OCTREOTIDE DEPOT SUSPENSION - INJECTION

OCTREOTIDE DEPOT SUSPENSION - INJECTION

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (ok-TREE-oh-tide)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Sandostatin LAR

GENERIC NAME(S): octreotide acetate, microspheres

Uses

USES: This medication is a long-acting form of octreotide. Octreotide is used to treat severe watery diarrhea and sudden reddening of the face and neck caused by certain types of tumors (e.g., carcinoid tumors, vasoactive intestinal peptide tumors) that are found usually in the intestines and pancreas. The symptoms occur when these tumors make too much of certain natural substances (hormones). This medication works by blocking the production of these hormones. By decreasing watery diarrhea, octreotide helps to reduce the loss of body fluids and minerals. Octreotide is also used to treat a certain condition (acromegaly) that occurs when the body makes too much of a certain natural substance called growth hormone. Treating acromegaly helps reduce the risk of serious problems such as diabetes and heart disease. Octreotide works by decreasing the amount of growth hormone to normal levels. This drug is not a cure for these conditions. This medication is usually used with other treatment (e.g., surgery, radiation, other drugs).


How to use OCTREOTIDE DEPOT SUSPENSION - INJECTION

HOW TO USE: You must respond well to the short-acting form of octreotide before switching to this medication. Consult your doctor or pharmacist. This medication is given by injection into your buttock muscle as directed by your doctor, usually once every 4 weeks. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To reduce irritation, change the location of the injection site in the buttocks with each dose. Avoid giving this medication into the muscles of the arm. Doing so causes more pain and irritation. If you are giving this medication to yourself at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely. Take this medication out of the refrigerator 30 to 60 minutes before mixing. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. It may help to mark your calendar with a reminder (such as every 4 weeks). Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, loose/oily stools, constipation, stomach upset, or gas may occur. Pain and irritation at the injection site may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: 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. This medication 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. Follow your doctor's instructions to treat low blood sugar (e.g., eat a quick source of sugar such as glucose gel/tablets, table sugar, or honey, or drink fruit juice or non-diet soda). Tell your doctor right away if you experience symptoms of high or low blood sugar while taking this medication. Monitor your blood sugar levels as directed by your doctor. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medications. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before using octreotide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially 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). Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects. Caution is advised when using this drug in children. Use of this medication for long periods (e.g., longer than 1 year) may slow a child's growth rate. However, the growth rate catches up after treatment with the drug is stopped. Consult the doctor for more information. This medication may restore the normal ability to become pregnant in females with acromegaly who have infertility. Females of childbearing age should discuss reliable forms of birth control with the doctor. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: beta blockers (e.g., metoprolol, propranolol), nutritional solutions given by vein (e.g., total parenteral nutrition-TPN), pegvisomant.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

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Faq for OCTREOTIDE DEPOT SUSPENSION - INJECTION

Octreotide Depot Suspension - Injection is used for the long-term treatment of certain types of tumors, including carcinoid tumors, acromegaly, and vasoactive intestinal peptide-secreting tumors. It helps reduce the production of certain hormones in the body.

Octreotide Depot Suspension - Injection belongs to a class of medications called somatostatin analogs. It works by binding to certain receptors in the body, inhibiting the release of various hormones, such as growth hormone, insulin, and glucagon. This helps in controlling the symptoms associated with the different types of tumors.

Octreotide Depot Suspension - Injection is administered through a deep intramuscular injection. It is usually given once every 4 weeks by a healthcare professional.

Common side effects of Octreotide Depot Suspension - Injection may include pain or redness at the injection site, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and gallstones. Contact your doctor if these side effects persist or worsen.

Octreotide Depot Suspension - Injection should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed, as its safety has not been well-established in pregnant women. It is also not recommended to use Octreotide Depot Suspension - Injection while breastfeeding, as it may pass into breast milk.

If you miss a dose of Octreotide Depot Suspension - Injection, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible to reschedule the missed dose. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.

Octreotide Depot Suspension - Injection may interact with certain medications, including insulin, antidiabetic drugs, cyclosporine, and certain vitamins and minerals. Inform your doctor about all the medications you are currently taking to avoid any potential interactions.

The full effects of Octreotide Depot Suspension - Injection may not be seen for several weeks or months. It is important to continue the treatment as prescribed by your doctor, even if you do not notice immediate improvement in symptoms.

Octreotide Depot Suspension - Injection has been approved for use in pediatric patients based on specific indications. The dosage and administration should be determined by a healthcare professional based on the individual patient's needs.



Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.