Octreotide

U.S. Brand Names

Sandostatin LAR®; Sandostatin®

Canadian Brand Names

Octreotide Acetate Injection; Octreotide Acetate Omega; Sandostatin LAR®; Sandostatin®

Mexican Brand Names

Cryostatin; Nomactril; Proclose; Sandostatina

Pharmacologic Category

Antidiarrheal; Somatostatin Analog

Reasons not to take this medicine

• If you have an allergy to octreotide or any other part of this medicine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to treat diarrhea and flushing caused by cancer.

• This medicine is used to treat some causes of severe diarrhea.

• This medicine is used to treat acromegaly.

• This medicine is used to treat bleeding from esophageal varices in cirrhosis.

• This medicine is used to treat high insulin levels.

• This medicine is used to treat an overdose caused by drugs that treat diabetes.

• This medicine is used to help gastrointestinal tract openings close.

• This medicine is used to treat too much growth hormone release.

• This medicine is used to treat gastrointestinal bleeding.

How does it work?

• Octreotide is a naturally-occurring hormone in the body.

• It decreases the amount of growth hormone produced by your body.

• It decreases insulin levels.

• It slows movement through the gastrointestinal tract allowing more water to be reabsorbed.

How is it best taken?

All forms:

• Wash hands before and after use.

• Follow instructions closely if you or a family member are giving the shot at home.

• Throw away needles in needle/sharp disposal box and return box to healthcare provider when full.

Sandostatin®:

• This medicine is given as a shot into the fatty part of the skin.

• Esophageal bleeding: This medicine is given into a vein constantly for a period of time.

Sandostatin LAR®:

• This medicine is given as a shot into a muscle once a month.

What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

If medicine is given at home:

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.

• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.

• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

• Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.

If medicine is given by healthcare provider:

• Call healthcare provider for appointment.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• If you have diabetes, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have gallbladder disease, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have kidney disease, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have liver disease, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have a slow heartbeat, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have a weakened heart, talk with healthcare provider.

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Belly pain.

• Gas.

• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.

• Short-term discomfort after use.

• High blood pressure.

• High blood sugar. Usually reverses when stopped.

• Low blood sugar. Signs include anger, shaking, fast heartbeat, confusion, or sweating. Keep hard candies, liquid glucose, or orange juice on hand for low blood sugar.

• A slower, harmful heartbeat can rarely occur.

• Acromegaly: Diarrhea.

• Gallstones may rarely occur.

• Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber-containing diet may help. Talk with healthcare provider about a stool softener or laxative.

• Flu-like symptoms. These include headache, weakness, fever, shakes, aches, pains, and sweating. Mild pain medicine may help.

What should I monitor?

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

• Check blood sugar as directed by healthcare provider.

• Check blood work regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Chest pain or pressure.

• Severe nausea or vomiting.

• Very low blood sugar or very high blood sugar.

• Any rash.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store solution in refrigerator.

• Store unopened vials in refrigerator. Do not freeze. Once mixed, use right away. May keep at room temperature for up to 1 hour.

Esophageal varicies:

• The injection will be given to you in a healthcare setting. You will not store it at home.

General statements

• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

Created: 2006-10-13 14:38:58.0

Modified: 2008-04-30 11:12:58.0

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