What is Octreotide?
Octreotide is an artificial protein that is similar to the hormone that is found in our bodies, known as somatostatin. Octreotide decreases a variety of components in the body, including insulin and glucose (involved in controlling blood sugar), growth hormone, and other chemicals that influence digestion.
Octreotide is a treatment for the condition known as acromegaly. Octreotide can also be used to decrease flushing episodes as well as the watery diarrhoea caused by cancerous tumours (carcinoid syndrome) or tumours referred to as vasoactive intestinal peptide tumours (VIPomas).
Octreotide is also employed for other purposes that are not covered in this guideline.
Side effects of Octreotide
Contact a medical professional immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms that are warning signs of an allergic response, like hives, trouble breathing, and swelling of your lips, face, and tongue,
Octreotide may cause serious side effects. Contact your physician immediately. If you suffer from:
- Serious constipation;
- Irregular or slow heartbeats;
- Symptoms of gallstones: fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, intense discomfort in your stomach that stretches to your back, dark urine, black stool, jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin);
- High blood sugar—increased thirst, more frequent urine production, dry mouth, and fruity breath smell;
- Blood sugar levels are low—headaches and hunger, sweating or irritability, anxiety, a fast heart rate, and feeling nervous or shaky;
- A thyroid that is underactive—extreme tiredness, dry skin, joint discomfort or stiffness, muscle discomfort and weakness, a hoarse voice, feeling less sensitive to frigid temperatures, and weight gain.
Common adverse reactions to octreotide include:
- gallstones;
- nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, gas;
- migraine, back pain headaches, back pain
- dizziness, tiredness.
This is not a comprehensive list of possible side effects, and other effects may also be present. Consult your physician for advice regarding medical effects. You can report symptoms to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Follow the instructions on the label of your medication and the package. Be sure to inform your health care providers about your medical issues, allergies, and any medications you take.
Before you Take this Drug
Octreotide is not a good choice when you have a reaction to it.
Speak to your doctor if you have ever suffered from:
- Diabetes;
- Gallbladder diseases;
- The heart, high blood pressure, also known as heart rhythm disorder
- Thyroid problems;
- Pancreatitis;
- The liver condition
- Kidney disease (or those who are taking dialysis).
Inform your doctor if you are nursing or pregnant.
The use of octreotide may affect some hormones that can help you become pregnant, even if you were not able to become pregnant prior to it. Discuss with your physician the use of birth control methods to stop an unwanted pregnancy.Octreotide is not allowed for use by anyone who is younger than
How to Take Octreotide?
Be sure to follow the instructions printed on your prescription label read all guides to medication as well as the instructions. Your doctor may alter the dosage. Make sure you take the medication exactly as prescribed.Oral octreotide is a medicine taken by mouth.Octreotide injections are injected under the skin, in muscles, or into the vein. The healthcare provider will provide the first dose and guide you on how to administer the drug on your own.
Take note of and follow the instructions for use that come with your medication. Consult your physician or pharmacist to clarify any instructions.Suck the capsule intact, and don't crush or chew on it, break it, or break it open.
Consume this capsule with an entire glass of water if you are not hungry at least 1 hour prior to or 2 hours after eating.It is possible to mix octreotide with liquid (diluent) prior to use. When you administer injections yourself, ensure you know how to blend and keep the medication.Follow the instructions to use the exact octreotide type the doctor prescribed for you.
Make an injection only when you are ready to administer it. Avoid using it when the medication is changing colour or has particles. Contact your pharmacist to inquire about a new medication.Your doctor will tell you the best place to inject octreotide. Make sure to inject at a different location every time you administer an injection. Make sure you don't inject in the same spot twice in one row.You'll need to undergo frequent medical examinations.
If you are in need of radiation treatment, it is possible to stop taking octreotide for an indefinite period. Follow the instructions of your physician cautiously.Octreotide that is not opened can be stored in the original container inside the refrigerator. Keep away from the sun's rays. Don't freeze.
After you've started taking the octreotide capsules, keep them at a cool, dry temperature, away from heat and moisture. Place each capsule into your blister until it is time to start taking the medication.
Remove the ampule from the refrigerator and allow it to be at room temperature prior to injecting the dose. Don't heat the ampule. Each ampule is intended for only one use. Dispose of it after one use, even if there's still medicine inside.It is also possible to keep the unopened ampule at room temperature for up to 14 days. Discard the ampule in the event that it is not used in 14 days.
When you are ready to use the pen for injection, it is possible to keep it at room temperature for 28 days. Do not freeze the pen, and then throw away the pen when it is frozen.The pen should be discarded within 28 days of your first injection, regardless of whether there's still medicine inside.
Make use of the needle and the syringe once only and put them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container. Be sure to follow the laws of your state or city on how to dispose of the container. Make sure it is out of reach of pets and children.
What Happens If I Miss a Dose?
Contact your doctor for advice if you missed the dose.
What Happens If I Overdose?
Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the poison help line at 1-800-222-1222.
The symptoms of an overdose can include severe stomach pain and vomiting, weight loss and tingling or warmth, a sensation of cold or numbness or muscle pain that is not explained, weakness, fainting, or slow breathing (breathing might cease).
What Should be Avoided?
Follow your doctor's advice regarding any limitations on foods, drinks, or any activity.
Interaction with Other Drugs
Inform your doctor about all other medications, including:
- Bromocriptine (Cycloset, Parlodel);
- Cyclosporine;
- Oral diabetes medication, insulin,
- Blood pressure or heart medication.
This list is not comprehensive. Other drugs can interact with the octreotide drug, such as prescription and nonprescription drugs, vitamins, and herbal products. There are many possible interactions between drugs. are included here.
