What is this medicine?
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.
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What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
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They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-gallbladder disease
-kidney disease
-liver 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 medicine?
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This medicine is for injection under the skin or into a vein (only in emergency situations). It is usually given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.
If you get this medicine at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give this medicine. Allow the injection solution to come to room temperature before use. Do not warm it artificially. Use exactly as directed. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or healthcare provider to get one.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
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If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?
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Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
-cisapride
-droperidol
-general anesthetics
-grepafloxacin
-perphenazine
-thioridazine
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
-bromocriptine
-cyclosporine
-diuretics
-medicines for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart beat
-medicines for diabetes, including insulin
-quinidine
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
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Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress.
To help reduce irritation at the injection site, use a different site for each injection and make sure the solution is at room temperature before use.
This medicine may cause increases or decreases in blood sugar. Signs of high blood sugar include frequent urination, unusual thirst, flushed or dry skin, difficulty breathing, drowsiness, stomach ache, nausea, vomiting or dry mouth. 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.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
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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
-changes in blood sugar
-changes in heart rate
-severe stomach pain
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
-diarrhea or constipation
-gas or stomach pain
-nausea, vomiting
-pain, redness, swelling and irritation at site where injected
Where should I keep my medicine?
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Keep out of the reach of children.
Store in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F). Protect from light. Allow to come to room temperature naturally. Do not use artificial heat. If protected from light, the injection may be stored at room temperature between 20 and 30 degrees C (70 and 86 degrees F) for 14 days. After the initial use, throw away any unused portion of a multiple dose vial after 14 days. Throw away unused portions of the ampules after use.
Information on use before, during and after pregnancy.
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FIRST Trimester
Class B - Animal studies have revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus, however, there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR Animal studies have shown an adverse effect, but adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in any trimester.
SECOND Trimester
Class B - Animal studies have revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus, however, there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR Animal studies have shown an adverse effect, but adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in any trimester.
THIRD Trimester
Class B - Animal studies have revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus, however, there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR Animal studies have shown an adverse effect, but adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in any trimester.
Lactation
Caution - Not enough information is available to rule out harm to infants when this drug is taken by nursing mothers.
