SANDOSTATIN LAR

Uses

Sandostatin LAR is used in the following conditions:

Acromegaly: Octreotide is often prescribed to manage the symptoms of acromegaly, a hormonal disorder characterized by excessive growth hormone production. It helps to reduce the production and release of growth hormone from the pituitary gland, thereby controlling the symptoms associated with acromegaly, such as enlarged hands and feet, facial changes, and joint pain.
Neuroendocrine tumors: Octreotide is used to treat certain types of neuroendocrine tumors, including carcinoid tumors, gastrinomas, glucagonomas, and VIPomas. It helps to control the symptoms associated with these tumors, such as diarrhea, flushing, and abdominal pain. Octreotide can also be used to slow down the growth of certain neuroendocrine tumors.
Gastrointestinal bleeding: Octreotide may be used in the management of acute bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract, particularly when caused by certain conditions like esophageal varices or angiodysplasia. It works by reducing blood flow to the bleeding site and can help control the bleeding while other interventions are being pursued.
Diarrhea associated with certain conditions: Octreotide is sometimes used to manage diarrhea associated with conditions like short bowel syndrome, AIDS-related diarrhea, and certain types of secretory diarrhea. It works by reducing the secretion of fluids and electrolytes in the intestines.
Fistulas: Octreotide can be used in the treatment of enterocutaneous or pancreatic fistulas, which are abnormal connections between the intestine and the skin or between the pancreas and other organs. It helps to reduce fistula output and promotes healing.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): In some cases, octreotide can be used as an off-label treatment for PCOS, a hormonal disorder characterized by ovarian cysts, irregular periods, and hormonal imbalances. It helps to regulate hormone levels and manage the symptoms associated with PCOS.

This medicine may be recommended for different uses. Approach your physician or pharmacist for more information.

Warnings

Do not use Sandostatin in people with the following conditions:

Hypersensitivity
Gallbladder or biliary tract problems: Octreotide can cause gallstones or worsen existing gallbladder or biliary tract problems. Therefore, it is contraindicated in patients with known gallstones or biliary tract disorders.
Hypersensitivity to other somatostatin analogs: Octreotide is a somatostatin analog, and individuals who have had a hypersensitivity reaction to other somatostatin analogs should not use octreotide.
Uncontrolled diabetes: Octreotide can affect blood sugar levels and may interfere with diabetes management. Therefore, it is contraindicated in individuals with uncontrolled diabetes.
Thyroid disorders: Octreotide can affect thyroid function, so it is contraindicated in individuals with known thyroid disorders, such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Octreotide should be used with caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is generally recommended to avoid the use of octreotide during pregnancy unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider for advice specific to individual circumstances.

It is crucial to discuss any existing medical conditions, medications, or allergies with a healthcare provider before starting octreotide or any other medication. They can evaluate the potential risks and benefits and determine the suitability of octreotide for a particular individual.

Side Effects

Sandostatin LAR may have the following side effects:

Gastrointestinal disturbances: The most common side effects of octreotide involve the gastrointestinal system. These may include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, flatulence, and indigestion. These side effects are usually mild and may improve over time.
Injection site reactions: Octreotide is often administered by injection, and some individuals may experience pain, redness, swelling, or irritation at the injection site. It is important to follow proper injection techniques and to notify your healthcare provider if you experience any persistent or severe injection site reactions.
Gallstones: Octreotide can affect gallbladder function and may increase the risk of gallstone formation. Some individuals may experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever, or jaundice. If you have a history of gallbladder disease, it is important to discuss this with your healthcare provider before starting octreotide.
Changes in blood sugar levels: Octreotide can affect blood sugar levels, and both hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) can occur. Individuals with diabetes may require adjustments in their diabetes medications while taking octreotide.
Thyroid function abnormalities: Octreotide may affect thyroid function, leading to changes in thyroid hormone levels. This can result in symptoms such as fatigue, weight changes, or changes in mood. Regular monitoring of thyroid function may be necessary during octreotide treatment.
Bradycardia: In some cases, octreotide can cause a slow heart rate (bradycardia). This may lead to symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, or shortness of breath. If you experience these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention.

