Octreotide



Sandostatin®; Sandostatin LAR®







Octreotide

(ok TREE oh tide)

U.S. Brand Names
Sandostatin®; Sandostatin LAR®
Canadian Brand Names
Octreotide Acetate Injection, Octreotide Acetate Omega; Sandostatin®; Sandostatin LAR®
Pharmacologic Category
Antidiarrheal; Somatostatin Analog
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to octreotide or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to treat diarrhea and flushing caused by cancer.
  • This medicine is used to treat some causes of severe diarrhea.
  • This medicine is used to treat acromegaly.
  • This medicine is used to treat bleeding from esophageal varices in cirrhosis.
  • This medicine is used to treat high insulin levels.
  • This medicine is used to treat an overdose caused by drugs that treat diabetes.
  • This medicine is used to help gastrointestinal tract openings close.
  • This medicine is used to treat too much growth hormone release.
  • This medicine is used to treat gastrointestinal bleeding.
How does it work?
  • Octreotide is a naturally-occurring hormone in the body.
  • It decreases the amount of growth hormone produced by your body.
  • It decreases insulin levels.
  • It slows movement through the gastrointestinal tract allowing more water to be reabsorbed.
How is it best taken?
  • All forms:
  • Wash hands before and after use.
  • Follow instructions closely if you or a family member are giving the shot at home.
  • Throw away needles in needle/sharp disposal box and return box to healthcare provider when full.
  • Sandostatin®:
  • This medicine is given as a shot into the fatty part of the skin.
  • Esophageal bleeding: This medicine is given into a vein constantly for a period of time.
  • Sandostatin LAR®:
  • This medicine is given as a shot into a muscle once a month.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • If medicine is given at home:
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • If medicine is given by healthcare provider:
  • Call healthcare provider for appointment.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • If you have diabetes, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have gallbladder disease, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have a slow heartbeat, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Belly pain.
  • Gas.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Short-term discomfort after use.
  • High blood sugar. Usually reverses when stopped.
  • Low blood sugar. Signs include anger, shaking, fast heartbeat, confusion, or sweating. Keep hard candies, liquid glucose, or milk on hand for low blood sugar.
  • A slower, harmful heartbeat can rarely occur.
  • Acromegaly: Diarrhea.
  • Gallstones may rarely occur.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Check blood sugar as directed by healthcare provider.
  • Check blood work regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Very low blood sugar or very high blood sugar.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store solution in refrigerator.
  • Store unopened vials in refrigerator. Do not freeze. Once mixed, use right away. May keep at room temperature for up to 1 hour.
  • Esophageal varicies:
  • The injection will be given to you in a healthcare setting. You will not store it at home.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: