GENERIC NAME: OCTREOTIDE ACETATE DEPOT - INJECTABLE SUSPENSION (ok-TREE-oh-tide)
BRAND NAME(S): Sandostatin LAR
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
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.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Diarrhea - Read the causes of diarrhea including infections, parasites, food poisoning, medications, IBS, IBD, cancer, endocrine disease, fat malabsorption, laxative abuse and more.
- Carcinoid Syndrome and Carcinoid Tumor - Carcinoid tumors often have no symptoms, however, they may cause carcnoid syndrome.
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