Understanding Lanreotide and Its Uses
Lanreotide is a synthetic version of somatostatin, a natural hormone that regulates various bodily functions [1.6.2]. It is primarily used to treat three main conditions:
- Acromegaly: A hormonal disorder where the pituitary gland produces too much growth hormone, leading to abnormal growth, particularly in the hands, feet, and face [1.3.3]. Lanreotide works by reducing the amount of growth hormone the body makes [1.3.3].
- Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors (GEP-NETs): This refers to tumors that develop in the cells of the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas [1.2.1]. Lanreotide helps by slowing down tumor growth [1.2.1].
- Carcinoid Syndrome: A group of symptoms, such as flushing and severe diarrhea, that can occur in patients with neuroendocrine tumors [1.2.1]. Lanreotide helps to decrease these symptoms by slowing the release of certain substances from the tumor cells [1.2.1].
The medication is administered as a deep subcutaneous injection, typically every 28 days [1.4.5]. The dosage can vary, with common strengths being 60 mg, 90 mg, and 120 mg [1.7.3].
The High Cost of Lanreotide Injections
The cost of lanreotide is substantial, placing a heavy financial burden on patients. Without insurance or discounts, the retail price for a single prefilled syringe can be staggeringly high. For example, the average retail price for a 120mg/0.5mL syringe is reported to be around $17,822, though discount programs can reduce this to as low as $2,435.07 [1.3.1]. Prices for a 60mg/0.2mL syringe of the brand name Somatuline Depot can start at over $5,800 [1.3.2].
Several factors contribute to these high costs:
- Brand vs. Generic: The brand name, Somatuline® Depot, is significantly more expensive than its generic counterparts. A lower-cost generic version has been approved, which offers some savings [1.4.7]. Prices for generic lanreotide acetate (120mg) can start as low as $2,435.81 at some pharmacies with coupons [1.4.1]. However, even the generic version remains expensive, with prices often ranging from $7,000 to over $9,000 depending on the pharmacy [1.4.2].
- Dosage: The cost is directly related to the dosage prescribed. Higher doses like 120 mg are more expensive than 90 mg or 60 mg doses [1.4.7].
- Pharmacy and Location: Prices vary significantly between different pharmacies. Large chain pharmacies may have different pricing structures than independent or specialty pharmacies [1.4.1, 1.4.2].
- Insurance Coverage: A patient's out-of-pocket cost is heavily dependent on their health insurance plan. This includes deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. Some plans may cover a significant portion, while others may leave the patient with a large bill [1.5.6].
Comparison with Octreotide
Lanreotide is often compared to octreotide (Sandostatin LAR®), another somatostatin analog used for similar conditions. Both are expensive specialty drugs. A 2016 study noted the per-cycle cost for 120-mg lanreotide was around $6,000, while 30-mg octreotide LAR was about $5,242 [1.3.7]. While lanreotide comes in a prefilled syringe for deep subcutaneous injection, octreotide requires reconstitution and is given as an intramuscular injection, which can be more complex [1.7.3, 1.7.4]. Some studies suggest lanreotide is associated with reduced drug-delivery time and fewer device-related issues compared to octreotide LAR [1.7.4].
Strategies to Reduce Lanreotide Costs
Given the high price tag, it is crucial for patients to explore all available cost-saving options.
Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs)
The manufacturer of Somatuline Depot, Ipsen, offers support through its IPSEN CARES® program. This program provides several resources:
- Copay Assistance: For eligible patients with private or commercial insurance, this program can reduce out-of-pocket costs to as little as $0 per month, with an annual maximum benefit of $20,000 or 13 injections [1.5.1].
- Patient Assistance Program (PAP): For patients who are uninsured, functionally uninsured, or experiencing financial hardship, Ipsen may provide the medication for free [1.5.2, 1.5.5]. Eligibility depends on financial criteria and a valid prescription for an approved use [1.5.2].
Generic manufacturers, like Cipla, also offer copay programs. Eligible patients with commercial insurance may pay as little as $0 per month for their generic lanreotide injection [1.5.7].
Insurance and Medicare
Navigating insurance coverage is key. The medication is often handled through specialty pharmacies, which can coordinate with insurance providers [1.3.8]. For Medicare patients, the copay can still be high. If the Medicare copay is more than the price available with a discount coupon (e.g., higher than $2,435), using a coupon service like GoodRx may result in savings [1.2.5].
Comparison of Potential Costs
| Drug/Program | Typical Dosage | Estimated Cost (per injection, without insurance) | Potential Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Somatuline Depot (Brand) | 120 mg/0.5 mL | $9,348 - $17,822+ [1.3.1, 1.3.4] | Can be lowered to ~$2,435 with coupons [1.3.1]. |
| Generic Lanreotide | 120 mg/0.5 mL | $2,652 - $7,477+ [1.3.5] | Prices as low as ~$2,435 at some pharmacies [1.4.1]. |
| Somatuline Depot (Brand) | 60 mg/0.2 mL | ~$5,831 - $6,200+ [1.3.2] | Varies by pharmacy and discount availability. |
| IPSEN CARES® Copay Card | Varies | As low as $0 for eligible, commercially insured patients [1.5.1]. | Up to $20,000 annually [1.5.1]. |
| Cipla Generic Copay Card | 120 mg/0.5 mL | As low as $0 for eligible, commercially insured patients [1.5.7]. | Subject to monthly and annual limits [1.5.7]. |
Common Side Effects
Patients should be aware of potential side effects, which can influence the overall treatment experience. Common adverse effects of lanreotide are often gastrointestinal and include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea [1.6.4, 1.6.5]. Other frequent side effects include injection site reactions (pain, itching, lumps), gallstones, headaches, and changes in blood sugar levels [1.6.1, 1.6.5]. It can also cause a slow heartbeat (bradycardia) and high blood pressure [1.6.1, 1.6.6]. Most gastrointestinal effects are mild to moderate and may improve over time [1.6.4].
Conclusion
In summary, the question 'How much do lanreotide injections cost?' reveals a complex and often challenging financial landscape for patients. The price can range from over $2,400 with discounts to more than $17,000 without them for a single dose. Key factors influencing this cost are the choice between the brand name Somatuline Depot and its generic version, the prescribed dosage, and the patient's insurance coverage. Fortunately, manufacturer-sponsored patient assistance and copay programs offer significant financial relief for many eligible individuals. Patients are encouraged to work closely with their healthcare providers and explore programs like IPSEN CARES® to manage the high cost of this vital medication. For more information on support programs, visit www.ipsencares.com [1.5.3].
