Sandostatin injection

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Octreotide is injected under the skin, or into a vein through an IV. You may be shown how to use injections at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles, IV tubing, and other items used to inject the medicine. Be sure to follow the instructions for the exact type of octreotide your doctor has prescribed for you.

Store octreotide in the original carton in the refrigerator. Protect from light.

Octreotide should be at room temperature when you inject it. Take the medicine out of the refrigerator 30 to 60 minutes before preparing your dose. Do not heat the medicine. After mixing your dose, give the injection right away. Do not save it for later use.

Prepare your dose only when you are ready to give yourself an injection. Do not use octreotide if it has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medication.

Your care provider will show you the best places on your body to inject octreotide. Use a different place each time you give an injection. Do not inject into the same place two times in a row.

Use a disposable needle and syringe only once. Follow any state or local laws about throwing away used needles and syringes. Use a puncture-proof "sharps" disposal container (ask your pharmacist where to get one and how to throw it away). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.

While using octreotide, you may need frequent medical tests.

Each single-use ampul is for one use only. Throw away after one use, even if there is still some medicine left in it after injecting your dose.

If refrigeration is not available, you may store an unopened single-use ampul or multi-dose vial at room temperature for up to 14 days. Keep away from moisture and heat.

Throw away any medicine left in the multi-use vial after 14 days of use. Then start a new vial.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe stomach pain or tenderness, severe constipation;

• slow or uneven heartbeats;

• severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate;

• high blood sugar--increased thirst, increased urination, hunger, dry mouth, fruity breath odor, drowsiness, dry skin, blurred vision, weight loss;

• low blood sugar--headache, hunger, weakness, sweating, confusion, irritability, dizziness, fast heart rate, or feeling jittery; or

• underactive thyroid--extreme tired feeling, dry skin, joint pain or stiffness, muscle pain or weakness, hoarse voice, feeling more sensitive to cold temperatures, weight gain.

Common side effects may include:

• diarrhea, constipation;

• vomiting, upset stomach;

• bloating, gas;

• headache, dizziness; or

• pain when injecting the medicine.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.