Sandostatin LAR (Octreotide Acetate Injection) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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May 26, 2012

Sandostatin LAR

Diarrhea »

Diarrhea facts

Diarrhea is an increase in the frequency of bowel movements, an increase in the looseness of stool or both.
Diarrhea is caused by increased secretion of fluid into the intestine, reduced absorption of fluid from the intestine or rapid passage of stool through the intestine.
Diarrhea can be defined absolutely or relatively. Absolute diarrhea is defined as more than five bowel movements a day or liquid stools. Relative diarrhea is defined as an increase in the number of bowel movements per day or an increase in the looseness of stools compared with an individual's usual bowel habit.
Diarrhea may be either acute or chronic, and each has different causes and treatments.
Complications of diarrhea include dehydration, electrolytes (mineral) abnormalities, and irritation of the anus.
Dehydration can be treated with oral ...

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Sandostatin LAR

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Sandostatin LAR® Depot
(octreotide acetate) for Injectable Suspension

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Octreotide is the acetate salt of a cyclic octapeptide. It is a long-acting octapeptide with pharmacologic properties mimicking those of the natural hormone somatostatin. Octreotide is known chemically as L-Cysteinamide, D-phenylalanyl-L-cysteinyl-L-phenylalanyl-D-tryptophyl-L-lysyl-L-threonyl-N-[2-hydroxy-1- (hydroxy-methyl) propyl]-, cyclic (2→7)-disulfide; [R-(R*,R*)].

Sandostatin LAR Depot is available in a vial containing the sterile drug product, which when mixed with diluent, becomes a suspension that is given as a monthly intragluteal injection. The octreotide is uniformly distributed within the microspheres which are made of a biodegradable glucose star polymer, D,L-lactic and glycolic acids copolymer. Sterile mannitol is added to the microspheres to improve suspendability.

Sandostatin LAR Depot is available as: sterile 5-mL vials in 3 strengths delivering 10 mg, 20 mg, or 30 mg octreotide-free peptide. Each vial of Sandostatin LAR Depot delivers:

Name of Ingredient	10 mg	20 mg	30 mg
octreotide acetate	11.2 mg*	22.4 mg*	33.6 mg*
D, L-lactic and glycolic acids copolymer	188.8 mg	377.6 mg	566.4 mg
mannitol	41.0 mg	81.9 mg	122.9 mg
*Equivalent to 10/20/30 mg octreotide base.

Each syringe of diluent contains:

carboxymethylcellulose sodium	12.5 mg
mannitol	15.0 mg
water for injection	2.5 mL

The molecular weight of octreotide is 1019.3 (free peptide, C₄₉H₆₆N₁₀O₁₀S₂) and its amino acid sequence is

Sandostatin LAR® Depot (octreotide acetate) Amino acid sequence - Illustration

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

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...

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What are the precautions when taking octreotide acetate injection (Sandostatin LAR)?

Before using octreotide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease (e.g., cirrhosis), diabetes, thyroid problems, gallbladder problems (e.g., gallstones), nutrition problems (e.g., decreased fat absorption, vitamin B12 deficiency).

Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects.

Caution is advised when using this drug in children. Use of this medication for long periods (e.g., longer than 1...

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Last reviewed on RxList: 10/10/2011
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.