Octreotide
Description
Octreotide is a synthetic protein similar to a hormone in the human body called somatostatin. It is used for the treatment of acromegaly, a hormonal disorder in which the pituitary gland produces an excess of growth hormone. It is also used for the treatment of severe watery diarrhea associated with certain cancers.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Octreotide
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Increase in blood glucose level
- Decreased Thyroid Hormone levels
- Decreased heartbeat
- Difficulty in breathing
- Gallbladder Stones
Uses of Octreotide
What is it prescribed for?
- Acromegaly
- Carcinoid Tumors
- Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide Tumors (VIPomas)
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe effect of this medicine can be observed within 30 minutes of a subcutaneous or intravenous administration. For an intramuscular administration, the amount of time required for this medicine to show its effect is not clinically established.
- Duration of effectThe effect of this medicine lasts for up to 12 hours following a subcutaneous or intravenous administration. For an intramuscular administration, the amount of time for which this medicine remains active in the body is not clinically established.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendencies were reported.
- Usage in pregnancy?This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before receiving this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before receiving this medicine. Your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding or to discontinue the drug based on your clinical condition.
Allergy
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known allergy to octreotide or any other inactive ingredients present along with it.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before receiving this medicine.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before receiving this medicine. Your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding or to discontinue the drug based on your clinical condition.
General warnings
Gallbladder stones
This medicine should be used with caution due to the increased risk of gallbladder stones. Patients are usually recommended to undergo an ultrasound examination of the gallbladder prior to beginning treatment with this medicine as well as at 6 to 12 monthly intervals during treatment with this medicine. Appropriate corrective measures, dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Blood glucose alterations
This medicine may alter the blood glucose levels in some patients. This risk is especially high in patients suffering from diabetes mellitus. Close monitoring of blood glucose levels, appropriate dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Hypothyroidism
This medicine should be used with caution due to the increased risk of hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce adequate amounts of thyroid hormones. Close monitoring of thyroid hormone levels, appropriate dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Missed Dose
Since this medicine is administered by a qualified healthcare professional in the clinical or hospital setting, the likelihood of missing a dose is very low. If you miss a scheduled appointment for a dose of this medicine, contact your doctor immediately.
Overdose
Since this medicine is administered in the hospital or clinical setting by a qualified healthcare professional, the likelihood of an overdose is very low. However, emergency medical treatment will be initiated by the doctor if an overdose is suspected.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Insulin
Bromocriptine
Cyclosporine
Disease interactions
Renal Dysfunction
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with a history of kidney diseases due to the increased risk of severe adverse effects. Close monitoring of kidney function, appropriate dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Heart Disease
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with a history of heart diseases due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Report any unusual symptoms such as changes in heart rate, difficulty breathing, etc. to the doctor immediately. Close monitoring of heart function and vital signs, appropriate dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Liver Disease
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with a history of liver diseases due to the increased risk of severe adverse effects. Close monitoring of liver function, appropriate dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
This medicine should be administered only by a qualified healthcare professional. Inform the doctor if you have a known allergy to this medicine. Report to the doctor all your current medicines including herbs and supplements as well as all your medical conditions before receiving this medicine.
Miscelleneous
How it works
This medicine reduces the levels of growth hormone in patients suffering from acromegaly. It also reduces symptoms such as severe watery diarrhea and flushing associated with certain cancers.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Somatostatin and Analogues
Schedule
Schedule H
[Internet]. Medicines.org.uk. 2018 [cited 26 July 2018]. Available from:
[Internet]. Ebs.tga.gov.au. 2018 [cited 26 July 2018]. Available from:
[Internet]. Novartis.ca. 2018 [cited 26 July 2018]. Available from:
[Internet]. Mhra.gov.uk. 2018 [cited 26 July 2018]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 8 Aug 2018
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.