Octreotide: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

What Drug Octreotide?

What is octreotide for?

Octreotide is a drug used to treat severe diarrhea and sudden redness of the face and neck caused by certain types of tumors (for example, carcinoid tumors, vasoactive intestinal peptide tumors) that are found usually in the intestines and pancreas. Symptoms occur when the tumor makes too much of certain natural substances (hormones). This drug works by blocking the production of this hormone. By reducing watery diarrhea, octreotide helps reduce the loss of body fluids and minerals.

Octreotide is also used to treat certain conditions (acromegaly) that occur when the body makes too much of a certain natural substance called growth hormone. Treating acromegaly helps reduce the risk of serious problems such as diabetes and heart disease. Octreotide works by reducing the amount of growth hormone to normal levels.

This medicine is not a cure for the condition. This medicine is usually used with other treatments (for example, surgery, radiation, other drugs).

How is octreotide used?

This medication is usually given by injection under the skin, usually 2 to 3 times a day or as directed by your doctor. Depending on your condition, this medicine can be given by injection into a vein by a healthcare professional.

If your doctor directs you to inject this medication under your own skin, learn all the preparation and instructions for use from a healthcare professional. Learn how to store and dispose of needles and medical supplies safely. If you have questions, ask a healthcare professional.

Before using, inspect this product visually for particles or discoloration. If discoloration or particles are seen, do not use them. Before injecting each dose, clean the injection site with alcohol. Change the location of the injection site each time to avoid problems with the area under the skin.

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Use this remedy regularly for optimal benefits. You need to remember to use it at the same time every day.

Tell your doctor if your condition doesn't improve or if it gets worse.

How is the octreotide stored?

If you keep a long-acting injection in your home until it is time for injection by a doctor or nurse, you should store it in the original carton in the refrigerator and protect it from light. If you are going to store the injection for some time, you should keep it in the original carton in the refrigerator, or you can store it at room temperature for up to 14 days.

Always keep the injection in the original carton and protect it from light. Throw away any medicines that are expired or no longer needed, and discard the multi-dose injection vials every 14 days after you take your first dose. Talk with your doctor about disposing of your medication.

Octreotide dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of octreotide for adults?

Normal Dosage for Adults with Carcinoid Tumors

Initial dose: 100 to 200 mcg subcutaneously 3 times a day.

Maintenance dose: 50-300 mcg / day.

Maximum dose: 1,500 mcg / day.

Normal Dosage for Adults with Intestinal Vasoactive Peptide Tumors

Initial dose: 100 mcg subcutaneously 2 to 3 times a day.

Maintenance dose: 150-300 mcg / day.

Maximum dose: 450 mcg / day.

Normal Dosage for Adults with Acromegaly

Initial dose: 50 mcg subcutaneously 3 times a day.

Maintenance dose: 100 to 300 mcg / day.

Normal Dosage for Adults with Gastrinoma

initial dose: 100 to 200 mcg subcutaneously 3 times a day.

Maintenance dose: 100 to 300 mcg / day.

Maximum dose: 1,500 mcg / day.

Normal dosage for adults with pituitary adenoma

Initial dose: 100 to 200 mcg subcutaneously 3 times a day.

Maintenance dose: 100 to 300 mcg / day.

Maximum dose: 1,500 mcg / day.

Normal Dosage for Adults with Insulinoma

initial dose: 100 to 200 mcg subcutaneously 3 times a day.

Maintenance dose: 100 to 300 mcg / day.

Normal Dosage for Adults with Glucagonoma

initial dose: 100 to 200 mcg subcutaneously 3 times daily for 2 weeks.

Maintenance dose: 300 to 1,500 mcg / day.

Normal Dosage for Adults with Small Intestinal or Pancreatic Fistula

50 to 100 mcg subcutaneously 3 times a day for 2 to 3 days.

Normal Dosage for Adult Sufferers Diarrhea

Initial dose: 50 to 100 mcg subcutaneously 3 times a day.

Maintenance dose: 50-300 mcg / day. (10-300 mcg when associated with AIDS)

Normal Dosage for Adults with Type 1 Diabetes

Initial dose: 50 mcg subcutaneously 3 times a day.

