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 ACETATE DEPOT - INJECTABLE SUSPENSION

(ok-TREE-oh-tide)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Sandostatin LAR

Uses

This medication is a long-acting form of the drug, octreotide. It is used to treat severe watery diarrhea caused by certain types of stomach/intestinal tumors (e.g., carcinoid tumors, VIPomas). This drug is also used to reduce the amount of growth hormone in people with acromegaly (a condition of too much growth hormone). This drug is not a cure for these tumors or acromegaly.

How To Use

Learn all preparation and usage instructions in the product package and use the injection solution immediately after mixing. If any of the information is unclear, consult your doctor or pharmacist. You must use the regular form (non-long acting type) of this drug for at least 2 weeks before switching to this medication. Consult your doctor or pharmacist. Inject this medication into the muscle (IM) of the buttock(s), once every 4 weeks, alternating the injection site with each dose; or use as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Do not inject this drug into a vein (IV) or under the skin (subcutaneously). Before using, check this product visually for any discoloration. If present, do not use the liquid. If you experience a return of symptoms (e.g., watery diarrhea), the regular, short-acting form of this drug may be given occasionally for a few days in addition to this medication to control your symptoms. Consult your doctor or pharmacist. Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist.

Side Effects

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, gas, heartburn, stomach discomfort, or pain at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: severe stomach pain, increased thirst, increased urination, fatigue, blurred vision or change in vision. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: shakiness, nervousness, sweating, unusual hunger, cold/clammy skin, throat swelling. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: dizziness, fainting, irregular heartbeat, trouble breathing, chest pain. If you notice any other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: gall bladder problems (e.g., gallstones), kidney disease, diabetes, heart problems, thyroid problems, any allergies. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially: cyclosporine, insulin, oral anti-diabetic medicine (e.g., glyburide, metformin), beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol, propranolol), calcium channel blockers (e.g., diltiazem, verapamil), "water pills", (diuretics such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide), IV feedings (e.g., parenteral nutrition or TPN). Report other drugs which affect the heart rhythm (QTc prolongation), such as: dofetilide, pimozide, sotalol, moxifloxacin, sparfloxacin. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Octreotide may decrease the absorption of oral medications. Dosage adjustments of other medications may be necessary. Consult your doctor or pharmacist. 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. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe shakiness/sweating, severe dizziness, severe flushing, severe nausea.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., thyroid/hormone levels, B12 levels, serotonin, EKG) will be performed to monitor your progress and possible side effects. Be sure to keep all of your scheduled doctor appointments to help monitor treatment with this medication.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist to establish a new dosing schedule.

Storage

Before mixing, store the powder/vials refrigerated between 36 and 46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C) away from light. Do not freeze. Once mixed, the suspension should be used immediately. Discard any unused portion of the vial.