternate the sides where they inject. Recently the medication changed to a different needle, which is supposed to be better but actually seems a bit more painful than the previous one.

Yes, I had severe headaches. Now I request that it’s injected slower.

@dakshapatel Yesterday I had my monthly injection. I believe it was given correctly. Felt a bit dizzy and nauseous before, likely from other medication. About two hours after the injection nausea got worse and I had headaches all evening. Better today, but the previous symptoms are still there.