OCTREOTIDE ACETATE

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Sandostatin

GENERIC NAME(S): OCTREOTIDE ACETATE

Description: Octreotide is a synthetic analogue of somatostatin which acts by by decreasing the amount of growth hormone to normal levels. It also suppresses LH response to gonadotrophin-releasing hormone and reduces the secretion of gastrin, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), insulin, glucagon, secretin, motilin and pancreatic polypeptide.

Uses

Treatment of severe watery diarrhea and sudden reddening of the face and neck due to certain tumor types found in the intestines and pancreas.
Also used to treat acromegaly, a condition in which the body produces too much growth hormone.
Usually an adjunct treatment together with other drugs.

How to use octreotide acetate injection

Always refer to your doctors instructions before taking this medication. Duration and dosage will be determined by your medical condition and its response to the medication. Make sure to take this medication in the prescribed amount and time period even after symptoms disappear. Discontinuing the medication before completion of treatment may cause incomplete treatment of condition. If Symptoms persist, consult your doctor.

Usually given by injection under the skin by a healthcare professional, usually 2 to 3 times a day or as directed by your physician.

Warnings

Side Effects

Minor side effects (if these symptoms persist or worsen, inform your doctor)

Nausea, vomiting, loose/oily stools, constipation, stomach upset, gas, bloating, dizziness, or headache, pain and irritation at the injection site

Serious side effects (inform your doctor immediately)

signs of gallbladder/liver problems (e.g., fever, stomach/abdominal pain, severe nausea/vomiting, yellowing eyes/skin, unexplained pain in the back/right shoulder), signs of underactive thyroid (e.g., unexplained weight gain, cold intolerance, slow heartbeat, severe constipation, unusual/extreme tiredness, growth/lump/swelling on the front of the neck), worsening heart condition symptoms (e.g., trouble breathing, slow/fast/irregular heartbeat), numbness/tingling of the arms/legs.

May rarely cause changes in blood sugar, especially if you have diabetes

Symptoms of high blood sugar include increased thirst and urination
Symptoms of low blood sugar include nervousness, shakiness, sweating, fast heartbeat, and hunger

Severe allergic reactions are rare. Get immediate medical help if you notice the following:

Rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing

Precautions

Precautions

Inform your doctor.
- Allergy to the medication or any allergies.
- Medical History of kidney disease, liver disease (e.g., cirrhosis), diabetes, thyroid problems, gallbladder problems (e.g., gallstones), nutrition problems (e.g., decreased fat absorption, vitamin B12 deficiency).

May cause dizziness or drowsiness. Limit alcohol.

Caution is advised when using this drug in children as prolonged use may slow a child’s growth rate.

May restore the normal ability to become pregnant in females with acromegaly who have infertility.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Before breast-feeding, consult your physician.

Interactions

Taking multiple drugs may affect how medications work and/or cause unwanted side effects. List down all the medications you are taking and inform your physician and pharmacist. Do not take, discontinue, or alter any dose of medications without prior approval of your physician.

Products that may interact with this medication include:
- beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol, propranolol), calcium channel blockers (e.g., diltiazem, verapamil), cyclosporine, nutritional solutions given by vein (e.g., total parenteral nutrition-TPN), pegvisomant, “water pills” (diuretics such as furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide).

Overdose & Brands

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and as soon as you remember, take a regular dose or if the time of the next dose is near, wait for it before taking another dose and resume your usual schedule. Do not increase the dose to compensate for the missed dose.

Storage:

Refrigerator between 2-8 degrees C
Good for 2 weeks if stored at room temperature between20-30 degrees C away from light
Multi-use vials should be discarded 2 weeks after opening
Ampules should be opened just before each dose, and any unused portion should be discarded.
Do not expose to light and moisture
Do not store in the bathroom
Keep all medications away from pets and children

Brands

Available Brands

Octride 100 [ Sun Pharma ]

Also marketed as

Sandostatin [ Novartis Healthcare ]
Sandostatin LAR [ Novartis Healthcare ]