Octreotide (Injection)

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to octreotide.

Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin or into a vein.
A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection.
You will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas.
Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.
Never share your medicine with anyone.

It is very important to use this medicine on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.
If you store this medicine at home, store it in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. If kept at room temperature and protected from light, octreotide is good for only 14 days.
Do not open a bottle until you are ready to use the medicine. If you are using the bottles that contain more than one dose, the bottle and any unused medicine must be thrown away 14 days after opening.
Throw away any unused medicine if the expiration date has passed.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using cyclosporine (Sandimmune®), diabetes medicine (insulin or oral medicine such as Actos?, Avandia®, Glucotrol®, Glyburide®), blood pressure medicine (such as atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol, Toprol®), heart medicine (such as verapamil, Adalat®, Cardizem®, Plendil®, Procardia®), diuretics (water pills such as furosemide, Norvasc®), or potassium supplements.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have psoriasis, heart or thyroid problems, diabetes, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), or severe kidney disease.
Side effects tend to be more severe in patients who are taking octreotide for acromegaly.

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
Fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
Increase in how much or how often you urinate, increased thirst or hunger, weight loss
Nervousness, shakiness, sweating, sudden hunger
Severe pain in the upper or upper right abdomen, especially spreading to the side or back
Severe stomach pain
Unusual tiredness or weakness, coldness, weight gain
Yellow skin or eyes