Sandostatin is an injectable drug with octreotide acetate as its active ingredient in the form of acetate salt. It mimics the action of the hormone somatostatin. The drug comes in the form of a sterile solution for deep subcutaneous or IV injection, in strengths of 50 mcg, 100 mcg, and 500 mcg per mL ampuls. Key inactive ingredients include lactic acid, mannitol, and sodium bicarbonate.

How should I use this medication?

This medication is injected under the skin or into a vein. It is usually given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting.

If you get this medication at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give it. Use exactly as directed. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

Allow the injection solution to come to room temperature before use. Do not warm it artificially.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or care team to get one.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store in the refrigerator. Protect from light. Allow to come to room temperature naturally. Do not use artificial heat. If protected from light, the injection may be stored between 20 and 30 degrees C (70 and 86 degrees F) for 14 days. After the initial use, throw away any unused portion of a multiple dose vial after 14 days. Get rid of any unused portions of the ampules after use.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Ask your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, ask your pharmacist or care team how to get rid of the medication safely.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Gallbladder problems—severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever
• Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing
• High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)—increased thirst or amount of urine, unusual weakness or fatigue, blurry vision
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)—tremors or shaking, anxiety, sweating, cold or clammy skin, confusion, dizziness, rapid heartbeat
• Low thyroid levels (hypothyroidism)—unusual weakness or fatigue, increased sensitivity to cold, constipation, hair loss, dry skin, weight gain, feelings of depression
• Low vitamin B12 level—pain, tingling, or numbness in the hands or feet, muscle weakness, dizziness, confusion, trouble concentrating
• Oily or light-colored stools, diarrhea, bloating, weight loss
• Pancreatitis—severe stomach pain that spreads to your back or gets worse after eating or when touched, fever, nausea, vomiting
• Slow heartbeat—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, confusion, trouble breathing, unusual weakness or fatigue

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Pain, redness, or irritation at injection site
• Stomach pain

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Diabetes
• Gallbladder disease
• Heart disease
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Pancreatic disease
• Thyroid disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to octreotide, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

What may interact with this medication?

• Bromocriptine
• Certain medications for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heartbeat
• Cyclosporine
• Diuretics
• Medications for diabetes, including insulin
• Quinidine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

To help reduce irritation at the injection site, use a different site for each injection and make sure the solution is at room temperature before use.

This medication may cause decreases in blood sugar. Signs of low blood sugar include chills, cool, pale skin or cold sweats, drowsiness, extreme hunger, fast heartbeat, headache, nausea, nervousness or anxiety, shakiness, trembling, unsteadiness, tiredness, or weakness. Contact your care team right away if you experience any of these symptoms.

This medication may increase blood sugar. The risk may be higher in patients who already have diabetes. Ask your care team what you can do to lower your risk of diabetes while taking this medication.

You should make sure you get enough vitamin B12 while you are taking this medication. Discuss the foods you eat and the vitamins you take with your care team.