Introduction
What SANDOSTATIN LAR 10MG is used for?
SANDOSTATIN LAR 10MG is used,
- In acromegaly, a condition where the body produces too much growth hormone
- To relieve symptoms associated with some tumours of the gastrointestinal tract
- To prevent complications following surgery of the pancreas gland
- To stop bleeding and to protect from re-bleeding from ruptured gastro-oesophageal varices in patients suffering from cirrhosis (chronic liver disease)
- To treat pituitary tumor that produce too much thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
Warning & Precautions
Talk to Doctor
Talk to your doctor before you take this medicine, if you:
- Are allergic to Octreotide or to any of the other ingredients of this medicine
- Have or ever had gallstones
- Have problems with your blood sugar levels, either too high (diabetes) or too low (hypoglycaemia)
- Have a history of vitamin B12 deprivation
- Have liver or kidney problem
Pregnancy & Breast Feeding
- SANDOSTATIN LAR 10MG should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed
- Do not breast-feed while using SANDOSTATIN LAR 10MG
- If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor for advice before taking this medicine
Driving & Using Machines
- SANDOSTATIN LAR 10MG has no effects on the ability to drive and use machines
Interactions
Tell your doctor if you are taking,
- Ciclosporin used as immunosuppressants
- Bromocriptine used to treat Parkinson’s disease
- Quinidine used to treat heart rhythm problem
- Terfenadine used to treat allergies
- Medicines used to control your blood pressure (e.g. a beta blocker or a calcium channel blocker)
- Insulin used for diabetes
How to Use
- Depending on the condition being treated, SANDOSTATIN LAR 10MG will be given by subcutaneous (under the skin) injection in upper arms, thighs, and abdomen or intravenous (into a vein) infusion
- This medicines will be administered by a healthcare professional
- It may temporarily cause pain at the site of injection. You can relieve this by gently rubbing the site of injection for a few seconds afterwards.
- When used long term, your doctor may monitor your thyroid function, gallbladder function, liver function and vitamin b12 levels regularly.
- Inform your doctor if you are taking medicines to control your blood pressure or if you are diabetic.
- Women who do not wish to conceive should practice an effective method for contraception while taking this medication.
Side Effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them
Serious
- Allergic reactions including skin rash, difficulty in breathing or dizziness
- Inflammation of the pancreas gland (pancreatitis) marked by sudden pain in the upper abdomen, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea
- Liver inflammation (hepatitis), symptoms may include yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, generally feeling unwell, itching, light-coloured urine
- Irregular heartbeat
- Thirst, low urine output, dark urine, dry flushed skin
- Underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) causing change in heart rate, appetite or weight; tiredness, feeling cold, or swelling at the front of the neck
- Changes in the level of sugar in the blood
- Impaired glucose tolerance
- Gallstones, leading to sudden back pain
Common
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Flatulence (wind)
- Headache
- Local pain at the injection site
- Stomach discomfort after meal (dyspepsia)
- Vomiting
- Feeling of fullness in the stomach
- Fatty stools
- Loose stools
- Discolouration of faeces
- Dizziness
- Loss of appetite
- Change in liver function tests
- Hair loss
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness
HOW TO COPE WITH SIDE EFFECTS?
The occurrence of side effects varies from person to person. The following are a few ways of dealing with some of the common side effects. However, consult your doctor if these persist.
Coping with Nausea
You can help yourself by eating small, frequent meals rather than large ones and drinking plenty of fluids. Eat slowly. Avoid fatty, fried, spicy and very sweet foods. Eat cold or slightly warm food if the smell of cooked or cooking food makes you feel sick. Get plenty of fresh air. You could also try chewing ginger or drinking ginger tea. Eat bananas to replace potassium in your blood which can drop if you are sick (vomit). Use oral rehydration salts to replace vitamins and minerals lost through being sick. There are some medicines that can help you stop feeling sick. Speak to your doctor if your condition does not improve.
Coping with Headache
Make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. Rest in a quiet, dimly lit room. Do not sleep more than you normally would. Do not strain your eyes (for example by looking at a screen). Do not drink alcohol. Headaches are usually temporary and usually go away with time. Ask your doctor to recommend a painkiller if they last longer than a week or get worse.
More Information
Storage
- Store in a refrigerator (2-8ºC). Do not freeze
- This product must be used immediately and any unused drug-product must be discarded
- Keep this medicine out of reach of children
- Do not use this medicine after the expiry date
- SANDOSTATIN LAR 10MG should only be used if it is clear and free of particles
FAQs
Yes, Sandostatin LAR is a chemo drug, used in patients with gastro-entero-pancreatic (GEP) endocrine tumors and pituitary tumors
Q. Is Sandostatin LAR hormone/ protein?
No, Sandostatin LAR is a peptide or a hormone analogue. It is a synthetic compound derived from somatostatin, a substance normally found in the human body
Q. Is Sandostatin LAR safe?
Sandostatin LAR is safe if used at prescribed doses for the prescribed duration as advised by your doctor
Q. Is Sandostatin LAR a proton pump inhibitor/ vasopressor?
No, Sandostatin LAR is neither a proton pump inhibitor nor a vasopressor
Q. Does Sandostatin LAR cause hyperglycemia?
Yes, hyperglycemia is a common side effect of Sandostatin LAR treatment
Q. Does Sandostatin LAR cause hair loss and weight gain?
Yes, hair loss is a common side effect of Sandostatin LAR treatment. Sandostatin LAR may cause weight gain
Q. Does Sandostatin LAR make you tired?
Yes, Sandostatin LAR may make you feel tired.
Disclaimer:The contents of this website are for informational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.