OCTREOTIDE
Background and Date of Approval
Octreotide has been approved to treat acromegaly by the U.S. FDA approved on June 26, 2020.
Uses
Octreotide treats acromegaly, carcinoid tumors, and vasoactive intestinal peptide tumors (VIPoma).
How is it administered?
Octreotide is available as an immediate-release solution (liquid) for injection in the doses of 10 mg, 20 mg, and 30 mg. It is intended for administration via the subcutaneous or intravenous route. It must be administered only under the supervision of a healthcare professional at around the same time every day. Check for discoloration and the presence of particles before injecting.
Side Effects
The side effects known to occur commonly during the treatment with Octreotide are nausea, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, flatulence, hair loss, etc. This medicine could also alter your blood glucose, thyroid, and liver enzyme levels. Report to your doctor immediately if you experience difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, gall bladder abnormalities, blood glucose fluctuations, or hypothyroidism.
Warnings
Contact your physician immediately if you experience allergies to Octreotide and its ingredients. During the Octreotide injection treatment, your doctor may periodically monitor your blood sugar level, thyroid function, and liver or pancreatic enzyme function to prevent serious complications. Report to your doctor if you have an irregular heartbeat, gallstones, problems with blood sugar levels, either too high (hyperglycemia) or too low (hypoglycemia), or issues with the liver or kidneys. Discuss with your doctor if you have a medical history of vitamin B12 deficiency.
Precautions
If you are pregnant or planning to have a baby, consult a doctor before taking this medicine. Your healthcare provider will prescribe Octreotide only if it is necessary for you. Avoid breastfeeding your baby while on the treatment as it is unknown if Octreotide passes into the breastmilk.
Word of Advice
It is advised to let the Octreotide get to room temperature before using the medication if it is kept in the refrigerator. It reduces the possibility of pain at the injection site. It would be best if you didn't heat it, but you can warm it up in your palm. If you experience pain at the subcutaneous injection site, you can get relief by immediately rubbing the injection site lightly.
References
Hospira U.K. Limited, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on May 2022] [Accessed on 16th Aug 2022], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.375.pdf Novartis pharmaceuticals corporation, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on 2002] [Accessed on 16th Aug 2022],
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the uses of Octreotide?
Octreotide is used to treat Acromegaly (abnormal growth of the feet, hands, and face), carcinoid tumors, and vasoactive intestinal peptide tumors (VIPoma).
Is Octreotide safe for pregnancy?
No, Octreotide should not be used during pregnancy. Consult your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to have a baby. While using this drug, women who don't want to get pregnant should use an effective method of contraception.
Is Octreotide a chemotherapy medication?
Octreotide is a chemotherapy medication used in patients with gastro-entero-pancreatic (GEP) endocrine and pituitary tumors.
What are the common side effects of Octreotide?
Nausea, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, flatulence, increased blood glucose level and gallstones are the most common side effects of Octreotide.
Does Octreotide result in weight gain and hair loss?
Yes, hair loss is the most common side effect of Octreotide and it might also cause weight gain.
Can a diabetic patient take Octreotide?
Octreotide may cause fluctuations in blood sugar. So this medication should be used cautiously in patients with diabetes, only when prescribed by a doctor.
How should Octreotide be taken?
Octreotide is intended for administration via the subcutaneous or intravenous route, and it should be administered only under the monitoring of a healthcare professional.
What happens if I overdose on Octreotide?
The common symptoms of overdose are irregular heartbeat, weight loss, severe upper stomach pain, nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea, weakness, tiredness, lack of energy, abdominal swelling, muscle pain, and slow breathing.