Octeotride

Octreotide is used for:
Treatment of severe diarrhea caused by certain types of cancer. It is also used to treat acromegaly in certain patients. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Octreotide is a somatostatic agent. It works by reducing blood levels of a variety of hormones (eg, growth hormone) and chemical messengers (eg, gastrin, vasoactive intestinal peptide), which cause disease symptoms.
Use Octreotide as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
* Octreotide is usually given as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. If you will be using Octreotide at home, a health care provider will teach you how to use it. Be sure you understand how to use Octreotide . Follow the procedures you are taught when you use a dose. Contact your health care provider if you have any questions.
* Do not use Octreotide if it contains particles, is cloudy or discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged.
* Allow Octreotide to come to room temperature before using. Do not warm or thaw Octreotide with hot water or by placing in the microwave.
* Rotate injection sites to avoid using the same injection site within several days.
* Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Ask your health care provider how to dispose of these materials after use. Follow all local rules for disposal.
* If you miss a dose of Octreotide , use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once. If more than one dose is missed, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Octreotide .
* Octreotide may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or vision changes. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Octreotide with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
* Diabetes patients - Octreotide may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.
* Octreotide may raise your blood sugar. High blood sugar may make you feel confused, drowsy, or thirsty. It can also make you flush, breathe faster, or have a fruit-like breath odor. If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor right away.
* Octreotide may also sometimes lower blood sugar in some patients. Low blood sugar may make you anxious, sweaty, weak, dizzy, drowsy, or faint. It may also make your heart beat faster; make your vision change; give you a headache, chills, or tremors; or make you more hungry. It is a good idea to carry a reliable source of glucose (eg, tablets or gel) to treat low blood sugar. If this is not available, you should eat or drink a quick source of sugar like table sugar, honey, candy, orange juice, or non-diet soda. This will raise your blood sugar level quickly. Tell your doctor right away if this happens. To prevent low blood sugar, eat meals at the same time each day and do not skip meals.
* Lab tests, including blood sugar levels, growth hormone levels, and thyroid function tests, may be performed while you use Octreotide . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
* Use Octreotide with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
* Caution is advised when using Octreotide in CHILDREN; they may be more sensitive to it its effects, especially gallbladder problems.
* Octreotide may restore fertility in some women with acromegaly who were unable to become pregnant. If you wish to avoid pregnancy, you should use effective birth control while you use Octreotide .
* PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Octreotide while you are pregnant. It is not known if Octreotide is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Octreotide , check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.
Store Octreotide in the refrigerator between 36 and 46 degrees F (2 and 8 degrees C). Do not freeze. Octreotide may also be stored at room temperature between 70 and 86 degrees F (20 and 30 degrees C) for up to 14 days if protected from light. Throw away multiple-dose vials within 14 days after opening. Open single-dose vials just before use and throw away any unused portion. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Octreotide , as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and away from pets.