Somatuline Autogel Patient Counseling Information

Instructions for administration of the product: Note: Read all the instructions carefully before starting the injection. The injection is a deep subcutaneous injection that requires a specific technique different to normal subcutaneous injections.
The following instructions explain how to inject Lanreotide Autogel.
SOMATULINE AUTOGEL is supplied in a ready to use pre-filled syringe fitted with an automatic safety system. The needle will retract that automatically locks in place following the full administration of the product, to help prevent needle stick injury.
1. Remove SOMATULINE AUTOGEL from the refrigerator 30 minutes prior to administration. Injection of cold medication may be painful. Keep laminated pouch sealed until just prior to injection.
2. Note: Before opening the pouch, check that it is intact and that the medication has not expired.
Do not use the pre-filled syringe: If you drop or damage the pre-filled syringe or if the pre-filled syringe or pouch appear damaged in anyway; If the product has expired.
If any of the previously mentioned apply, you should contact your doctor or pharmacist.
3. Wash hands with soap.
4. Tear-open the pouch along the dotted line and take out the pre-filled syringe. The content of the pre-filled syringe is a semi-solid phase having a gel-like appearance, with viscous characteristics and a colour varying from white to pale yellow. The supersaturated solution can also contain micro bubbles that can clear up during injection. These differences are normal and do not interfere with the quality of the product.
After opening the protective laminated pouch, the product should be administered immediately.
5. Select an injection site: 5a. If a healthcare professional (HCP) or someone else like a trained family member or friend is doing the injection: use the superior external (upper, outer) quadrant of the buttock or the upper outer thigh for injection.
5b. If you are self-administering the injection: use the upper outer part of your thigh (if self-injecting).
Alternate the injection site between the right and left side each time you receive an injection of SOMATULINE AUTOGEL. Avoid areas with moles, scar tissues, reddened skin, or skin that feels bumpy.
6. Clean the injection.
7. Before injecting, remove the pre-filled syringe from its tray. Discard the tray.
8. Remove the needle cap by pulling off and discard it.
9. Flatten injection area using the thumb and index finger of the hand not holding the pre-filled syringe to stretch the skin. Do not pinch the skin. Use a strong, straight dart-like motion to quickly insert the needle perpendicular to the skin (90 degree angle), all the way into the skin.
It is very important that you insert the needle completely. You should not see any needle once it is fully inserted.
Do not aspirate (do not draw back).
10. Release inject site that has been flattened by your hand. Push plunger with steady very firm pressure. The medication is thicker and harder to push than you might expect. Typically 20 seconds are needed. Inject the full dose and give a final push to make sure you cannot depress it any further.
Note: maintain pressure on the plunger with your thumb to avoid activation of the automatic safety system.
11. Without releasing the pressure on the plunger, withdraw the needle from the injection site.
12. Then release pressure on the plunger. The needle will automatically retract into the needle guard where it will be locked permanently.
13. Apply gentle pressure to the injection site with a dry cotton ball or sterile gauze to prevent any bleeding. Do not rub or massage the injection site after administration.
14. Dispose of the used syringe as instructed by your doctor or healthcare provider. Do not dispose of the device in your general household rubbish.