Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

OCTREOTIDE - INJECTION

(ok-TREE-oh-tide)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Sandostatin

Uses

This medication treats severe watery diarrhea associated with certain types of tumors. It is also used to reduce excessive amounts of growth hormone.

How To Use

This medication is given by injection usually two or three times a day. Use this medication as prescribed. Do not use more of this or use it more often than directed. To prevent irritation and soreness, rotate injection sites.

Side Effects

Nausea, loose stools, vomiting, constipation, stomach upset, gas, bloating, dizziness, headache, lightheadedness, fatigue, flushing, dry mouth or drowsiness may occur. Pain and irritation have been reported at the injection site. If these symptoms continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you experience: severe stomach pain, rectal spasm, tremor, palpitations, breathing trouble, chest pain, muscle cramps, numbness. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, diabetes, any other illnesses or any allergies. Use caution operating machinery or performing tasks requiring alertness if this drug makes you drowsy or dizzy. Caution is advised when using this drug in children because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take especially of: cyclosporine. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Notes

Laboratory tests will be done routinely while using this medication to evaluate its effectiveness and prevent side effects.

Missed Dose

It is important to use each dose at the scheduled time. If you miss a dose, use it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store this medication in the refrigerator as directed. Ampules to be used for each day may be stored at room temperature for that day only. Do not use this if the solution is cloudy or appears to contain particles. Properly discard of any unused medication after the expiration date marked on the label.

Medical Alert

Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).