Sandostatin LAR (2.0 mL diluent)

This leaflet answers some common questions about Sandostatin LAR.Octreotide powder
The information in this leaflet was last updated on the date listed on the final page. More recent information on the medicine may be available.
You should ensure that you speak to your pharmacist or doctor to obtain the most up to date information on the medicine. You can also download the most up to date leaflet from www.novartis.com.au.
Those updates may contain important information about the medicine and its use of which you should be aware.
It does not contain all the available information. It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor has weighed the risks of you having Sandostatin LAR against the benefits they expect it will give you.
If you have any concerns about having this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Keep this leaflet.
You may need to read it again.
What Sandostatin LAR is used for
Sandostatin LAR is a long acting form of Sandostatin injection. It is injected into the buttocks once every 4 weeks, instead of having frequent injections of the short-acting Sandostatin under the skin.
Sandostatin LAR is used to treat acromegaly
In people with acromegaly the body makes too much growth hormone which controls the growth of tissues, organs and bones. Too much growth hormone leads to enlargement of the bones, especially of the hands and feet. Other symptoms include headaches, increased sweating, tiredness, numbness of the hands and feet, pain and stiffness in the joints and loss of sexual function. By blocking the excess growth hormone, Sandostatin LAR can relieve many of these symptoms.
Sandostatin LAR is used to relieve symptoms of certain types of cancer such as carcinoid tumour and VIPoma.
By blocking hormones that are over-produced in these conditions, Sandostatin LAR can relieve symptoms such as flushing of the skin and severe diarrhoea.
Sandostatin LAR contains octreotide, a man-made medicine derived from somatostatin. Somatostatin is a substance found in the human body which controls the effects of certain hormones such as insulin and growth hormone. Sandostatin LAR is used instead of somatostatin because its effects are stronger and last longer.
Sandostatin LAR is used to treat advanced neuroendocrine tumours located in the gut (eg appendix, small intestine or colon).
Neuroendocrine tumours are rare tumours which can be found in different parts of the body. Sandostatin LAR is also used to control the growth of these tumours, when they are located in the gut (eg appendix, small intestine or colon).
Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why Sandostatin LAR has been prescribed for you.
Your doctor may have prescribed this medicine for another reason.
This medicine is only available with a doctor's prescription. It is not addictive.
There is very little information on the use of this medicine in children.