Octreotide Capsules: Why, When, How to Use?

Have you ever felt like some parts of your body, for example, your hands, feet, or face, are getting a little bigger? This happens when the body produces more of a chemical called Growth Hormone. In medical terms, we call this condition Acromegaly. So today we are going to talk about the medicine called Octreotide, which is used to control this condition of acromegaly. If this has been prescribed by the doctor for you or someone in your family, this article will be very important for you.

Simply put, what is Octreotide?

Octreotide is a special medication that is given to patients with acromegaly to reduce and control the levels of growth hormone that are unnecessarily high in the body. This normalizes the hormone levels and controls the discomfort and changes in the body caused by the disease.

But remember, sometimes your doctor may prescribe this medication for other conditions as well. So if you have any questions about this, it's best to ask your doctor for clarification.

Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication

Before you start taking this medicine, it is very important to tell your doctor about your medical history. Especially if you have any of the following conditions:

• If you have diabetes .
• Gallbladder disease , which means problems such as gallstones.
• If you have kidney disease .
• If you have liver disease .
• If there is any problem with the thyroid gland (thyroid disease) .
• If you have previously had an allergy to Octreotide or any other medicine, food, or dye.
• If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
• If you are a nursing mother .

Giving this information to your doctor will help him decide exactly whether this medication is right for you or not and how to give it.

How should I use this medicine?

This is the most important part. To get the most out of a medicine, you need to use it as directed.

• Swallow this capsule whole with a glass of water. Never break, crush, or chew this capsule. Doing so may change the way the medicine works.
• Very important: This medicine should be taken on an empty stomach . That is, at least one hour before or two hours after a meal. Taking this medicine with food may reduce its absorption into the body. This may reduce the benefits of the medicine.
• Take the medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the time prescribed. Do not take more than the prescribed amount or take it more frequently.
• Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without your doctor's advice.

This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Therefore, never share it with anyone else.

What to do if you miss a dose of medication?

Oh, that's possible. Take your missed dose as soon as you remember. But if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose , meaning you'll need to take two doses at once.

Other medications that may interact with this medicine

Other medications you are taking may interact with octreotide. Therefore, it is important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies). The table below lists some of the medications that are most likely to interact with this medication.

This list is not complete, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.

Things to consider when taking medication

Continue to see your doctor to see if your treatment is working. Tell your doctor if your symptoms don't improve or if they get worse.

Keep an eye on your blood sugar levels.

This medicine can cause your blood sugar levels to go down (low blood sugar) or go up (high blood sugar) . Be aware of these symptoms:

• Symptoms of low blood sugar: Sudden cold sweats, shaking, extreme hunger, rapid heartbeat, headache, agitation, lethargy, and blurred vision.
• Symptoms of high blood sugar: excessive thirst , frequent urination, excessive hunger, blurred vision, and extreme fatigue.

If you experience any of these symptoms, notify your doctor immediately.

Be careful with vitamin B12.

Continuing to take this medication may cause a decrease in vitamin B12 levels in the body. Therefore, talk to your doctor about eating a diet rich in vitamin B12 and taking vitamin pills if necessary.

Special attention to birth control pills

If you are using birth control pills, they may be less effective while taking this medicine. Therefore, talk to your doctor about using an additional form of birth control (e.g. condoms) to prevent pregnancy.

What are the possible side effects?

Like any medicine, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. The table below lists the possible side effects.

How should I store the medicine?

Storing medicine correctly is also very important.

• Keep it out of the reach of children .
• Store unopened medicine packets in the fridge at a temperature between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius. Do not store in the freezer. Throw away expired medicine.
• Once opened , the packet can be stored at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius) for up to one month. After one month, discard the packet, even if there are any pods left.

We hope this information is helpful to you. Remember, this is just a summary. Please discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your doctor.

Octreotide, Acromegaly, Growth Hormone, Side Effects, Medication, Diabetes