Have you been told to use Octreotide? Let's talk about this simply.

Your doctor may have prescribed you a medicine called 'Octreotide'. He may have told you that your growth hormone levels are higher than normal. You may have a lot of questions about this new medicine. You may be wondering, "What will happen with this?", "What are the side effects?", "What should I be careful about while taking it?" Don't worry, we'll talk about all this in a simple way that you can understand.

What kind of medicine is Octreotide?

Simply put, Octreotide is a drug that controls the production of a chemical called growth hormone in your body. Think about it, almost everything in our body is controlled by hormones. Growth hormone is also essential for our growth. However, sometimes this hormone can be produced in excess in the body. In medicine, we call this condition acromegaly . When growth hormone increases in this way, it increases the risk of developing other serious health problems such as diabetes and heart disease . So, Octreotide controls the level of this excess growth hormone and reduces the symptoms and risks caused by it. In other words, this drug gives the body a signal, "Okay, now reduce the production of that hormone a little." In addition to this main reason, the doctor may prescribe this drug for other medical conditions. If you have any questions about it, ask your doctor.

Things to tell your doctor before starting this medication

Before you start any medication, it is very important for your doctor to know the full details of your health condition. Only then can he/she give you the most suitable and safe treatment. Therefore, if any of the things below apply to you, do not forget to tell your doctor without hiding anything .

• If you have diabetes .
• If you have gallbladder disease .
• If you have heart disease .
• If you have kidney disease .
• If you have liver disease .
• If you have pancreatic disease .
• ThyroidIf you have thyroid disease.
• Tell us if you have had an allergic reaction to this Octreotide medication, or to any other medication, food, or dye in the past.
• If you are trying to get pregnant or are currently pregnant.
• If you are a breastfeeding mother.

How should I use the medicine exactly?

To get the maximum results from a medication, it is very important to use it correctly.

• This is an oral capsule, so swallow it whole with a glass of water.
• Never break, crush, or chew the kernels.
• The most important thing is to take this on an empty stomach. That means at least an hour before a meal, or at least two hours after a meal.
• Try to take the medicine at the same time every day as much as possible. This will help maintain the same level of effectiveness in the body.
• Continue using this medicine until your doctor tells you to stop.

What to do if you miss a dose of medication?

Sometimes we forget to take our medicine. If that happens, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose (e.g., it is only a few hours away), skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take two doses at once for any reason.

What if I take too much medicine?

If you suddenly think you have taken too much of this medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .

Other drugs that may interact with Octreotide (Drug Interactions)

Some medications can affect each other when taken together. This is called a 'drug interaction'. This can cause a medicine to work less, more, or have side effects. It is important to tell your doctor about everything you are taking. This includes not only the medications your doctor has prescribed, but also any other medications you take over-the-counter, vitamins, herbal products, and supplements. Also, tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol. Some medications that may interact with Octreotide include:

• Antacids and stomach acid-reducing medications (e.g. omeprazole, famotidine) for gastritis
• Bromocriptine
• Some medications for blood pressure, heart disease, and heart rhythm disorders
• Cyclosporine
• Diuretics
• Medications containing estrogen or progestin hormones
• Diabetes medications, including insulin

This list is not complete, so it's best to tell your doctor about all the medications you take.

Things to keep in mind when taking this medicine

For your treatment to be successful, it is important to pay attention to certain things as well as taking your medication.

Stay in touch with the doctor regularly.

Your doctor will check you regularly to see if your symptoms are improving or not. Be sure to keep your appointments. If your symptoms change, whether for the better or for the worse, tell your doctor.

Keep an eye on your blood sugar levels!

This is very important. This medicine can cause your blood sugar levels to drop (hypoglycemia) or rise (hyperglycemia) .

• Symptoms of low blood sugar: feeling cold and sweaty, shakiness, extreme hunger, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, fatigue, confusion. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately.
• Symptoms of high blood sugar: Excessive thirst, frequent urination, extreme fatigue, blurred vision. This risk is higher in people who already have diabetes.

Be careful with vitamin B12.

Taking this medication may decrease your vitamin B12 levels. So talk to your doctor about eating a balanced diet and taking vitamin supplements if necessary.

Special attention to birth control methods

If you are taking birth control pills containing estrogen/progestin hormones, taking this medicine may reduce their effectiveness. Therefore, be sure to talk to your doctor about using an additional form of birth control, such as a condom, to prevent pregnancy.

Side effects that may occur due to medication

Like any medicine, Octreotide can cause side effects. However, not everyone gets them. Some are serious, while others are mild. It is important to be aware of these. If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned in this list, tell your doctor about them as well.

How to store medicine safely?

• Keep out of reach of children and pets.
• Store the unopened packet in the refrigerator at an appropriate temperature. Do not store in the freezer.
• Once the packet is opened, it can be stored at room temperature (between 20°C and 25°C) for up to a month. Discard any leftovers after a month.
• Do not use expired medicine.

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