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General Medication Fact Sheet for Sandostatin LAR
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Medication Name | Sandostatin LAR |
| Generic Name | Octreotide Acetate |
| Purpose | Treatment of acromegaly and symptoms associated with carcinoid tumors and vasoactive intestinal peptide-secreting tumors (VIPomas). |
| Mechanism of Action | Somatostatin analog that inhibits the secretion of growth hormone, serotonin, and other active peptides. |
| Dosage Forms | Injectable suspension for intramuscular use |
| Available Strengths | 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg |
| Dosage Frequency | Intramuscular injection every 4 weeks |
| Common Side Effects | Diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, constipation, flatulence, injection site reactions, gallstones |
| Serious Side Effects | Cardiac abnormalities (bradycardia, arrhythmias), gallbladder problems, changes in glucose metabolism (hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia), hypothyroidism |
| Drug Interactions | Insulin, oral hypoglycemic agents, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, cyclosporine, bromocriptine |
| Important Notes | Monitor for cardiac effects, gallbladder issues, and glucose levels. Long-term use may affect vitamin B12 levels. Requires reconstitution before injection. |
| Storage | Store unreconstituted vials in the refrigerator (2-8°C or 36-46°F). Protect from light. Once reconstituted, the suspension must be administered immediately. |
| Missed Dose | Contact your healthcare provider immediately for instructions. Do not self-adjust the dosing schedule. |
| Alternatives | Lanreotide (Somatuline Depot), Pasireotide (Signifor), Cabergoline (for some acromegaly patients) |
Sandostatin LAR Alternatives
| Medication | Mechanism of Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lanreotide (Somatuline Depot) | Somatostatin analog | Administered as a deep subcutaneous injection; also used for acromegaly and neuroendocrine tumors. |
| Pasireotide (Signifor) | Somatostatin analog with broader receptor binding | Used for Cushing’s disease and neuroendocrine tumors; may have different side effect profile. |
Sandostatin LAR Side Effects
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Diarrhea | Cardiac abnormalities (bradycardia, arrhythmias) |
| Abdominal pain | Gallbladder problems (gallstones, cholecystitis) |
| Nausea | Changes in glucose metabolism (hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia) |
| Constipation | Hypothyroidism |
| Flatulence | Pancreatitis |
| Injection site reactions (pain, swelling) | Bowel obstruction |
Sandostatin LAR Dosage Guide
| Condition | Starting Dose | Maintenance Dose | Administration Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acromegaly | 20 mg every 4 weeks | 10-30 mg every 4 weeks, based on GH and IGF-1 levels | Administered via intramuscular injection into the gluteal muscle; alternate injection sites. Requires reconstitution. |
| Carcinoid Tumors | 20 mg every 4 weeks | 10-30 mg every 4 weeks, based on symptom control | Administered via intramuscular injection into the gluteal muscle; alternate injection sites. Requires reconstitution. |
| VIPomas | 20 mg every 4 weeks | 20-30 mg every 4 weeks, based on symptom control | Administered via intramuscular injection into the gluteal muscle; alternate injection sites. Requires reconstitution. |
Sandostatin LAR Price With And Without Insurance
| Purchase Context | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| With Insurance | $1,000 |
| Without Insurance (U.S.) | $8,000 |
| From CPS | $2,081 |
