Perhaps your doctor has told you to use this injection called Octreotide. It is normal to feel a little scared and curious when he says that. "What is this medicine? Why am I being given this?" You must have many questions in your mind. So today, let's talk about this medicine called Octreotide in a simple way that you can understand. This is a special treatment that is given to you, so it is very important to be well informed about it.
What exactly is this medicine called Octreotide?
Simply put, this is a medicine used to treat several specific conditions. Let's take a look at what it is mainly used for.
- To control growth hormone levels: Acromegaly is a condition that occurs when the growth hormone in our body increases too much. This Octreotide medicine reduces the amount of growth hormone that the body makes. This reduces the risk of developing additional health problems like diabetes and heart disease that can result from it.
- To control diarrhea caused by certain cancers: There are certain types of cancer, we call them neuroendocrine tumors . These cancers can cause severe diarrhea. This medicine works by controlling the chemical serotonin released by those cancer cells, reducing the number of times you have to go to the bathroom.
In addition, doctors may use this medication for other medical conditions, so if you have any questions about why this medication was prescribed for you, ask your doctor for clarification.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
Before starting this treatment, the doctor needs to have a complete picture of your health. This is very important for your safety. Therefore, if you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell them about it.
- Diabetes
- Gallbladder disease
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Pancreatic disease
- Thyroid disease
- If you have an allergic reaction to this Octreotide medicine or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- If you are a breastfeeding mother
Don't hide anything about your health. The information you provide will help your doctor determine the most appropriate and safest treatment for you.
How do I use this medicine and what should I do if I miss a dose?
This is not something you can give yourself at home. This is an intramuscular injection. Usually, a doctor or a trained nurse will give it to you in a hospital or clinic. So you don't have to worry about it.
What if I miss a dose?
Do not miss the days you are scheduled to receive your injection. It is very important to go to the clinic on those days. If for some reason you cannot go, call your doctor or the clinic in advance and let them know. They will then give you the next day to come.
What if I take too much medicine?
This is a clinic-based treatment, so the chances of this happening are low. However, if you think you may have taken too much of this medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital, or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine (Drug Interactions)
Some medications can interact with Octreotide. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including vitamins and traditional medicines. Let's look at this table to understand this clearly.
| Type of medicine | Level of concern |
|---|---|
| Never use this medicine with | |
| Dronedarone, Flibanserin, Lutetium Lu 177 dotatate, Pimozide, Saquinavir, Thioridazine | Avoid taking these with Octreotide as they can cause serious side effects. |
| If you are using this medicine, take special care and tell your doctor. | |
| Bromocriptine | May react with Octreotide. |
| Some medications for blood pressure and heart disease | Heart rate may be affected. |
| Cyclosporine | This medicine may affect the way it works. |
| Diuretics | The body's salt and fluid balance may be affected. |
| Diabetes medications (including insulin) | Dosage may need to be adjusted as it may affect blood sugar levels. |
| Quinidine | Heart rate may be affected. |
This list is not complete. So tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including whether you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to consider during treatment
Stay in touch with your doctor regularly to see if your symptoms are improving or decreasing. Don't miss your scheduled clinic appointments. Also, be especially mindful of these things.
Changes in blood sugar levels
This medicine may cause your blood sugar levels to decrease or increase.
- Low blood sugar (Hypoglycemia): Symptoms of low blood sugar include cold sweats, shaking, extreme hunger, rapid heartbeat, headache, dizziness, fatigue, and nervousness. If you experience any of these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately.
- High blood sugar (Hyperglycemia): Symptoms of high blood sugar include excessive thirst , frequent urination, weakness, and blurred vision. This is especially true if you already have diabetes. Talk to your doctor about this as well.
Vitamin B12
When taking this medication, make sure your body is getting the right amount of vitamin B12. Talk to your doctor about the foods and vitamins you are taking.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medicine, this one can have side effects. But not everyone gets them. Let's take a look at what these side effects are and how serious they are.
| Side effect | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Gallbladder problems | Severe stomach cramps, vomiting, nausea, fever. |
| Changes in heart rate | Fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, chest pain, difficulty breathing. |
| Pancreatitis | Severe stomach pain radiating to the back, pain that worsens after eating or when the stomach is touched, fever, vomiting. |
| Low thyroid levels (Hypothyroidism) | Unusual fatigue, inability to tolerate cold, constipation, hair loss, dry skin, weight gain. |
| Low vitamin B12 levels | Pain in the limbs, numbness, muscle weakness, dizziness, confusion. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Diarrhea | Flatulence. |
| Dizziness | Dizziness. |
| Headache | Headache. |
| Nausea | Feeling like vomiting. |
| Stomach pain | Stomach pain. |
| Pain/redness at the injection site | Soreness, redness, or swelling at the puncture site. |
If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned in this list, please inform your doctor about them as well.
Take-Home Message
- Octreotide is an injection that treats certain conditions, such as diarrhea caused by excessive growth hormone (acromegaly) and some cancers.
- This injection is always given by a doctor or nurse in a hospital or clinic.
- Before starting treatment, be sure to tell your doctor about all medical conditions you have and all medications you are taking.
- Blood sugar levels may increase or decrease when taking this medication, so be aware of the symptoms associated with it.
- If you experience a serious side effect, such as a severe allergic reaction or severe stomach cramps, seek medical advice immediately.
- Do not miss your scheduled injection date. If you have any discomfort, please inform the clinic in advance.
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