What is this medicine?

OCTREOTIDE (ok TREE oh tide) is used to reduce blood levels of growth hormone in patients with a condition called acromegaly. This medicine also reduces flushing and watery diarrhea caused by certain types of cancer.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• gallbladder disease
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to octreotide, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection under the skin or into a vein (only in emergency situations). It is usually given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

If you get this medicine at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give this medicine. Allow the injection solution to come to room temperature before use. Do not warm it artificially. Use exactly as directed. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or healthcare provider to get one.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine 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.

What if I miss a dose?

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.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• cisapride
• droperidol
• general anesthetics
• grepafloxacin
• perphenazine
• thioridazine

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• bromocriptine
• cyclosporine
• diuretics
• medicines for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart beat
• medicines for diabetes, including insulin
• quinidine

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.