Sandostatin LAR 20mg

what this drug is used for:

• This medicine is given to control symptoms such as diarrhea or flushing in patients with tumors such as carcinoid, pancreatic islet cell tumors, gastrinoma, or vasoactive intestinal peptide-secreting tumors (VIPomas).
• It is also used to treat acromegaly, when the body produces too much growth hormone, and the hands, feet, face or head grow too large.

• Octreotide has two formulations.  For purposes of clarity, trade names will be used for discussion. Sandostatin^®is a short acting version and Sandostatin LAR^®is a long acting version.
• Sandostatin^® is given by subcutaneous injection (S.C. - the layer of tissue between the skin and the muscle).  It may be necessary to take the shot several times a day.  The injection sites should be rotated regularly.  This medication may also be given intravenously.
• Sandostatin LAR^® is given by intramuscular injection (IM - into the muscle) under a doctor's supervision.  This medication is generally given once every 4 weeks.  The preferred site for injection is the hip, because it is painful given into the arm.  Sandostatin LAR^® should NOT be given by S.C. or IV routes.
• If short acting Sandostatin^® is to be replaced by long-acting Sandostatin LAR^®, short acting Sandostatin^® should be continued for at least two weeks to maintain therapeutic doses in patients with carcinoid tumors or VIPomas. 
• Short acting Sandostatin^® may also be used to control breakthrough syptoms in carcinoid. 
• The amount of octreotide that you will receive depends on many factors, including your height and weight, your general health or other health problems, and the type of cancer or condition being treated.  Your doctor will determine your dose and schedule.

Side effects:
Important things to remember about the side effects of octreotide:

• Most people do not experience all of the side effects listed.
• Side effects are often predictable in terms of their onset and duration. 
• Side effects are almost always reversible and will go away after treatment is complete.
• There are many options to help minimize or prevent side effects.
• There is no relationship between the presence or severity of side effects and the effectiveness of the medication.
• The side effects of octreotide and their severity depend on how much of the drug is given and which preparation is given.  In other words, high doses may produce more severe side effects.

The following side effects are common (occurring in greater than 30%) for patients taking Octreotide:

• Gallstones (common with long term use but rarely symptomatic enough to require intervention).
• Nausea 
• Pain at the injection site 

These side effects are less common side effects (occurring in about 10-29%) of patients receiving octreotide:

• Abdominal Pain 
• Flatulence (gas) 
• Constipation
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea (may be due to the disease rather than the medication)
• Upper respiratory infection (see lung problems)
• Fatigue
• Flu-like syndrome
• Dizziness
• Headache
• If you have diabetes, your blood sugar levels may be affected. Discuss this with your healthcare provider, how you will monitor your blood sugar readings at home. 
• You may experience a slower heartbeat