Octreotide Acetate - Octreotide Injection Suspension

What is this medication?

OCTREOTIDE (ok TREE oh tide) treats high levels of growth hormone (acromegaly). It works by reducing the amount of growth hormone your body makes. This reduces symptoms and the risk of health problems caused by too much growth hormone, such as diabetes and heart disease. It may also be used to treat diarrhea caused by neuroendocrine tumors. It works by slowing down the release of serotonin from the tumor cells. This reduces the number of bowel movements you have.

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 medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is injected into a muscle. It is usually given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication 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 care team if you are unable to keep an appointment.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Cisapride
• Dronedarone
• Flibanserin
• Lutetium Lu 177 dotatate
• Pimozide
• Saquinavir
• Thioridazine

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Bromocriptine
• Certain medications for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heartbeat
• Cyclosporine
• Diuretics
• Medications 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 care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

This medication 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 care team right away if you experience any of these symptoms.

This medication may increase blood sugar. The risk may be higher in patients who already have diabetes. Ask your care team what you can do to lower your risk of diabetes while taking this medication.

You should make sure you get enough vitamin B12 while you are taking this medication. Discuss the foods you eat and the vitamins you take with your care team.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Gallbladder problems—severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever
• Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing
• High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)—increased thirst or amount of urine, unusual weakness or fatigue, blurry vision
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)—tremors or shaking, anxiety, sweating, cold or clammy skin, confusion, dizziness, rapid heartbeat
• Low thyroid levels (hypothyroidism)—unusual weakness or fatigue, increased sensitivity to cold, constipation, hair loss, dry skin, weight gain, feelings of depression
• Low vitamin B12 level—pain, tingling, or numbness in the hands or feet, muscle weakness, dizziness, confusion, trouble concentrating
• Pancreatitis—severe stomach pain that spreads to your back or gets worse after eating or when touched, fever, nausea, vomiting

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

• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Gas
• Headache
• Pain, redness, or irritation at injection site
• Stomach pain

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 medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It 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.