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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).
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| | Sandostatin LAR Depot IM
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| Overview | Photos | How
To Use | Side
Effects | Precautions | Missed
Dose | Drug
Interactions | |
Sandostatin LAR Depot IM
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).
Notes
- Do not share this medication with others.Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., blood glucose tests, thyroid function tests, hormone levels, vitamin B12 levels) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects.
- Consult your doctor for more details.
Storage
- Store this medication in the refrigerator between 36-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C).
- Take the medication out of the refrigerator 30 to 60 minutes before mixing.
- Protect from light.Once mixed, use the medication immediately.
- Discard any unused portion of the vial.
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 by a health care professional, usually once every 4 weeks or as directed by your doctor.
- Health care professionals must follow all the manufacturer's instructions for properly mixing and giving this drug.
- Do not inject this medication into a vein or under the skin.
- If you have any questions about the use of this medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist.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.Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it.
- It may help to mark your calendar with a reminder (e.g., every 4 weeks).Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.
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 immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: signs of gallbladder 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 infrequently 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 immediately if you experience symptoms of high or low blood sugar while taking this medication.
- Monitor your blood sugar levels as directed by your doctor.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, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Before using octreotide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, 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.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.
Missed
Dose - If you miss a dose, contact your doctor to establish a new dosing schedule.
Drug
Interactions - Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them.
- Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: beta blockers (e.g., metoprolol, propranolol), calcium channel blockers (e.g., diltiazem, verapamil), cyclosporine, drugs to treat diabetes (e.g., glyburide, insulin), nutritional solutions given by vein (e.g., total parenteral nutrition-TPN), "water pills" (diuretics such as furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide).
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CONDITIONS
OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information
is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions
or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular
drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional
should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or
discontinuing any course of treatment. |
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