Keep in mind that your physician has recommended this drug since he or she has known that the advantage to you is more noteworthy than the risk of adverse reactions. Many individuals utilizing this medicine don’t have serious side effects.

A serious allergy to this medication is uncommon. In any case, seek emergency medical help if you see any manifestations of a serious allergic response, including a rash, tingling or swelling particularly of the face or tongue or throat, dizziness or difficulty in breathing.

This is not a complete list of side effects. If you see other effects not recorded above, contact your physician or pharmacist.

Precautions

Precautions

Take extra caution in patients with the following medical conditions:

Hypersensitivity: If you have a known hypersensitivity or allergic reaction to octreotide or any of its components, it is important to inform your healthcare provider. They may recommend an alternative medication or take necessary precautions to minimize the risk of an allergic reaction.
Heart conditions: Octreotide can affect heart function, and caution is advised in individuals with pre-existing heart conditions such as bradycardia (slow heart rate) or arrhythmias. Regular monitoring of cardiac function may be necessary during octreotide treatment.
Liver and kidney function: Octreotide is primarily metabolized by the liver and excreted by the kidneys. In individuals with impaired liver or kidney function, the clearance of octreotide may be reduced. Your healthcare provider may need to adjust the dosage or frequency of administration accordingly.
Diabetes: Octreotide can affect blood sugar levels, so individuals with diabetes may require adjustments in their diabetes medications while taking octreotide. Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is recommended, and close communication with your healthcare provider is important to ensure appropriate management.
Thyroid dysfunction: Octreotide may affect thyroid function, so individuals with pre-existing thyroid dysfunction should be closely monitored. Regular thyroid function tests may be necessary during octreotide treatment.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Octreotide should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks to the fetus. Limited data is available on the use of octreotide during pregnancy, so it is important to discuss this with your healthcare provider. Octreotide may also pass into breast milk, and its use is generally not recommended while breastfeeding. It is important to consult with your healthcare provider to weigh the potential risks and benefits.

Prior to taking this medicine, tell your physician or pharmacist if you are allergic to it, or if you have some other hypersensitivities. This drug may contain inert ingredients which can cause unfavorable side effects or different issues. Talk with your pharmacist for more information.

Interactions

Sandostatin LAR may interact with the following medicines:

Medications that affect heart rate: Octreotide can slow down heart rate, so combining it with other medications that have a similar effect, such as beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers, may increase the risk of bradycardia (slow heart rate). Your healthcare provider may need to adjust the dosages or closely monitor your heart rate.
Insulin and oral diabetes medications: Octreotide can affect blood sugar levels, and combining it with medications for diabetes, such as insulin or oral diabetes medications, may require adjustments in dosages to prevent hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is important in this case.
Cyclosporine: Octreotide may reduce the absorption of cyclosporine, a medication used to prevent organ rejection after transplantation. Your healthcare provider may need to adjust the dosages or monitor cyclosporine levels closely if you are taking both medications.
Bromocriptine: Combining octreotide with bromocriptine, a medication used to treat disorders such as Parkinson’s disease or hyperprolactinemia, may increase the risk of heart valve problems. Your healthcare provider may need to consider alternative treatments or closely monitor your heart health.
Drugs that affect digestion and absorption: Octreotide can affect digestive processes, so combining it with medications that also affect digestion, such as pancreatic enzymes or antacids, may reduce the effectiveness of either medication. It is important to follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations regarding the timing and administration of these medications.

Inform your physician about the drugs you take including over-the-counter medications, prescribed drugs, supplements and vitamins.

This is not a complete list of drug interactions. Approach your physician or pharmacist for more details.

The effects of certain medications can change if you consume different medications or herbal products simultaneously. This can build your risk for side effects or may cause your drugs not to work effectively. These interactions are conceivable, yet don’t generally happen. Your physician or pharmacist can prevent or oversee interactions by changing how you utilize your prescriptions or by close checking.

While utilizing this drug, don’t start, stop, or change the dose of other medicines you are using without your physician’s advice.

Overdose & Brands

If you suspect an overdose, contact your doctor right away.

Available Brands:

Sandostatin LAR