Brand Names: Sandostatin, Sandostatin LAR Depot

Generic Name: octreotide (injectable) (Pronunciation: ok TREE oh tide)

• What is octreotide (Sandostatin)?
• What are the possible side effects of octreotide (Sandostatin)?
• What is the most important information I should know about octreotide (Sandostatin)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using octreotide (Sandostatin)?
• How should I use octreotide (Sandostatin)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Sandostatin)?
• What happens if I overdose (Sandostatin)?
• What should I avoid while using octreotide (Sandostatin)?
• What other drugs will affect octreotide (Sandostatin)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is octreotide (Sandostatin)?

Octreotide is a man-made protein that is similar to a hormone in the body called somatostatin. Octreotide lowers many substances in the body such as insulin and glucagon (involved in regulating blood sugar), growth hormone, and chemicals that affect digestion.

Octreotide is used to treat acromegaly. Octreotide is also used to reduce flushing episodes and watery diarrhea caused by cancerous tumors (carcinoid syndrome) or tumors called vasoactive intestinal peptide tumors (VIP adenomas).

Octreotide may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of octreotide (Sandostatin)?

Stop using octreotide and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• slow or irregular heartbeats;
• gallbladder problems (stomach pain);
• pancreatitis (pain in the upper stomach or back, nausea, vomiting, fever, bloating, yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• thyroid problems (may be detected by blood tests);
• low blood sugar (headache, confusion, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, fast heartbeat, sweating, tremor, nausea); or
• high blood sugar (increased thirst and urination; flushed or dry skin; drowsiness).

Less serious side effects may include:

• nausea or vomiting;
• diarrhea;
• mild stomach pain or gas;
• constipation; or
• pain or irritation where you injected the medication.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Sandostatin (octreotide acetate) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about octreotide (Sandostatin)?

Before using octreotide, tell your doctor if you have diabetes, gallbladder disease, heart disease, thyroid problems, pancreatitis, kidney disease, or liver disease.

Octreotide is given as an injection under the skin or into a vein. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection. You may be shown how to use your medicine at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of needles, IV tubing, and other items used in giving the medicine. Be sure to follow the instructions for the exact type of octreotide your doctor has prescribed for you.

While using octreotide, call your doctor if you have severe stomach pain, fever, bloating, nausea and vomiting, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). These may be signs of serious side effects