octapeptide side effects FAQ

Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking, who can advise you on any possible drug interactions. Never begin taking, suddenly discontinue, or change the dosage of any medication without your doctor’s recommendation.

Capsule, Delayed-Release (Mycapssa)

Common side effects of octreotide include:

Octreotide is a medication used in the treatment of acromegaly, a disorder associated with excessive blood levels of growth hormone, and severe, watery diarrhea caused by certain types of gastrointestinal (GI) tumors. Octreotide is a somatostatin analog that is structurally similar to and mimics the activity of somatostatin, a natural hormone that inhibits growth hormone and various gastrointestinal hormones involved in the digestive process. Acromegaly causes excessive growth of body tissues, typically characterized by abnormally large hands, feet and face, and metabolic dysfunction. It may cause enlargement of internal organs and insulin resistance, and can be life-threatening. Most often, acromegaly is the result of an anterior pituitary growth hormone-releasing tumor. Carcinoid tumors are a type of slow-growing cancer of hormone-secreting nerve cells (neuroendocrine) that can grow anywhere in the body. Gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors cause severe diarrhea and flushing. Octreotide works by binding to protein particles (receptors) on cells that respond to somatostatin and inhibit their activity. This suppresses secretion of growth hormone from pituitary gland and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) from liver, reducing the metabolic and other symptoms of acromegaly. Octreotide also suppresses the response of the reproductive hormone luteinizing hormone (LH) to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), and the pancreatic secretion of glucagon and insulin, the two hormones that regulate blood glucose levels. In the gastrointestinal tract, octreotide reduces visceral (splanchnic) blood flow and inhibits the release of serotonin and secretion of various gastrointestinal hormones including gastrin, vasoactive intestinal peptide, secretin, motilin, and pancreatic polypeptide, reducing the hormone release by gastrointestinal tumors and resultant diarrhea. Uses of octreotide include: Adult: FDA-approved:

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using octreotide.

Octreotide is commonly used to treat certain people with the following conditions.

Prefilled Pens. Before using octreotide pens, they should be stored inside the carton, in a refrigerator, between 36 F and 46 F (2 C and 8 C). Do not freeze them. After using a pen, store it at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C) and may be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Throw away octreotide pens 28 days after using it for the first time. Injections, Single-Dose Syringes, Multiple-Dose Vials. Octreotide injections, syringes, and multiple-dose vials should be stored in a refrigerator, between 36 F and 46 F (2 C and 8 C). Once it is removed from the refrigerator, octreotide may be stored at 70 F and 86 F (20 C and 30 C) for up to 14 days if protected from light. Long-Acting Injectable. Long-acting octreotide injections are usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store them at home.

There are no known interactions between octreotide injection and foods or drinks. It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect octreotide. The risk of dizziness may increase if you drink alcohol while using octreotide.

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use octreotide.

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if octreotide is right for you. In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following. Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

Octreotide is available as an intramuscular (IM) injection that is given by a health care provider. It is also available as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection in the following forms that you or a caregiver may administer.

The most common side effects of octreotide are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the condition that is being treated. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

Do not use octreotide unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed. Do not share octreotide with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them. Keep octreotide out of the reach of children. Since this medicine may be kept in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator. Your health care provider will likely make you get lab tests done before and during your treatment. This is to monitor your treatment and watch for side effects. Keep all appointments to have your blood checked. There are multiple forms of octreotide injections available. Some are given at home and some are given by a health care provider. If you are using an octreotide product that can be given at home, read and follow the instructions for the product you have. This medicine is injected under the skin. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly prepare and use octreotide. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider. If you are able to get pregnant, octreotide may make it easier for this to happen. To avoid an unplanned pregnancy, talk to your health care provider about your birth control options.

Octreotide acts like a natural hormone in your body called somatostatin. This medicine helps regulate other hormones in your body, such as growth hormone. It also helps reduce some symptoms caused by certain tumors.

Missing doses of octreotide can cause it to not work as well over time. So it is important not to miss or skip doses. Injections. If you use octreotide at home and miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses. Long-Acting Injectable. Long-acting octreotide injections are usually given by a health care provider in a hospital. Your health care provider will make sure you are receiving them as scheduled. If you miss an appointment to get your long-acting octreotide dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.

If you or someone else has used too much octreotide, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

While less common, the most serious side effects of octreotide are described below, along with what to do if they happen. Severe Allergic Reactions. Octreotide may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using octreotide and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.