SANDOSTATIN LAR 20MG INJECTION

Introduction:

Sandostatin Lar 20mg Injection is used to treat symptoms of metastatic carcinoid tumors like flushing and Diarrhoea. It also suppresses the secretion of thyroid-stimulating hormones. Carcinoid and Vasoactive intestinal peptide tumors are two gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors that cause diarrhea, flushing and wheezing. In patients suffering from advanced cancer, where the tumors cannot be removed surgically, this drug decreases the symptoms and slows down tumor progression. Acromegaly is a condition caused when a tumor in the pituitary gland secretes growth hormone in excess. 

Sandostatin Lar 20mg Injection significantly reduces the symptoms of Acromegaly, which include headache, excessive perspiration, numbness of the hands and feet, tiredness and joint pain.

Uses of Sandostatin Lar 20mg Injection:

• Symptomatic relief for patients diagnosed with Acromegaly
• Symptomatic relief for patients diagnosed with Vasoactive intestinal peptide tumors (VIPoma) and Carcinoid tumors
• Treatment of Refractive Diarrhoea in AIDS patients

How Sandostatin Lar 20mg Injection works:

Sandostatin Lar 20mg Injection inhibits the production of Growth Hormone and, to a lesser extent, of TSH, glucagon, insulin, and gastrin. In endocrine tumor like VIPoma and carcinoid tumors, it inhibits hormone secretion and slows down tumor progression. It inhibits intestinal secretion and produces dose-related effects on bowel motility. It reduces the growth hormone or somatomedin –c levels in patients with Acromegaly.

Interaction with other drugs:

Inform your doctor about any medications you are taking or have taken before the treatment.

More Information:

Store at 2-8˚C and protect it from light. Keep the solution at room temperature before administration.

References:

1. Novartis, US Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on 2002] [Accessed on 3rd  Apr 2021], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2003/19667scm044_Sandostatin_lbl.pdf
2. Hospira, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on Dec 2020] [Accessed on 3rd Apr 2021], https://www.medicines.org.uk/EMC/files/pil.373.pdf
3. Kenneth R. McQuaid, Drugs used in the Treatment of Gastrointestinal Diseases, Lange's Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 14th Edition, 2018, 1087-1119.
4. M.W.J. Strachan, J. Newell-Price, Endocrine disease, Davidson's Principles & Practice of Medicine, 22nd Edition, 2014, 733-796.

How to use Sandostatin Lar 20mg Injection:

This injection is intended for administration via the subcutaneous or intravenous route. It should be administered only under the monitoring of a qualified healthcare professional. Avoid taking multiple shots in a short period. Check for discolouration and the presence of particles before injecting.

Safety Advice:

Pregnancy:

Consult your physician for advice if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant.

Breastfeeding: 

It is not known if Sandostatin Lar 20mg Injection is excreted in the milk. Exercise caution while breastfeeding.

Liver:

Inform your physician before beginning this treatment if you have liver problems. Ensure that your physician monitors your liver functions regularly.

Kidney:

Inform your physician before beginning this treatment if you have kidney problems. Ensure that your physician monitors your kidney functions regularly.

Allergies: 

Inform your physician if you experience allergic reactions to Sandostatin Lar 20mg Injection or its ingredients.

Others:

• Inform your physician if you have or ever had gall stones. Your physician may check the condition of your gall bladder periodically.
• Ensure that your physician monitors your blood glucose levels and thyroid functions regularly. Inform your physician if you have blood sugar fluctuations or diabetes.
• Inform your physician if you have a history of vitamin B12 deficiency.

Side effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Even though all drugs cause side effects, not everyone gets them.

Serious:

• Gall bladder abnormalities
• Sinus bradycardia
• Irregularities in the cardiac rhythm
• Hypothyroidism
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Pancreatitis
• Blood glucose fluctuations

Common:

• Diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, constipation, flatulence.
• Liver disorders
• Pruritus, Rash
• Hair loss
• Heart rate fluctuations
• Breathlessness
• Vomiting, bloating