Octreotide

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Generic Name of Octreotide - Learn More

Octreotide

Octreotide Precaution - What You Need to Know

Before starting treatment with Octreotide, it is essential for patients to consult their healthcare provider due to various precautions associated with its use. Octreotide is a synthetic somatostatin analog used to treat conditions related to excessive hormone production, such as acromegaly, carcinoid syndrome, and severe diarrhea.

- Hypoglycemia and Hyperglycemia: Octreotide may affect blood sugar levels. It can induce hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in patients with insulinoma and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) in those with diabetes. Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels is advised.
- Gallbladder Disease: Long-term use of Octreotide may lead to gallstones or cholelithiasis. Patients should be monitored for signs of gallbladder issues, such as abdominal pain or nausea.
- Heart and Liver Health: Patients with cardiac arrhythmias or liver disease should be closely monitored during treatment, as Octreotide may exacerbate these conditions. In patients with hepatic impairment, dose adjustments may be required.
- Renal Function: Octreotide may affect renal function in patients with preexisting kidney issues. It should be used cautiously in patients with renal insufficiency.
- Thyroid Function: The drug can also suppress thyroid function, and regular monitoring of thyroid levels is recommended during therapy.
- Pregnancy: Octreotide should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Animal studies suggest that it may cause harm, so it should only be used under careful medical supervision.
- Breastfeeding: Octreotide is excreted in breast milk, so it should be used with caution in breastfeeding women. A risk-to-benefit assessment should be made by the healthcare provider.

Octreotide Indication - Uses and Benefits

Octreotide is used for several medical conditions that involve the overproduction of hormones. Its primary indications include:

- Acromegaly: Octreotide is used to treat acromegaly, a condition caused by excess growth hormone production, leading to abnormal growth of bones and tissues. It helps to normalize the levels of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1).
- Carcinoid Syndrome: Octreotide is often prescribed for carcinoid tumors, which produce excessive amounts of serotonin and other hormones. It helps manage symptoms such as flushing, diarrhea, and wheezing by inhibiting hormone secretion.
- Severe Diarrhea: It is used in patients with severe diarrhea caused by conditions like chemo-induced diarrhea, VIPomas (vasoactive intestinal peptide-secreting tumors), or neuroendocrine tumors.
- Esophageal Varices: In cases of acute variceal bleeding in patients with cirrhosis, Octreotide is used to reduce portal hypertension and lower the risk of bleeding.
- Neuroendocrine Tumors: Octreotide is beneficial in managing certain neuroendocrine tumors, as it can suppress hormone secretion from tumors and improve quality of life.
- Toxins: It can also be used in pancreatic fistulas or to reduce pancreatic secretion in conditions like pancreatitis.

Octreotide Contraindications - Important Warnings

Octreotide should not be used in the following situations:

- Hypersensitivity: It is contraindicated in patients who are allergic to Octreotide or any of its components.
- Pregnancy: Due to potential risks to the fetus, Octreotide should be avoided during pregnancy unless deemed absolutely necessary by a healthcare provider.
- Severe Renal Impairment: Octreotide should be avoided in patients with severe renal impairment unless no alternative treatment options are available, as it may affect kidney function.
- Biliary Obstruction: Patients with biliary obstruction (such as due to gallstones or tumors obstructing bile ducts) should avoid using Octreotide as it may exacerbate symptoms.
- Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA): If a patient has uncontrolled diabetes or is at risk for diabetic ketoacidosis, Octreotide should be used with extreme caution, and blood glucose levels should be closely monitored.

Octreotide Side Effects - What to Expect

The common and severe side effects associated with Octreotide include:

- Common Side Effects:
- Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort are common, especially when first starting treatment.
- Injection Site Reactions: Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site can occur, especially with subcutaneous administration.
- Headache: Some patients experience headaches during treatment.
- Fatigue: A general sense of tiredness or weakness can be noted in some patients.

