Octreotide
Generic Name:
Octreotide
Brand Names:
Sandostatin
Octreotide Description:
Octreotide is used to treat patients with acromegaly, a metabolic disorder characterized by excessive growth hormone in the body. The medication is also used to alleviate symptoms of severe diarrhea and flushing caused by gastrointestinal tumors.
Octreotide works by suppressing growth hormone as well as a number of other substances such as gastrin and secretin.
Octreotide Side Effects:
When used to treat acromegaly, the most common side effects of octreotide include:
- Diarrhea
- Gallstones
- Stomach pain
- Gas
When used to treat symptoms of intestinal tumors, the most common side effects of octreotide include:
For more information, see our octreotide side effects page.
Octreotide Uses:
Octreotide is used to treat acromegaly, a condition that can result in abnormally large hands or feet, as well as a variety of other symptoms.
Octreotide is also used to alleviate diarrhea and flushing due to the presence of gastrointestinal tumors.
Octreotide Interactions:
The following medications may interact with octreotide:
- Cyclosporine
- Insulin
- Oral diabetic medications
- Beta blockers
- Calcium channel blockers
- Medications that affect fluid and electrolyte balance
- Bromocriptine
- Quinidine
- Terfenadine
Octreotide may interact with other medications or substances that are not listed above. In order to avoid potentially hazardous interactions, patients should talk with their doctor about the use of any other medicines, vitamins or supplements before beginning treatment with octreotide.
Octreotide Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendations
Octreotide is administered in the form of an injection and, in some cases, an infusion. When used to treat acromegaly in adults, patients usually receive 20 mg of the medication once every four weeks for a period of three months. When used to treat symptoms resulting from gastrointestinal tumors, patients typically receive 20 mg of the medication once every four weeks for two months.
After this dosage period, your doctor will normally assess your response to the medication.
Missing a Dose of Octreotide
Patients should attend all doctor appointments while undergoing treatment with octreotide. If you cannot attend an appointment and do not receive a scheduled injection, contact your doctor as soon as possible to reschedule.
Octreotide Overdose
Because octreotide is administered by a health care professional, the risk of overdose is relatively low. However, patients should contact their doctor if they believe they have received too much of the medication or if they experience any severe side effects.
Octreotide FDA Approval:
October 21, 1998
Octreotide Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
Octreotide does not carry any black box warnings.
Recalls
In 2007, Abraxis Pharmaceutical Products recalled certain lots of octreotide because the products were accompanied by incorrect labeling. The actions constituted a Class III recall.
In 2008, Cardinal Health Care recalled certain lots of octreotide because the products may have been subjected to inappropriate temperatures. The actions constituted a Class III recall.
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