Sandostatin

What is Sandostatin used for?

• Sandostatin is used to treat diarrhea and flushing caused by cancer.
• It is used to treat acromegaly.
• Sandostatin may be given to you for other reasons. Talk to your doctor.

Before taking Sandostatin, tell your doctor:

• If you are allergic to Sandostatin; any part of this medicine; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.

This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Sandostatin with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Sandostatin?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take Sandostatin. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
• High or low blood sugar may happen in some patients after Sandostatin is given. Talk with the doctor.
• Check your blood sugar as you have been told by your doctor.
• Gallbladder problems have happened. Sometimes, people had to be treated in the hospital. In some cases the gallbladder had to be removed. Discuss any questions with the doctor.
• In women who have fertility problems from acromegaly, Sandostatin may improve fertility. This could lead to pregnancy. If you want to avoid pregnancy, use birth control while taking Sandostatin.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

How is Sandostatin best taken?

Use Sandostatin as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• It is given as a shot into the fatty part of the skin.
• It may be given as a shot into a vein.
• If you will be giving yourself the shot, your doctor or nurse will teach you how to give the shot.
• Wash your hands before and after use.
• Before giving the shot, let it come to room temperature. Do not heat Sandostatin.
• Move the site where you give the shot with each shot.
• Do not use if the solution is cloudy, leaking, or has particles.
• Do not use if solution changes color.
• Throw away needles in a needle/sharp disposal box. Do not reuse needles or other items. When the box is full, follow all local rules for getting rid of it. Talk with a doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

What are the side effects of Sandostatin that I need to call my doctor about immediately?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of low thyroid levels like constipation; not able to handle cold; memory problems; mood changes; or a burning, numbness, or tingling feeling that is not normal.
• Signs of gallbladder problems like pain in the upper right belly area, right shoulder area, or between the shoulder blades; yellow skin or eyes; fever with chills; bloating; or very upset stomach or throwing up.
• Signs of high blood pressure like very bad headache or dizziness, passing out, or change in eyesight.
• Signs of a pancreas problem (pancreatitis) like very bad stomach pain, very bad back pain, or very bad upset stomach or throwing up.
• Slow heartbeat.
• A heartbeat that does not feel normal.
• Swelling of belly.
• Feeling very tired or weak.
• Tell your doctor if you have signs of high or low blood sugar like breath that smells like fruit, dizziness, fast breathing, fast heartbeat, feeling confused, feeling sleepy, feeling weak, flushing, headache, more thirsty or hungry, passing urine more often, shaking, or sweating.

What are some other side effects of Sandostatin?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Gas.
• Flu-like signs.
• Headache.
• Constipation.
• Stomach pain or diarrhea.
• Dizziness.
• Feeling tired or weak.
• Pain where the shot was given.
• Upset stomach or throwing up.
• Hair loss.
• Muscle or joint pain.
• Back pain.
• Nose or throat irritation.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If overdose is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Sandostatin?

All products:

• Store in a refrigerator. Do not freeze.
• Store in the original container to protect from light.
• You may store unopened containers at room temperature. If you store at room temperature, throw away any part not used after 2 weeks.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Single-dose container:

• Throw away any part left over after the dose is given.

Multi-dose container:

• Throw away any part not used 2 weeks after first use.

Consumer information use and disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about Sandostatin, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take Sandostatin or any other medicine. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to Sandostatin. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. You must talk with the healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.