Octreotide (By injection)
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Lowers levels of growth hormone in acromegaly. Also treats diarrhea associated with certain types of tumors.
Drug classes
Antidote, Endocrine-Metabolic Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Octreotide injection is used to treat severe diarrhea and other symptoms that occur with certain intestinal tumors or metastatic carcinoid tumors (tumors that has already spread in the body). It does not cure the tumor but it helps the patient feel more comfortable.
Octreotide injection is also used to treat a condition called acromegaly, which is caused by too much growth hormone in the body. Too much growth hormone produced in adults causes the hands, feet, and parts of the face to become large, thick, and bulky. Other problems such as arthritis also can develop. Octreotide works by reducing the amount of growth hormone that is produced by the body.
Octreotide may also be used for other medical conditions as determined by your doctor.
Octreotide is available only with your doctor’s prescription
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin or into a vein.
A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection.
You will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas.
Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.
Never share your medicine with anyone.
If a dose is missed:
It is very important to use this medicine on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:
Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.
If you store this medicine at home, store it in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. If kept at room temperature and protected from light, octreotide is good for only 14 days.
Do not open a bottle until you are ready to use the medicine. If you are using the bottles that contain more than one dose, the bottle and any unused medicine must be thrown away 14 days after opening.
Throw away any unused medicine if the expiration date has passed.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using cyclosporine (Sandimmune®), diabetes medicine (insulin or oral medicine such as Actos™, Avandia®, Glucotrol®, Glyburide®), blood pressure medicine (such as atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol, Toprol®), heart medicine (such as verapamil, Adalat®, Cardizem®, Plendil®, Procardia®), diuretics (water pills such as furosemide, Norvasc®), or potassium supplements.
When Not To Use
You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to octreotide.
Warnings
Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have psoriasis, heart or thyroid problems, diabetes, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), or severe kidney disease.
Side effects tend to be more severe in patients who are taking octreotide for acromegaly.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
Fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
Increase in how much or how often you urinate, increased thirst or hunger, weight loss
Nervousness, shakiness, sweating, sudden hunger
Severe pain in the upper or upper right abdomen, especially spreading to the side or back
Severe stomach pain
Unusual tiredness or weakness, coldness, weight gain
Yellow skin or eyes
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Pain, burning, or itching where the IV or shot is given
Nausea, constipation, stomach cramps, increased diarrhea
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
PremierPro Rx octreotide acetate, Sandostatin, Sandostatin LAR Depot
There may be other brand names for this medicine.