SandoSTATIN

Sandostatin is a medicine prescribed for patients with acromegaly and carcinoid tumors, and to relieve diarrhea in patients with vasoactive intestinal peptide tumors (VIPomas). Sandostatin is a man-made version of the hormone somatostatin. 

Sandostatin drug will not cure the tumor, but it can provide relief from symptoms. This drug works by decreasing production of growth hormone (GH) in the body.

Sandostatin requires a prescription.

Sandostatin must be used only according to doctor’s prescription. Before taking Sandostatin, the risks and benefits for your body should be discussed with your healthcare provider.

Allergies 

You cannot use Sandostatin if you are allergic to it. Mention to the doctor if you have allergies to other drugs as well. 

Use on children

It is known if Sandostatin is completely safe or effective for children. Do not give Sandostatin to children or patients younger than 19 years old.

Elderly

It is not yet known if Sandostatin will work well in elderly. Use Sandostatin with caution in elderly due to risk of age-related kidney, liver, or heart problems.

Pregnancy

Sandostatin is an FDA pregnancy category B drug, which means it may not pose serious risk to the fetus when given to pregnant patients. However, only use Sandostatin with doctor's supervision during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding

Call the doctor first before breastfeeding when you are taking Sandostatin.

Drug interactions 

Sandostatin may interact with certain drugs and cause undesirable adverse effects. Tell the doctor all the medicines you take to avoid drug interactions. The doctor needs to know if you take the following medicines:

• Cyclosporine
• Insulin
• Oral drugs for diabetes or high blood sugar
• Medicines for heart disease and hypertension such as beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers,
• Water pills or other drugs that corrects electrolyte imbalance
• Bromocriptine, or drugs metabolized by cytochrome P450 

Health conditions

Tell the doctor all of your health problems before using Sandostatin. The doctor needs to know if you have any of the following health conditions before starting treatment:

• Cholangitis
• Congestive heart failure
• Gallbladder disease
• Gallstones
• Conditions that cause irregular heart rhythm
• Pancreatitis
• Problems with the thyroid gland
• Vitamin B12 deficiency
• Diabetes
• Kidney disease

Sandostatin is used until growth hormone levels or symptoms are controlled. Sandostatin is given by injecting under the skin (subcutaneous route) or into the vein (intravenous route). Follow the dose prescribed by the doctor, and do not inject more or less of the drug. The doctor may change your dose of Sandostatin frequently to achieve the best effect.

A doctor or nurse will inject Sandostatin, or you may ask to do injections at home. Your health provider will teach you to self-inject Sandostatin properly, just make sure to follow the prescribed dosage and dosing times.  They will also show where to inject this drug.

Sandostatin is injected two to four times a day. Make sure that the medicine is at room temperature before injection. Inject Sandostatin at different skin area during each dose. Always inspect the medicine vial before injection, and only extract the medicine once you are ready to do an injection.

You need to be seen by the doctor and have regular blood tests while using Sandostatin.

It is important not to miss scheduled Sandostatin injections. If you missed a dose, call your doctor for instructions. Overdose can occur if you injected too much Sandostatin. If you injected too much of the drug, call local poison control hotlines right away.

Although unopened Sandostatin vials and ampules can be kept at room temperature for up to 14 days, it is preferable to store them in the refrigerator. Keep Sandostatin away from heat and light. 

You must take precautions when receiving Sandostatin to reduce risk of side effects. Always inspect Sandostatin vials and ampules first before injecting. Do not use the vial if the liquid has particles or has changed colors.

Use a syringe only once when injecting Sandostatin. Always dispose used syringes, ampules and vials of Sandostatin properly. Pack them inside a puncture-proof container for holding sharps and dispose them in accordance to local waste regulations. Never share needles or syringes.

Sandostatin ampules are for single-use only, and throw them away after opening and extracting the medicine. Do not save them for later use even if there is still some medicine left inside. Multi-dose vials can be used multiple times for up to 14 days after opening.

Do not take other medicines, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal substances, while taking Sandostatin without doctor’s approval.

Treatment with Sandostatin requires you to be seen frequently by the doctor and have regular blood tests. Make sure to keep up with lab and clinic appointments. 

Tell your health provider if you experience side effects while receiving Sandostatin. Call the doctor if you experience the following side effects:

• Severe allergic reaction symptoms such as hives, difficulty breathing, skin rash, swelling of the mouth, nose, tongue, or throat.
• Symptoms of of high blood sugar levels such as increased thirst, urination, hunger, dryness of the mouth and skin, fruity odor of breath, drowsiness, blurring of vision, and unintended weight loss.
• Symptoms of too low blood sugar such as headache, hunger, weakness, sweating, confusion, irritability, dizziness, rapid heart rate, and being jittery. 
• Symptoms of underactive thyroid such as extreme tiredness, dry skin, pain or stiffness of the joints, muscle pain or weakness, hoarseness, inability to tolerate cold temperatures, and gaining weight. 
• Severe pain in the upper stomach that radiates to the back, nausea, vomiting and rapid heart rate.
• Noticeably slow or irregular heartbeat.
• Severe pain or tenderness in the stomach
• Severe constipation

Sandostatin may cause minor side effects such as:

• Diarrhea or constipation
• Vomiting
• Upset stomach
• Bloating or gas
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Pain while the drug is injected