Drugs Blog

Type of Drug:Synthetic hormone closely related to the natural hormone somatostatin (growth hormone inhibitor).

How the Octreotide Acetate Works:

Octreotide reduces blood levels of a variety of hormones (eg, growth hormone) and chemical messengers (eg, gastrin).

Uses of the Octreotide Acetate

To reduce the blood levels of growth hormone and IGF-I in patients with acromegaly who have had inadequate response to or cannot be treated with surgical resection, pituitary irradiation and bromocriptine mesylate at maximally tolerated doses. The goal is to achieve normalization of growth hormone and IGF-I levels.

To treat symptoms of patients with metastatic carcinoid tumors where it suppresses or inhibits severe diarrhea and flushing episodes.

Treatment of the profuse watery diarrhea associated with vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) tumors.

Unlabeled Uses: Occasionally doctors may prescribe this medicine to reduce output from gastrointestinal or pancreatic sores; treat variceal bleeding, diarrheal states associated with a variety of conditions, irritable bowel syndrome, dumping syndrome, enteric fistula, pancreatitis, pan creatic surgery, glucagonoma, insulinoma, gastrinoma (Zollinger-Ellison syndrome), intestinal obstruction, local radiotherapy, thyrotropin and TSH-secreting tumors; for chronic pain management, antineoplastic (anti-cancer) therapy or to decrease insulin requirements in diabetes mellitus.

Precautions:

Do not use in the following situations: Sensitivity to any component of this medicine.

Use with caution in the following situations: diabetes kidney disease

Pregnancy: Studies in pregnant women or in animals have been judged not to show a risk to the fetus. However, no drug should be used during pregnancy unless clearly needed.

Breastfeeding: It is not known if octreotide appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before begin breastfeeding.

Elderly: Lower doses may be necessary

Lab tests may be required to monitor therapy. Lab tests may include blood tests and thyroid function tests.

Drug Interactions:

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or if you are planning to take any over-the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements while taking this medicine. Doses of one or both drugs may need to be modified or a different drug may need to be prescribed. The following drugs and drug classes may interact with this medicine.

Side Effects of Octreotide Acetate:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many patients experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:

Digestive Tract: Diarrhea; loose stools; nausea; stomach pain; vomiting; gas; bloating; constipation.

Nervous System: Headache; dizziness; tiredness; weakness; depression. Circulatory System: Slow or irregular heart rate.

Skin: Injection site pain or bruising; swelling; itching; hair loss; bruising; flushing.

Other: Gallbladder problems, especially stones or biliary sludge; back or joint pain; cold or flu symptoms; visual problems; blurred vision; frequent urination; urinary tract infection; changes in blood sugar levels; under active thyroid; goiter.

Guidelines for Use:

• Use exactly as prescribed.
• Follow the injection procedures taught to you by your health care provider. Use proper technique; inject deep under the skin, not into muscle. Rotate injection sites.
• If a dose is missed, inject it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose in order to “catch up” (unless advised to do so by your doctor). If more than one dose is missed or it is necessary to establish a new dosage schedule, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
• Diabetics - Insulin requirements may increase or decrease. Be prepared to monitor blood sugar more often.
• May cause dizziness. Use caution when driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness, coordination or physical dexterity.
• Lab tests may be required to monitor therapy. Be sure to keep appointments.
• Visually inspect solution for particles or discoloration before use.
• Ampules - Open just prior to administration. Discard any unused portion.
• Vials - Discard any unused portion within 14 days of first use.
• Store at room temperature (70 to 86°F) away from light, for up to 14 days. For prolonged storage, store in the refrigerator (36 to 46°F) away from light. Solution may be warmed to room temperature naturally. Do not warm artificially.

Tagged under:blood levels, during pregnancy, gastrinoma, Hormones, octreotide acetate, variceal bleeding zollinger ellison syndrome