Octreotide

This information from Lexicomp^® explains what you need to know about this medication, including what it’s used for, how to take it, its side effects, and when to call your healthcare provider.

Brand Names: US

Bynfezia Pen [DSC]; Mycapssa; SandoSTATIN; SandoSTATIN LAR Depot

Brand Names: Canada

Octreotide Acetate Omega; SandoSTATIN; SandoSTATIN LAR

What is this drug used for?

• It is used to treat diarrhea and flushing caused by cancer.
• It may be given to your child for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

Capsules:

• If your child has been given this form of this drug, talk with the doctor for information about the benefits and risks. Talk with the doctor if you have questions or concerns about giving this drug to your child.

What do I need to tell the doctor BEFORE my child takes this drug?

• If your child is allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell the doctor about the allergy and what signs your child had.

This drug may interact with other drugs or health problems.

Tell the doctor and pharmacist about all of your child’s drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe to give this drug with all of your child’s other drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug your child takes without checking with the doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while my child takes this drug?

All injection products:

• Tell all of your child’s health care providers that your child is taking this drug. This includes your child’s doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• This drug is not approved for use in children. However, the doctor may decide the benefits of taking this drug outweigh the risks. If your child has been given this drug, ask the doctor for information about the benefits and risks. Talk with the doctor if you have questions about giving this drug to your child.
• High or low blood sugar may happen in some patients after this drug is given. Talk with the doctor.
• Check your child’s blood sugar as you have been told by the doctor.
• Have your child’s blood work checked often. Talk with your child’s doctor.
• If your child has a latex allergy, talk with the doctor. Some products have latex.
• Gallbladder problems have happened. Sometimes, people had to be treated in the hospital. In some cases the gallbladder had to be removed. Discuss any questions with the doctor.

If your child is pregnant or breast-feeding a baby:

• Talk with the doctor if your child is pregnant, becomes pregnant, or is breast-feeding a baby. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to your child and the baby.

Prefilled syringes or pen:

• Do not share pen or cartridge devices with another person even if the needle has been changed. Sharing these devices may pass infections from one person to another. This includes infections you may not know your child has.

What are some side effects that I need to call my child’s doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your child’s doctor or get medical help right away if your child has any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of high blood sugar like confusion, feeling sleepy, unusual thirst or hunger, passing urine more often, flushing, fast breathing, or breath that smells like fruit.
• Signs of low thyroid levels like constipation; not able to handle cold; memory problems; mood changes; or a burning, numbness, or tingling feeling that is not normal.
• Signs of gallbladder problems like pain in the upper right belly area, right shoulder area, or between the shoulder blades; yellow skin or eyes; fever with chills; bloating; or very upset stomach or throwing up.
• Signs of high blood pressure like very bad headache or dizziness, passing out, or change in eyesight.
• Signs of a pancreas problem (pancreatitis) like very bad stomach pain, very bad back pain, or very bad upset stomach or throwing up.
• Signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI) like blood in the urine, burning or pain when passing urine, feeling the need to pass urine often or right away, fever, lower stomach pain, or pelvic pain.
• Chest pain or pressure.
• Fast, slow, or abnormal heartbeat.
• Very bad dizziness or passing out.
• Swelling.
• Bloating.
• Tell your child’s doctor if your child has signs of high or low blood sugar like breath that smells like fruit, dizziness, fast breathing, fast heartbeat, feeling confused, feeling sleepy, feeling weak, flushing, headache, unusual thirst or hunger, passing urine more often, shaking, or sweating.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your child’s doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother your child or do not go away:

• Gas.
• Flu-like signs.
• Constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain, upset stomach, or throwing up.
• Feeling dizzy, tired, or weak.
• Headache.
• Hair loss.
• Back, muscle, or joint pain.
• Nose or throat irritation.
• Signs of a common cold.
• Pain, swelling, redness, or bruising where the injection was given.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your child’s doctor. Call your child’s doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to your national health agency.

How is this drug best given?

Give this drug as ordered by your child’s doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

All short-acting injection products:

• It is given as a shot into the fatty part of the skin.
• If you will be giving your child the shot, your child’s doctor or nurse will teach you how to give the shot.
• Wash your hands before and after use.
• Before giving the shot, let it come to room temperature. Do not heat this drug.
• Move the site where you give the shot with each shot.
• Do not give into skin within 2 inches of the last injection.
• Do not give into skin within 2 inches (5 cm) of the belly button.
• Do not use if the solution is cloudy, leaking, or has particles.
• Do not use if solution changes color.
• Throw away needles in a needle/sharp disposal box. Do not reuse needles or other items. When the box is full, follow all local rules for getting rid of it. Talk with a doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Prefilled syringes or pen:

• Remove all pen needle covers before injecting a dose (there may be 2). If you are not sure what type of pen needle you have or how to use it, talk with the doctor.
• Put the cap back on after your child is done using a dose.
• Do not move this drug from the pen to a syringe.

Vials:

• It may be given into a vein by a doctor or other health care provider.

Long-acting injection:

• It is given as a shot into a muscle.

What do I do if my child misses a dose?

All short-acting injection products:

• Give a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your child’s next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your child’s normal time.
• Do not give 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

Long-acting injection:

• Call your child’s doctor to find out what to do.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

Prefilled syringes or pen:

• Store in a refrigerator. Do not freeze.
• Protect from light.
• Do not use if it has been frozen.
• After first use, store at room temperature for up to 28 days. Throw away any part not used after 28 days.
• Take off the needle after each shot. Do not store this device with the needle on it.

Short-acting injection (vials and prefilled syringes):

• Store in a refrigerator. Do not freeze.
• Store in the original container to protect from light.
• You may store unopened containers at room temperature. If you store at room temperature, throw away any part not used after 2 weeks.
• Some products may be used more than one time. If your product may be used more than one time, be sure you know how long you can store it before you need to throw it away.

Long-acting injection:

• If you need to store this drug at home, talk with your child’s doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.

All products:

• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

General drug facts

• If your child’s symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your child’s doctor.
• Do not share your child’s drug with others and do not give anyone else’s drug to your child.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your child’s doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider’s examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.

Last Reviewed Date

2024-02-12

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