- Serious Side Effects:
- Gallstones: Chronic use of Octreotide may lead to the formation of gallstones or other gallbladder issues, such as cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder).
- Hypoglycemia or Hyperglycemia: Blood sugar imbalances can occur, especially in diabetic patients. Severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) may require urgent treatment.
- Bradycardia: Octreotide can cause a slowing of the heart rate (bradycardia), which may be dangerous for patients with preexisting cardiac conditions.
- Cardiovascular Problems: In some cases, patients have reported arrhythmias, including ventricular arrhythmias or heart failure.
- Thyroid Dysfunction: Long-term use of Octreotide may suppress thyroid function, leading to hypothyroidism.
- Liver Dysfunction: In rare cases, patients may experience liver damage or changes in liver enzymes.
- Injection-related side effects: Some patients may experience severe reactions such as abscesses or skin ulcers at the injection site.

Patients should contact their healthcare provider immediately if they experience symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or signs of an allergic reaction (e.g., rash, swelling, difficulty breathing).

Octreotide Pregnancy Category ID - Safety Information

2

Octreotide Mode of Action - How It Works

Octreotide is a synthetic analog of somatostatin, a naturally occurring hormone that inhibits the secretion of several other hormones in the body, including growth hormone, insulin, and glucagon. Its primary mechanisms of action include:

- Inhibition of Growth Hormone Secretion: In conditions such as acromegaly, Octreotide reduces the production of growth hormone by acting on the pituitary gland.
- Reduction of Hormone Secretion in Carcinoid Syndrome: By inhibiting the release of serotonin, vasoactive intestinal peptides, and other hormones, Octreotide alleviates symptoms of carcinoid syndrome, such as flushing and diarrhea.
- Inhibition of Insulin and Glucagon Secretion: Octreotide suppresses the secretion of insulin and glucagon from the pancreas, which can be beneficial in certain conditions, including VIPomas and insulinomas.
- Reduction of Gastric and Pancreatic Secretions: It decreases the secretion of digestive enzymes and gastric acid, which helps in treating conditions like pancreatitis and gastric ulcers.

Octreotide Drug Interactions - What to Avoid

Octreotide can interact with various drugs and substances, potentially altering its efficacy or safety profile:

- Insulin and Oral Hypoglycemics: Octreotide can interfere with insulin secretion, causing either hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, depending on the patient’s existing blood sugar regulation. Close monitoring of blood glucose levels is necessary, especially in diabetic patients.
- Cyclosporine: The absorption of cyclosporine may be affected when taken with Octreotide, requiring careful monitoring of drug levels and possible dose adjustments.
- Beta-Blockers: Use with beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol) may increase the risk of bradycardia or heart block, and should be done with caution.
- Cimetidine: The use of cimetidine or other H2 antagonists may affect the metabolism of Octreotide, increasing its blood levels and potential side effects.
- Anticoagulants: Octreotide may interact with anticoagulants such as warfarin, affecting their efficacy and increasing the risk of bleeding.
- Drugs that Affect Liver Function: Medications that affect liver enzymes (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole) may alter Octreotide’s metabolism, increasing the risk of side effects.

Octreotide Adult Dose - Recommended Dosage

The typical adult dose of Octreotide depends on the condition being treated:

- For Acromegaly: The usual dose is 50–200 mcg subcutaneously every 8 hours. The dose may be increased based on the response.
- For Carcinoid Syndrome: The starting dose is typically 100 mcg subcutaneously every 8 hours, with possible adjustments depending on the severity of symptoms.
- For VIPomas: A typical dose is 100 mcg subcutaneously every 8 hours.
- For Acute Esophageal Variceal Bleeding: The recommended dose is 50 mcg intravenously every 12 hours for 2–5 days.

Octreotide Child Dose - Dosage for Children

In pediatric patients, the dosage of Octreotide varies depending on the condition being treated and the child's age and weight. It is usually initiated at a lower dose than for adults, with gradual increases depending on response. Dosing for children with conditions like neuroblastoma or growth hormone disorders should be individualized and closely monitored by a healthcare provider.

Always consult a healthcare provider before starting Octreotide to ensure that it is appropriate based on individual health needs and conditions.

Octreotide Renal Dose - Dosage for Kidney Conditions

Octreotide does not require specific dose adjustments in patients with renal impairment. However, close monitoring is recommended in patients with severe renal disease, as Octreotide’s effects on fluid balance or metabolism may be more pronounced.