Sandostatin Lar Depot

Do not share this medication with others.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as blood glucose tests, thyroid function, hormone levels, vitamin B12 levels) should be done before you start using this medication and while you are using it. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

It is important to get each dose of this medication as scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store in the refrigerator away from light. Do not freeze. Discard any unused portion of the vial or syringe. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

You must respond well to the short-acting form of octreotide before switching to this medication. Consult your doctor or pharmacist.

This medication is given by injection into your buttock muscle as directed by your doctor, usually once every 4 weeks. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

To reduce irritation, change the location of the injection site in the buttocks with each dose. Avoid giving this medication into the muscles of the arm. Doing so causes more pain and irritation.

If you are giving this medication to yourself at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely. Take this medication out of the refrigerator 30 to 60 minutes before mixing.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, mark your calendar with a reminder.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse.

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach upset, gas, bloating, dizziness, or headache may occur. Pain and irritation at the injection site may also occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: signs of gallbladder/liver problems (such as fever, stomach/abdominal pain, severe nausea/vomiting, yellowing eyes/skin, unexplained pain in the back/right shoulder), signs of underactive thyroid (such as unexplained weight gain, cold intolerance, slow heartbeat, severe constipation, unusual/extreme tiredness, growth/lump/swelling on the front of the neck), worsening heart condition symptoms (such as trouble breathing, slow/fast/irregular heartbeat), numbness/tingling of the arms/legs, weight loss, change in stool color.

This medication may rarely cause changes in blood sugar, especially if you have diabetes. Symptoms of high blood sugar include increased thirst and urination. Symptoms of low blood sugar include nervousness, shakiness, sweating, fast heartbeat, and hunger. Follow your doctor's instructions to treat low blood sugar (for example, by eating a quick source of sugar such as glucose gel/tablets, table sugar, or honey, or drinking fruit juice or non-diet soda). Tell your doctor right away if you experience symptoms of high or low blood sugar while using this medication. Monitor your blood sugar levels as directed by your doctor. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medications.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at MedWatch: The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using octreotide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease (such as cirrhosis), diabetes, thyroid problems, gallbladder problems (such as gallstones), heart problems (such as heart failure), nutrition problems (such as decreased fat absorption, vitamin B12 deficiency).

This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

If used for a long time (such as longer than 1 year), this medication may slow a child's growth rate. However, the growth rate catches up after treatment with the drug is stopped. Consult your doctor for more information.

Treatment with this medication may improve fertility in women and may lead to unintended pregnancy. Ask your doctor for more details.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669.