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Hematology-Oncology Medical Group of the San Fernando Valley

Drugs that are not chemotherapy

Octreotide injection

What does octreotide injection do?

OCTREOTIDE (Sandostatin®, Sandostatin LAR® Depot) decreases the production of many chemical substances in the body including glucagon, a substance that increases blood sugar, growth hormone, and chemicals that influence digestion. Octreotide is a synthetic (man-made) hormone that is similar to the naturally occurring hormone called somatostatin. Octreotide helps to reduce flushing and watery diarrhea associated with metastatic cancerous tumors or tumors called vasoactive intestinal peptide tumors (VIPomas). Octreotide helps to reduce blood levels of growth hormone in patients with acromegaly. Generic octreotide injections are not yet available.

What should my health care professional know before I receive octreotide?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

·diabetes

·heart disease

·gallbladder disease

·paralysis of the stomach wall

·an unusual or allergic reaction to octreotide, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

·pregnant or trying to get pregnant

·breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Octreotide is for injection under the skin or into a vein (in emergency situations). It may also be given as a deep muscle shot every month by your prescriber or health care professional. If you are given octreotide for home use, you will be instructed in the proper injection technique. Follow the directions exactly. Always wash your hands before use. Choose a different site for each injection. Allow the injection solution to come to room temperature before use (do not warm it artificially).

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses. If you are receiving the monthly injections, it is very important to keep your appiotment because the medicine may not continue to work longer than one month.

What other medicines can interact with octreotide?

·cisapride

·cyclosporine

·medicines for diabetes, including insulin

·medicines for heart disease or hypertension

·diuretics or water pills

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines that you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also, tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from receiving octreotide?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

Rare or uncommon:

·symptoms of low blood sugar (such as chills; cool, pale skin or cold sweats; drowsiness; extreme hunger; fast heartbeat; headache; nausea; nervousness or anxiety; shakiness; trembling; unsteadiness; tiredness; weakness)

·symptoms of high blood sugar (such as frequent urination; unusual thirst; flushed or dry skin; difficulty breathing; drowsiness; stomach ache, nausea, vomiting; dry mouth)

·changes in heart rate

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

·diarrhea

·nausea, vomiting

·pain, redness, swelling and irritation at the injection site

·stomach pain

·gas

·constipation

What do I need to watch for while I receive octreotide?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress.

To help reduce irritation at the injection site, use a different site for each injection and make sure the solution is at room temperature before use.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 degreesC (36 and 46 degreesF). Protect from light. Allow to come to room temperature naturally. Do not use artificial heat. If protected from light the injection may be stored at room temperature, approximately 25 degreesC (77 degreesF), for fourteen days. Throw away unused portions.

NOTE: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have questions about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.

[ Revised 12/18/98]

This information was obtained from Clinical Pharmacology 2000 . For more information about this drug or about any other drug, click here.

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