Octreotide

(ok TREE oh tide)

What key warnings do I need to know about before giving this drug to my child?

• Sometimes drugs are not safe when your child takes them with other drugs. They can cause bad side effects. This is one of those drugs. Be sure to talk to your child’s doctor about all the drugs your child takes.

Is it safe for my child to take this drug?

• Not if your child has an allergy to octreotide or any other part of this drug.
• Be sure to let the doctor know if your child has any allergies or side effects to drugs, foods, or dyes. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs your child had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.

Why does my child need this drug?

• It is used to treat loose stools (diarrhea) and flushing caused by cancer.
• It is used to treat some causes of very loose stools (diarrhea).
• It is used to treat acromegaly.
• It is used to treat high insulin levels.
• It is used to treat an overdose caused by drugs that treat high blood sugar (diabetes).
• It is used to help GI (gastrointestinal) tract openings close.
• It is used to treat too much growth hormone release.
• It is used to treat obesity in children after care for brain tumors.

How does this drug work?

• Octreotide is a hormone in the body.
• It lowers how much growth hormone is made by your child's body.
• It lowers insulin levels.
• It slows movement in the GI (gastrointestinal) tract by letting more water get into it.

How is this drug given?

• All products:
• Wash your hands before and after use.
• Follow how to give closely if you are giving the shot at home.
• Throw away needles in a needle/sharp disposal box and take the box back to your doctor when it is full.
• Sandostatin®:
• It is given as a shot into the fatty part of the skin.
• Move the site where you give the shot with each shot.
• Sandostatin LAR®:
• It is given as a shot into a muscle once a month.

How long does this drug take to work?

• It may vary depending on the illness being treated.
• Your child may start feeling better soon after starting this drug.

What do I do if my child misses a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• If drug is given at home:
• 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 or extra doses.
• Do not change the dose or stop your child's drug. This could cause seizures. Talk with your child's doctor.
• If this drug is given by your doctor:
• Call your doctor for an office visit.

What safety measures do I need to take when my child is using this drug?

• Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• If your child has high blood sugar (diabetes), talk with the doctor.
• Have your child's blood sugar checked as you have been told by your child's doctor.
• If your child has gallbladder disease, talk with the doctor.
• If your child has thyroid disease, talk with the doctor.
• If your child has kidney disease, talk with the doctor.
• If your child has liver disease, talk with the doctor.
• If your child has a slow heartbeat, talk with the doctor.
• If your child has a weak heart, talk with the doctor.
• Have your child's blood work checked often. Talk with your child's doctor.
• Check all drugs your child is taking with your child's doctor. This drug may not mix well with some other drugs.

What are some side effects of this drug?

• Belly pain.
• Gas.
• Hair loss. Hair most often grows back when this drug is stopped.
• Itching.
• Upset stomach or throwing up. Many small meals and good mouth care may help. Older children may suck hard, sugar-free candy.
• Short-term pain after use.
• High blood pressure.
• High blood sugar. This most often goes back to normal when drug is stopped.
• Low blood sugar. Signs include anger, shaking, a fast heartbeat, confusion, or sweating. Keep hard candies, glucose tablets, liquid glucose, or juice on hand for low blood sugar.
• Slow heartbeat.
• Acromegaly: Loose stools (diarrhea).
• Gallstones may rarely happen.
• Hard stools (constipation). Drinking more liquids, working out, or adding fiber to your diet may help. Talk with your doctor about a stool softener or laxative.
• Flu-like signs. These include headache, weakness, fever, shakes, aches, pains, and sweating. Your child may be given drugs before this shot to avoid these signs.
• Feeling tired or weak.
• Headache.
• Irritation where the shot is given.

When do I need to call my child's doctor?

• If any of this news causes you to be worried, any of the unwanted side effects happen, or if your child is not better after taking this drug.
• If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away.
• If your child shows signs of a very bad reaction, call your child's doctor or the ER right away. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or if your child is not acting normal.
• If your child has chest pain or pressure.
• If your child has a very bad upset stomach or is throwing up.
• If your child shows signs of low blood sugar or very high blood sugar.
• If your child gets a rash.
• If your child’s health problem does not get better or if you believe your child’s health problem is worse.

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

• Sandostatin®:
• Store unopened vials in a refrigerator or at room temperature. If stored at room temperature, throw away after 2 weeks.
• Protect from light.
• Use right after opening.
• Sandostatin LAR®:
• This drug will be given to your child in a hospital or doctor's office. You will not store it at home.

General drug facts

• If your child has a very bad allergy, he/she needs to wear an allergy ID at all times.
• You may get this drug by drug order only. If there are refills, call your pharmacy. If your child does not have refills left, you may need to call your child's doctor.
• Get rid of this drug when your child no longer needs it or if the drug is outdated.
• Most drugs may be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.
• In Canada, take any unused drugs to the pharmacy. Also, visit http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.
• Do not share your child's drug with others and do not give anyone else's drug to your child.
• Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• Call your doctor for help with any side effects. If in the U.S., you may also call the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or if in Canada, you may also call Health Canada's Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.
• Talk with the doctor before giving your child any new drug, including OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
• If you do not use a drug the right way, it may not be safe. Follow what your child’s doctor tells you.

Copyright © 1978- Lexi-Comp Inc., The Children's Hospital, Denver, CO., and Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This information is protected under US and international copyright law. Unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited.