What is octreotide?
Octreotide powder
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), 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 purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about octreotide?
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of
your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies,
and all medicines you use.
SLIDESHOW
Always Hungry? You Just Might Have One Of These Conditions
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using octreotide?
You should not use octreotide if you are allergic to it.
To make sure you can safely use octreotide, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
diabetes;
gallbladder disease;
heart disease, high blood pressure, or heart rhythm disorder;
thyroid problems;
pancreatitis;
liver disease; or
kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis).
Octreotide is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your
doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Using octreotide can affect certain hormones that may make it easier for
you to get pregnant, even if you were unable to get pregnant before.
Talk to your doctor about using birth control to avoid unwanted
pregnancy.
It is not known whether octreotide passes into breast milk or if it
could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a
baby.
How should I use octreotide?
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this
medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Octreotide is injected under the skin, or into a vein through an IV. You
may be shown how to use injections at home. Do not self-inject this
medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and
properly dispose of used needles, IV tubing, and other items used to
inject the medicine. Be sure to follow the instructions for the exact
type of octreotide your doctor has prescribed for you.
Store octreotide in the original carton in the refrigerator. Protect from light.
Octreotide should be at room temperature when you inject it. Take the
medicine out of the refrigerator 30 to 60 minutes before preparing your
dose. Do not heat the medicine. After mixing your dose, give the
injection right away. Do not save it for later use.
Prepare your dose only when you are ready to give yourself an injection.
Do not use octreotide if it has changed colors or has particles in it.
Call your pharmacist for new medication.
Your care provider will show you the best places on your body to inject
octreotide. Use a different place each time you give an injection. Do
not inject into the same place two times in a row.
Use a disposable needle and syringe only once. Follow any state or local
laws about throwing away used needles and syringes. Use a
puncture-proof "sharps" disposal container (ask your pharmacist where to
get one and how to throw it away). Keep this container out of the reach
of children and pets.
While using octreotide, you may need frequent medical tests.Each
single-use ampul is for one use only. Throw away after one use, even if
there is still some medicine left in it after injecting your dose.
If refrigeration is not available, you may store an unopened single-use
ampul or multi-dose vial at room temperature for up to 14 days. Keep
away from moisture and heat.
Throw away any medicine left in the multi-use vial after 14 days of use. Then start a new vial.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose of octreotide.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include severe upper stomach pain, diarrhea,
weight loss, warmth or tingling, numbness or cold feeling, unexplained
muscle pain, weakness, weak pulse, fainting, or slow breathing
(breathing may stop).
What should I avoid while using octreotide?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
