octreotide (injectable)

Pronunciation:	ock TRE o tide
Brand:	Sandostatin, Sandostatin LAR Depot

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 should not be used at the same time as cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune, Gengraf). Talk to your doctor before using octreotide if you are using cyclosporine.

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 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 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.

Octreotide is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether octreotide passes into breast milk. Do not use octreotide without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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.

Do not draw your octreotide dose into a syringe until you are ready to give yourself an injection. Do not use the medication if it has changed colors or has any particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.

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.

Store this medication in the refrigerator, protected from light. Do not allow the medication to freeze.

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?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

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.

What are the possible side effects of octreotide?

Stop using octreotide and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious 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?

Octreotide should not be used at the same time as cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune, Gengraf). Talk to your doctor before using octreotide if you are using cyclosporine.

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.

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