Maintenance dose: 100-600 mcg / day.

What is the dose of octreotide for children?

The dosage for children has not been determined. Consult your doctor for more information.

In what dosage is octreotide available?

Solution, Injection: 50 ug in 1 mL, 100 ug in 1 mL, 500 ug in 1 mL, 200 ug in 1 mL, 1000 ug in 1 mL

Octreotide side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to octreotide?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of the following signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have serious side effects such as:

• easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red spots under your skin;
• slow or irregular heartbeat
• severe abdominal pain or pain, severe constipation
• severe pain in the upper abdomen spreading to the back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate
• unusual weakness, loss of energy, weight gain, joint or muscle pain, swelling in the neck or throat (enlarged thyroid);
• low blood sugar (headache, hunger, weakness, sweating, confusion, irritability, dizziness, fast heart rate, or feeling restless)
• high blood sugar (increased thirst, increased urination, hunger, dry mouth, fruity breath odor, drowsiness, dry skin, blurred vision, weight loss)

Less serious side effects may include:

• diarrhea, constipation
• abdominal pain or discomfort, gas, bloating
• nausea or vomiting
• headache, dizziness

Not everyone experiences this side effect. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have any concerns about side effects, please consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Octreotide Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should I know before using octreotide?

Before using octreotide injection, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to octreotide injection, any other medication, or any of the ingredients in octreotide injection. Ask your pharmacist for a list of ingredients. If you are going to be using a long-acting injection, also tell your doctor if you are allergic to latex.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and non-prescription drugs, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are currently taking or planning to take. Be sure to mention one of the following: beta blockers such as atenolol (Tenormin), labetalol (Normodyne), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), nadolol (Corgard), and propranolol (Inderal); bromocriptine (Cycloset, Parlodel); calcium channel blockers such as amlodipine (Norvasc), diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor, Tiazac, others), felodipine (Plendil), nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia), nisoldipine (Sular), and verapamil (Calan, Isoptin, Verelan); cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune); insulin and oral medications for diabetes; quinidine; and terbenadine (Seldane) (not available in the US). Your doctor may need to change the dose of your medication or monitor you carefully for side effects.

Tell your doctor if you are taking total parenteral nutrition (TPN; eating by giving fluids that contain nutrients directly into your veins) and if you have or have ever had diabetes or heart, liver, or kidney disease.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding. You may be able to get pregnant during your treatment with octreotide even if you didn't find out that you were pregnant before your treatment because of acromegaly. Talk with your doctor about birth control methods that will work for you. If you become pregnant while receiving octreotide injection, call your doctor.

Is octreotide safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category B according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = No risk,
• B = not at risk in several studies,
• C = May be risky,
• D = There is positive evidence of risk,
• X = Contraindicated,
• N = Unknown

Octreotide Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with octreotide?

• What medicines may interact with Octreotide?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this document. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

• beta-blockers (for example, propranolol), bromocriptine, calcium channel blockers (for example, verapamil), quinidine, or tertadine because they can increase the risk of side effects
• cyclosporine, insulin, or oral hypoglycemic drugs (for example, glyburide) because octreotide will decrease the effectiveness of

Can food or alcohol interact with octreotide?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with octreotide?

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this drug. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• cholangitis (inflammation or swelling of the bile ducts)
• congestive heart failure
• gallbladder disease
• gallstones, or history
• heart rhythm problems (for example, arrhythmias, long QT, slow heart rate)
• pancreatitis (inflammation or swelling of the pancreas)
• thyroid problems
• Vitamin B12 deficiency - use with caution. It might make things worse
• diabetes - Octreotide can cause high or low blood sugar. Your doctor may need to change the dose of insulin or diabetes medications
• kidney disease - use with caution. Side effects can increase because the elimination of the drug from the body is slower

Octreotide overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

Overdose symptoms may include:

• slow or irregular heartbeat
• dizzy
• passed out
• flushed and hot face
• diarrhea
• weakness
• weight loss

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.