octreotide (injectable)

Before using octreotide, tell your doctor if you have diabetes, kidney disease, gallbladder problems, or a thyroid disorder.

Octreotide should not be used at the same time as cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune, Gengraf). Talk to your doctor before using octreotide if you are using cyclosporine.

Octreotide is given as an injection under the skin or into a vein. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection. You may be shown how to use your medicine at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of needles, IV tubing, and other items used in giving the medicine. Be sure to follow the instructions for the exact type of octreotide your doctor has prescribed for you.

While using octreotide, call your doctor if you have severe stomach pain, fever, bloating, nausea and vomiting, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). These may be signs of serious side effects

Octreotide is a man-made protein that is similar to a hormone in the body called somatostatin. Octreotide lowers many substances in the body such as insulin and glucagon (involved in regulating blood sugar), growth hormone, and chemicals that affect digestion.

Octreotide is used to treat acromegaly. Octreotide is also used to reduce flushing episodes and watery diarrhea caused by cancerous tumors (carcinoid syndrome) or tumors called vasoactive intestinal peptide tumors (VIP adenomas).

Octreotide may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Before using octreotide, tell your doctor if you have:

• diabetes;
• gallbladder disease;
• heart disease;
• thyroid problems;
• pancreatitis;
• kidney disease; or
• liver disease.

If you have any of the conditions listed above, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use octreotide.

Octreotide is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether octreotide passes into breast milk. Do not use octreotide without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Octreotide should be used exactly as your doctor has prescribed it for you. Do not use more of the medication than recommended. Do not use octreotide for longer than your doctor has prescribed.

Octreotide is given as an injection under the skin or into a vein. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection. You may be shown how to use your medicine at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of needles, IV tubing, and other items used in giving the medicine. Be sure to follow the instructions for the exact type of octreotide your doctor has prescribed for you.

Do not draw your octreotide dose into a syringe until you are ready to give yourself an injection. Do not use the medication if it has changed colors or has any particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.

Use each disposable needle only one time. Throw away used needles in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood or urine will need to be tested on a regular basis. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Store this medication in the refrigerator, protected from light. Do not allow the medication to freeze.

To reduce discomfort from your injection, take the medicine bottle out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before using the medication. Allow the medicine to reach room temperature before using, but never warm the medicine in hot water or a microwave.

Throw away any medicine left in the bottle after 14 days of use. Then start a new bottle.

The Sandostatin LAR Depot kit should be kept at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes before mixing the medicine. Give the injection right away after mixing your dose.

Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of octreotide.

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

An overdose of octreotide is not expected to produce life-threatening side effects.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while you are using octreotide.

Stop using octreotide and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• slow or irregular heartbeats;
• gallbladder problems (stomach pain);
• pancreatitis (pain in the upper stomach or back, nausea, vomiting, fever, bloating, yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• thyroid problems (may be detected by blood tests);
• low blood sugar (headache, confusion, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, fast heartbeat, sweating, tremor, nausea); or
• high blood sugar (increased thirst and urination; flushed or dry skin; drowsiness).

Less serious side effects may include:

• nausea or vomiting;
• diarrhea;
• mild stomach pain or gas;
• constipation; or
• pain or irritation where you injected the medication.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

Octreotide should not be used at the same time as cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune, Gengraf). Talk to your doctor before using octreotide if you are using cyclosporine.

Before using octreotide, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• bromocriptine (Parlodel);
• diabetes medication such as insulin, glipizide (Glucotrol), glyburide (Diabeta, Micronase), tolbutamide (Orinase), metformin (Glucophage), pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), and others;
• medicine for heart disease or high blood pressure; or
• a diuretic (water pill).

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with octreotide. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Your pharmacist can provide more information about octreotide.