ADAP drugs: octreotide acetate

octreotide acetate (Sandostatin)

Drug description
Sandostatin has similar effects to a natural hormone called somatostatin and is given by injection. Sandostatin suppresses growth hormone. It is used to treat flushing and diarrhea associated with certain tumors. Sandostatin is also used to treat chronic watery diarrhea associated with cryptosporidiosis, microsporidiosis and intestinal amoebiasis.

Side effects
Sandostatin may lower blood sugar levels. Your ability to absorb dietary fats may be reduced. Other side effects may include constipation, gas, hepatitis, jaundice, rectal spasms, GI bleeding, swollen stomach, heartburn, fluttering sensation and abnormal stools. You may experience hair loss, thinning of skin, skin flaking, bruising, bleeding, rash, backache, muscle pain, cramping, joint pain, chest pain, shortness of breath, high blood pressure, anxiety, loss of appetite, depression, drowsiness, loss of balance, pounding in head, irritability, inability to sleep, loss of sex drive, forgetfulness, nervousness, shakiness, dry mouth, numbness, chills, fever, throat discomfort, and the sensation of eyes burning.

Dosage
The initial dose is 50 mcg, administered subcutaneously, once or twice daily. After that, the number of injections and dosage may be increased gradually based on tolerance and response.

How long it may take to work
Resolution of symptoms indicates that treatment is working.

Managing side effects
If you are taking Sandostatin, you should be monitored by your doctor for gallbladder disease. Surgical intervention has been necessary, although infrequent, in people who have developed severe abdominal pain while taking Sandostatin. Notify your doctor immediately if you have strong pains in your stomach area. This drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. It is not known whether the drug is excreted in human milk, so caution should be used if taken when breast feeding. Multiple injections at the same site within short periods of time should be avoided. Blood sugar levels should be monitored by you and your doctor. If you are insulin-dependent, a reduction in insulin may be required. Periodic stool tests should be performed.

This information is specific to the use of this medication for HIV-related conditions. For additional information about this drug for other conditions, refer to: www.nursespdr.com/

The drug descriptions on these pages are intended for informational purposes only. The Network does not promote or endorse the use of any specific treatment for any health-related condition. The medications described here can only be dispensed by a licensed health care professional. The information may have changed since these pages were updated, though every effort is made to keep these pages current. Please contact The Network at (800) 734-7104 to make sure you have the most up-to-date information

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