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OCTREOTIDE (ok TREE oh tide) treats high levels of growth hormone (acromegaly). It works by reducing the amount of growth hormone your body makes. This reduces symptoms and the risk of health problems caused by too much growth hormone, such as diabetes and heart disease.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
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Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Do not cut, crush, or chew this medication. Swallow the capsules whole. Take it on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
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This medication may also interact with the following:
-Antacids
-Bromocriptine
-Certain medications for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heartbeat
-Cyclosporine
-Diuretics
-Estrogen or progestin hormones
-Medications for diabetes, including insulin
-Stomach acid blockers, such as cimetidine, famotidine, nizatidine, lansoprazole, esomeprazole, omeprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
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Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
This medication may cause decreases in blood sugar. Signs of low blood sugar include chills, cool, pale skin or cold sweats, drowsiness, extreme hunger, fast heartbeat, headache, nausea, nervousness or anxiety, shakiness, trembling, unsteadiness, tiredness, or weakness. Contact your care team right away if you experience any of these symptoms.
This medication may increase blood sugar. The risk may be higher in patients who already have diabetes. Ask your care team what you can do to lower your risk of diabetes while taking this medication.
You should make sure you get enough vitamin B12 while you are taking this medication. Discuss the foods you eat and the vitamins you take with your care team.
Estrogen and/or progestin hormones may not work as well while you are taking this medication. If you are using these hormones for contraception, talk to your care team about using a second type of contraception. A barrier contraceptive, such as a condom or diaphragm, is recommended.
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If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
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Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
-Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
-Gallbladder problems—severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever
-Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing
-High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)—increased thirst or amount of urine, unusual weakness or fatigue, blurry vision
-Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)—tremors or shaking, anxiety, sweating, cold or clammy skin, confusion, dizziness, rapid heartbeat
-Low thyroid levels (hypothyroidism)—unusual weakness or fatigue, increased sensitivity to cold, constipation, hair loss, dry skin, weight gain, feelings of depression
-Low vitamin B12 level—pain, tingling, or numbness in the hands or feet, muscle weakness, dizziness, confusion, trouble concentrating
-Oily or light-colored stools, diarrhea, bloating, weight loss
-Pancreatitis—severe stomach pain that spreads to your back or gets worse after eating or when touched, fever, nausea, vomiting
-Slow heartbeat—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, confusion, trouble breathing, unusual weakness or fatigue
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
-Diarrhea
-Excessive sweating
-Joint pain
-Headache
-Nausea
-Stomach pain
-Swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store unopened medication wallets in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.
After the first use, store the opened wallet at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F) for up to 1 month. Get rid of it after 1 month, even if it still contains capsules.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
DISCLAIMER: This drug information content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients should always consult their physician with any questions regarding a medical condition and to obtain medical advice and treatment. Drug information is sourced from GSDD (Gold Standard Drug Database ) provided by Elsevier.
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