Sandostatin - Talk Medical

Generic Name: octreotide (injectable)

Brands: Sandostatin, Sandostatin LAR Depot

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

· Octreotide solution may be allowed to come to room temperature prior to administration by removal from the refrigerator. Do not warm the medication in any way other than removing it from the refrigerator.

What is Sandostatin?

· Octreotide is a synthetic (man-made) protein that is similar to the naturally-occurring hormone called somatostatin. Octreotide decreases the production of 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 in the treatment of acromegaly. Octreotide is also used to reduce flushing and watery diarrhea caused by metastatic cancerous tumors (carcinoid syndrome) or tumors called vasoactive intestinal peptide tumors (VIPomas).

· 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 Sandostatin?

· Before using Sandostatin, talk to your doctor if you have ·diabetes; ·gallbladder disease; ·heart disease; ·thyroid problems; ·pancreatitis; ·kidney disease; or ·liver disease.

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

· 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 Sandostatin without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

· It is not known whether Sandostatin passes into breast milk. Do not use Sandostatin without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use Sandostatin?

· Use Sandostatin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain them to you.

· Octreotide (Sandostatin) can be injected subcutaneously (into the fat) or intravenously (into a vein). A depot formulation of Sandostatin called Sandostatin LAR is injected into the muscle and is intended for use every four weeks. Your healthcare provider may administer Sandostatin or will give you detailed instructions on how to administer the medication at home.

· Do not inject any Sandostatin product that is discolored or has particles in it.

· After initial use from a multiple-dose vial, Sandostatin should be used within 14 days and any remaining medication should be discarded.

· The Sandostatin LAR Depot product kit should be kept at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes before mixing the suspension. After mixing the suspension, it should be administered immediately.

· Rotate injection sites as directed by your healthcare provider.

· Never reuse a needle or syringe. Dispose of all needles and syringes in an appropriate, puncture resistant disposal container.

· It is important to use Sandostatin regularly to get the most benefit.

· Your doctor may want you to have regularly scheduled blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with Sandostatin to monitor progress and side effects.

· Store unopened vials and ampules of Sandostatin (Sandostatin, Sandostatin LAR Depot) in the refrigerator between 36 and 46 degrees Fahrenheit (2 and 8 degrees Celsius), protected from light. Do not allow the medication to freeze.

· Octreotide (Sandostatin) solution may be stored at room temperature, protected from light, for up to 14 days.

What happens if I miss a dose?

· Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of Sandostatin.

What happens if I overdose?

· Seek emergency medical attention.

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

What should I avoid while using Sandostatin?

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

What are the possible side effects of Sandostatin?

· If you experience any of the following serious side effects, seek medical attention or notify your doctor immediately: ·an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); ·irregular heartbeats or changes in heart rate; ·gallbladder problems (abdominal pain); ·thyroid problems (may be detected by blood tests); ·low blood sugar (symptoms may include chills; cool, pale skin or cold sweats; drowsiness or fatigue; extreme hunger; fast heartbeat; headache; nausea; nervousness or anxiety; shakiness or trembling; unsteadiness; or weakness); or ·high blood sugar (symptoms may include frequent urination; unusual thirst; flushed or dry skin; drowsiness).

· Other side effects may also occur. Notify your doctor if you experience ·nausea or vomiting; ·diarrhea; ·stomach pain or gas; ·constipation; or ·pain, redness, or irritation at the injection site.

· 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 Sandostatin?

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

· Before using Sandostatin, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines: ·a diabetes medication such as insulin, glipizide (Glucotrol), glyburide (Diabeta, Micronase), tolbutamide (Orinase), metformin (Glucophage), pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), and others; ·a medicine for heart disease or high blood pressure; or ·a diuretic or water pill.

· You may not be able to use Sandostatin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

· Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Sandostatin. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

· Your pharmacist has additional information about Sandostatin written for health professionals that you may read.