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 other purposes not 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, gallbladder disease, heart disease, thyroid problems, pancreatitis, kidney disease, or liver disease.
Octreotide is given as an injection under the skin or into a vein. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection. You may be shown how to use your medicine at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of needles, IV tubing, and other items used in giving the medicine. Be sure to follow the instructions for the exact type of octreotide your doctor has prescribed for you.
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 taking Octreotide?
If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication. Before using octreotide, tell your doctor if you have:
- diabetes
- gallbladder disease
- heart disease
- thyroid problems
- pancreatitis
- kidney disease
- liver disease
FDA pregnancy category B. Octreotide is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Using octreotide can affect certain hormones that may make it easier for you to get pregnant, even if you were unable to get pregnant before. Talk to your doctor about using birth control to avoid unwanted pregnancy.
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.
Octreotide Side Effects
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)
Less serious side effects may include:
- nausea or vomiting
- diarrhea
- mild stomach pain or gas
- constipation; or
- pain or irritation where you injected the medication
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Octreotide Interactions
What other drugs affect Octreotide?
Before using octreotide, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
- bromocriptine (Parlodel)
- cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune, Gengraf)
- a diuretic (water pill)
- diabetes medication such as insulin, glipizide (Glucotrol), glyburide (Diabeta, Micronase), tolbutamide (Orinase), metformin (Glucophage), pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), and others; or
- medicine for heart disease or high blood pressure
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with 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.
What should I avoid while taking Octreotide?
Follow your doctor’s instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while you are using octreotide.
Octreotide Dosage
How should I take Octreotide?
Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Octreotide is given as an injection under the skin or into a vein. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection. You may be shown how to use your medicine at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of needles, IV tubing, and other items used in giving the medicine. Be sure to follow the instructions for the exact type of octreotide your doctor has prescribed for you.
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 disposable needle only one time. Throw away used needles in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.
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 overdose on Octreotide?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
An overdose of octreotide is not expected to produce life-threatening side effects.
What happens if I miss a dose of Octreotide?
Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of octreotide.
Sourced from everydayhealth.com