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octreotide

Generic Name: octreotide (injectable) (ock TRE o tide)
Brand Names: Sandostatin, Sandostatin LAR Depot

What is octreotide?

Octreotide is a man-made protein that is similar to a hormone in the body called somatostatin. Octreotide lowers many substances in the body such as insulin and glucagon (involved in regulating blood sugar), growth hormone, and chemicals that affect digestion.

Octreotide is used to treat acromegaly. Octreotide is also used to reduce flushing episodes and watery diarrhea caused by cancerous tumors (carcinoid syndrome) or tumors called vasoactive intestinal peptide tumors (VIP adenomas).

Octreotide may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about octreotide?

Before using octreotide, tell your doctor if you have diabetes, kidney disease, gallbladder problems, or a thyroid disorder.

Octreotide is given as an injection under the skin or into a vein. A doctor, nurse, or pharmacist will give you specific instructions on how and where to inject this medicine. Be sure to follow the instructions for the exact type of octreotide your doctor has prescribed for you. Do not give yourself an injection if you do not understand these instructions. Call your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist for help.

While using octreotide, call your doctor if you have severe stomach pain, fever, bloating, nausea and vomiting, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). These may be signs of serious side effects

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using octreotide?

Before using octreotide, tell your doctor if you have:

• diabetes;

• gallbladder disease;

• heart disease;

• thyroid problems;

• pancreatitis;

• kidney disease; or
• liver disease.

If you have any of the conditions listed above, you may not be able to use octreotide or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.

How should I use octreotide?

Octreotide should be used exactly as your doctor has prescribed it for you. Do not use more of the medication than recommended. Do not use octreotide for longer than your doctor has prescribed.

Octreotide is given as an injection under the skin or into a vein. A doctor, nurse, or pharmacist will give you specific instructions on how and where to inject this medicine. Be sure to follow the instructions for the exact type of octreotide your doctor has prescribed for you. Do not give yourself an injection if you do not understand these instructions. Call your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist for help.

Use each needle and syringe only one time. With your medicine you will receive a puncture-proof container in which to place your used needles and syringes. If you do not receive a container, ask your pharmacist for one. Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets. Your pharmacist can tell you how to dispose of the container properly.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood or urine will need to be tested on a regular basis. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

To reduce discomfort from your injection, take the medicine bottle out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before using the medication. Allow the medicine to reach room temperature before using, but never warm the medicine in hot water or a microwave.

Throw away any medicine left in the bottle after 14 days of use. Then start a new bottle.

The Sandostatin LAR Depot kit should be kept at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes before mixing the medicine. Give the injection right away after mixing your dose.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of octreotide.

What happens if I overdose?

Symptoms of a octreotide overdose have not been reported. An overdose of octreotide is unlikely to threaten life.

What should I avoid while using octreotide?

There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity during treatment with octreotide unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Octreotide side effects

• slow or irregular heartbeats;

• gallbladder problems (stomach pain);

• pancreatitis (pain in the upper stomach or back, nausea, vomiting, fever, bloating, yellowing of the skin or eyes);

• thyroid problems (may be detected by blood tests);

• low blood sugar (headache, confusion, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, fast heartbeat, sweating, tremor, nausea); or

• high blood sugar (increased thirst and urination; flushed or dry skin; drowsiness).

Other side effects may also occur. Tell your doctor if you have:

• nausea or vomiting;

• diarrhea;

• mild stomach pain or gas;

• constipation; or

• pain or irritation where you injected the medication.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect octreotide?

Before using octreotide, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• bromocriptine (Parlodel);

• diabetes medication such as insulin, glipizide (Glucotrol), glyburide (Diabeta, Micronase), tolbutamide (Orinase), metformin (Glucophage), pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), and others;

• medicine for heart disease or high blood pressure; or

• a diuretic (water pill).

If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use octreotide, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring.

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect octreotide. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has additional information about octreotide written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Octreotide is available with a prescription under the brand name Sandostatin. Generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

• Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
• Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ("Multum") is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum"s drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum"s drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.