OCTREOTIDE - INJECTION

OCTREOTIDE - INJECTION

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

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Sandostatin

GENERIC NAME(S): octreotide acetate

Uses

USES: 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 - INJECTION

HOW TO USE: This medication is usually given by injection under the skin, usually 2 to 3 times a day or as directed by your doctor. Depending on your condition, it may be given by injection into a vein by a health care professional. If your doctor directs you to inject this medication under the skin yourself, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. If you have questions, ask your health care professional. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Before injecting each dose, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. Change the location of the injection site each time to avoid problem areas under the skin. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. 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, gas, bloating, dizziness, or headache 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 any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: 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, seek immediate medical attention 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). This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana. 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 your 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 (such as 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 are: 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 - INJECTION

Octreotide injection is used to treat severe diarrhea and flushing episodes in patients with certain types of tumors, such as carcinoid tumors, vasoactive intestinal peptide-producing tumors, and tumors associated with neuroendocrine symptoms.

Octreotide is a synthetic version of a hormone called somatostatin. It works by inhibiting the release of certain hormones, such as serotonin, gastrin, and insulin, which are responsible for causing symptoms like diarrhea and flushing in patients with certain tumors.

Octreotide injection is administered as a subcutaneous (under the skin) or intramuscular (into the muscle) injection. It can also be given as an intravenous (into the vein) infusion in some cases.

Common side effects of Octreotide injection include injection site reactions, gastrointestinal disturbances like nausea and diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, and dizziness. Other less common side effects may also occur.

Yes, Octreotide injection may cause gallbladder or liver problems, thyroid abnormalities, and changes in blood sugar levels. It may also interact with certain medications, so it is important to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking.

Octreotide injection should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks. It is not known whether Octreotide is excreted in human milk, so caution should be exercised while using it during breastfeeding.

The dosing and frequency of Octreotide injection may vary depending on the specific condition being treated. Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate dosage and administration schedule for you.



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.