Sandostatin (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.
Sandostatin 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).
Sandostatin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
Use Sandostatin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. 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.
Before using Sandostatin, tell your doctor if you have diabetes, gallbladder disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, a heart rhythm disorder, thyroid problems, pancreatitis, kidney disease, or liver disease.
You may be shown how to use an IV at home. Do not self-inject Sandostatin 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 Sandostatin your doctor has prescribed for you.
To be sure Sandostatin is helping your condition and not causing harmful effects, your blood cells, kidney function, and liver function may need to be tested often. Do not miss any follow up visits to your doctor for blood or urine tests. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as easy bruising or bleeding, slow heart rate, or severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Sandostatin if you are allergic to octreotide.
To make sure you can safely use Sandostatin, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
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diabetes;
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gallbladder disease;
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heart disease, high blood pressure, or heart rhythm disorder;
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thyroid problems;
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pancreatitis;
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liver disease; or
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kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis).
Sandostatin 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 Sandostatin 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 Sandostatin?
Use Sandostatin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Sandostatin is injected under the skin (subcutaneously), or into a vein through an IV (intravenously). 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.
Store Sandostatin in the original carton in the refrigerator. Protect from light.
Sandostatin 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 Sandostatin 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 Sandostatin. 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 Sandostatin, you may need frequent medical tests.
Each single-use ampoule 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 ampoule or multi-dose vial at room temperature for up to 14 days. Keep away from moisture and heat.
Throw away any Sandostatin 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 Sandostatin.
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 Sandostatin?
Follow your doctor"s instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
Sandostatin side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Sandostatin: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
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severe stomach pain or tenderness, severe constipation;
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slow or uneven heartbeats;
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severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate;
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high blood sugar--increased thirst, increased urination, hunger, dry mouth, fruity breath odor, drowsiness, dry skin, blurred vision, weight loss;
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low blood sugar--headache, hunger, weakness, sweating, confusion, irritability, dizziness, fast heart rate, or feeling jittery; or
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underactive thyroid--extreme tired feeling, dry skin, joint pain or stiffness, muscle pain or weakness, hoarse voice, feeling more sensitive to cold temperatures, weight gain.
Common Sandostatin side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Sandostatin?
Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with Sandostatin, especially:
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bromocriptine (Cycloset, Parlodel);
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cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune, Gengraf);
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insulin or oral diabetes medicine;
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a diuretic or "water pill"; or
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medicine for heart disease or high blood pressure.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with octreotide, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.
