Octreotide is the active substance of a growth hormone suppressing and antidiarrheal drug known commercially as Sandostatin.
This injectable drug is indicated for acromegaly and diarrhea, its action is to inhibit the absorption of fats in the stomach, intestines and pancreas and to suppress the secretion of insulin, glucagon and thyroid stimulating hormone.
Indications of Octreotide
Acromegaly; diarrhea (refractory AIDS-related); diarrhea (severe due to gastrointestinal tumor).
Octreotide price
The box of 0.05 mg containing 5 ampoules of Octreotide costs approximately 219 reais.
Side Effects of Octreotide
Diarrhea; pain or discomfort in the belly; excess fat in the stool; intestinal gas; nausea; vomiting; burn or pain at the injection site; abnormalities in the gallbladder and biliary tract; change or decrease in heartbeat; changes in the conduction of the cardiac nerve impulses.
Contraindications of Octreotide
Pregnancy Risk B; breast-feeding; children; gallbladder disease or gallstones; patient allergic to the drug.
How to Use Octreotide
Injectable Use
Adults
- Acromegaly: Start at 0.05 mg, 2 or 3 times per day. The dosage is determined by titration every 2 weeks until reaching the dose of 0.1 mg, 3 times per day.
- Diarrhea (per gastrointestinal tumor): Start at 0.05 mg, 1 or 2 times per day and progressively increase the dose to 0.1 to 0.2 mg, 3 times per day.
- Diarrhea (refractory to AIDS): 0.1 to 1.8 mg per day.
