How does it work?

Octreotide is a medicine similar to a naturally occurring hormone in the body called somatostatin. Somatostatin is produced in various parts of the body such as the brain, gut and pancreas. It acts by preventing the release of other hormones found in the body, including growth hormone and insulin. Octreotide is used for the relief of symptoms of tumours in the body that produce excessive amounts of hormones, such as in acromegaly. A tumour in the part of the brain known as the pituitary gland causes acromegaly and it is this tumour that produces excessive amounts of growth hormone. Octreotide is therefore used to treat the symptoms of acromegaly by decreasing levels of growth hormone in the body, but it is not however used to treat the actual tumour.

What is it used for?

Increased hormone production resulting in enlarged facial features, hands and feet (acromegaly)

Relief of symptoms caused by tumours of the gut, liver and pancreas

Warning!

It is recommended that blood tests are performed every six months to check the levels of thyroid hormones in the blood (thyroid function tests).

An ultrasound examination of the gall bladder is recommended before treatment is started and at regular 6 to 12 month intervals.

Use with caution in

Diabetes mellitus

Insulin producing tumour (insulinoma)

Not to be used in

No known conditions

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

There is no information available about the safety of this medicine during pregnancy, therefore it is not recommended for use during pregnancy, unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine should not be used by breastfeeding mothers. Discuss this with your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Abdominal pain

Diarrhoea

Low blood glucose level (hypoglycaemia)

High blood glucose level (hyperglycaemia)

Reduced absorption of fat by the intestine resulting in fatty, pale and offensive smelling stools (steatorrhoea)

Nausea and vomiting

Loss of appetite

Gallstones

Pain and swelling at site of injection

Inflammation of the liver (hepatitis)

Hair loss (alopecia)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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