Octreotide acetate injection suspension

What is this medication?

OCTREOTIDE (ok TREE oh tide) is used to reduce blood levels of growth hormone in patients with a condition called acromegaly. This medicine also reduces flushing and watery diarrhea caused by certain types of cancer.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Sandostatin LAR

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• diabetes
• gallbladder disease
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• thyroid disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to octreotide, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medicine is for injection into a muscle. It is usually given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

Keep appointments for follow-up doses. It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• cisapride
• dronedarone
• flibanserin
• lutetium Lu 177 dotatate
• pimozide
• saquinavir
• thioridazine

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• bromocriptine
• certain medicines for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heartbeat
• cyclosporine
• diuretics
• medicines for diabetes, including insulin
• quinidine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Tell your health care professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

This medicine may cause decreases in blood sugar. Signs of low blood sugar include chills, cool, pale skin or cold sweats, drowsiness, extreme hunger, fast heartbeat, headache, nausea, nervousness or anxiety, shakiness, trembling, unsteadiness, tiredness, or weakness. Contact your doctor or health care professional right away if you experience any of these symptoms.

This medicine may increase blood sugar. Ask your healthcare provider if changes in diet or medicines are needed if you have diabetes.

This medicine may cause a decrease in vitamin B12. You should make sure that you get enough vitamin B12 while you are taking this medicine. Discuss the foods you eat and the vitamins you take with your health care professional.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
• right upper belly pain
• severe stomach pain
• signs and symptoms of high blood sugar such as being more thirsty or hungry or having to urinate more than normal. You may also feel very tired or have blurry vision.
• signs and symptoms of low blood sugar such as feeling anxious; confusion; dizziness; increased hunger; unusually weak or tired; increased sweating; shakiness; cold, clammy skin; irritable; headache; blurred vision; fast heartbeat; loss of consciousness
• unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea
• dizziness
• gas
• headache
• nausea, vomiting
• pain, redness, or irritation at site where injected
• upset stomach

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This medicine is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.