Sandostatin LAR 20mg injection contains the active substance octreotide. It is a synthetic compound derived from somatostatin, a substance naturally found in the human body that inhibits the effects of certain hormones, such as growth hormones. It is used to reduce the amount of growth hormone produced by people with acromegaly (a condition in which the body produces too much growth hormone, causing enlargement of the hands, feet, and facial features; joint pain; and other symptoms) who cannot be treated with surgery, radiation, or another medication. 

It is also used to control diarrhea and flushing caused by carcinoid tumors (slow-growing tumors that release natural substances that can cause symptoms) and vasoactive intestinal peptide-secreting adenomas (VIP-omas; tumors that form in the pancreas and release natural substances that can cause symptoms). It is used to prevent complications following surgery of the pancreas gland. It is also indicated to stop bleeding and to protect from re-bleeding from ruptured gastro-esophageal varices in patients suffering from chronic liver disease. This medicine is used to treat people with pituitary tumors that produce too much thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) when other types of treatment (surgery or radiotherapy) are not suitable or have not worked and after radiotherapy, to cover the interim period until the radiotherapy becomes fully effective. 

• To treat acromegaly
• Relieve symptoms associated with some tumors of the GI tract
• To prevent complications following surgery of the pancreas gland
• To treat pituitary tumors that produce too much TSH

Sandostatin LAR 20mg injection acetate, a cyclic octapeptide agent, inhibits growth hormone, glucagon, and insulin more effectively than the natural hormone somatostatin. The drug also reduces growth hormone and IGF-I (somatomedin C) in acromegaly, inhibits gallbladder contractions, reduces bile secretion, and suppresses thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) secretion.

Always use this medicine as exactly prescribed by your doctor. Depending on the condition being treated, an infusion of Sandostatin LAR 20mg injection is given by either subcutaneous (under the skin) injection, intramuscularly (into the muscle of the buttocks), or intravenous (into a vein). A healthcare professional will always administer intravenous and intramuscular injections. If you are prescribed a subcutaneous injection, your doctor or other healthcare professional will explain how to inject the medicine under the skin.

• Diarrhea, flatulence
• Abdominal pain
• Back pain
• Tiredness
• Headache, nausea
• Increased heart rate
• Changes in heart rhythm
• Increased or decreased blood sugar levels
• Changes in thyroid levels
• Vitamin B12 deficiency
• Gall stones

Inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription, over-the-counter, nutritional or vitamin supplements, and herbal products. Certain medications interact with Sandostatin LAR 20mg injection and reduce their effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects. 

• Store the Sandostatin LAR 20mg injection in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C
• Do not freeze
• Protect the medicine from light and excessive moisture.
• Keep the medicine out of reach of children and pets
• If you forgot to take the injection, inform your healthcare professional immediately and reschedule the appointment.

Regularly check blood sugar levels and inform your physician if you notice any changes such as increased or decreased blood sugar level. Female patients of reproductive potential use an alternative non-hormonal method of contraception, such as condoms, when the oral form of this medicine is used. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin, into a muscle, or into a vein, based on your condition. This medicine may improve fertility in women and can cause unwanted pregnancies. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.