Use Sandostatin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
Before using Sandostatin, tell your doctor if you have diabetes, gallbladder disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, a heart rhythm disorder, thyroid problems, pancreatitis, kidney disease, or liver disease.
You may be shown how to use an IV at home. Do not self-inject Sandostatin if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles, IV tubing, and other items used to inject the medicine. Be sure to follow the instructions for the exact type of Sandostatin your doctor has prescribed for you.
To be sure Sandostatin is helping your condition and not causing harmful effects, your blood cells, kidney function, and liver function may need to be tested often. Do not miss any follow up visits to your doctor for blood or urine tests. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as easy bruising or bleeding, slow heart rate, or severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back.
Before using this medicine
You should not use Sandostatin if you are allergic to octreotide.
To make sure Sandostatin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
diabetes;
gallbladder disease;
heart disease, high blood pressure, or heart rhythm disorder;
thyroid problems;
pancreatitis;
liver disease; or
kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis).
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Using Sandostatin can affect certain hormones that may make it easier for you to get pregnant, even if you were unable to get pregnant before. Talk to your doctor about using birth control to avoid unwanted pregnancy.
Sandostatin is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
How should I use Sandostatin?
Use Sandostatin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.
Sandostatin injection is injected under the skin, into a muscle, or as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give your first dose and may teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.
Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine.
Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it. Do not use if the medicine has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.
Your healthcare provider will show you where on your body to inject Sandostatin. Use a different place each time you give an injection. Do not inject into the same place two times in a row.
You will need frequent medical tests.
If you need radiation treatment, you may need to stop using Sandostatin for a short time. Follow your doctor's instructions very carefully.
Store unopened Sandostatin in the original carton in the refrigerator. Protect from light. Do not freeze.
Take the ampul out of the refrigerator and let it reach room temperature before injecting your dose. Do not heat the ampul. Each ampul is for one use only. Throw it away after one use, even if there is still medicine left inside.
You may also store an unopened ampul at room temperature for up to 14 days. Throw away the ampul if not used within 14 days.
Use a needle and syringe only once and then place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container. Follow state or local laws about how to dispose of this container. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.
