Uses of undefined

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.

undefined Drug administaration and Dosage available

Somatostatin is available as an immediate-release solution (liquid) for injection in the doses of 10 mg, 20 mg, and 30 mg. It is intended for administration via the subcutaneous or intravenous route. It must be administered only under the supervision of a healthcare professional at around the same time every day. Check for discoloration and the presence of particles before injecting. 

Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of undefined

Warnings

Contact your physician immediately if you experience allergies to Somatostatin and its ingredients. During the Somatostatin injection treatment, your doctor may periodically monitor your blood sugar level, thyroid function, and liver or pancreatic enzyme function to prevent serious complications. Report to your doctor if you have an irregular heartbeat, gallstones, problems with blood sugar levels, either too high (hyperglycemia) or too low (hypoglycemia), or issues with the liver or kidneys. Discuss with your doctor if you have a medical history of vitamin B12 deficiency.

Precautions

If you are pregnant or planning to have a baby, consult a doctor before taking this medicine. Your healthcare provider will prescribe Somatostatin only if it is necessary for you. Avoid breastfeeding your baby while on the treatment as it is unknown if Somatostatin passes into the breastmilk.

Side Effects

The side effects known to occur commonly during the treatment with Somatostatin are nausea, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, flatulence, hair loss, etc. This medicine could also alter your blood glucose, thyroid, and liver enzyme levels. Report to your doctor immediately if you experience difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, gall bladder abnormalities, blood glucose fluctuations, or hypothyroidism.

Word Of Advice

It is advised to let the Somatostatin get to room temperature before using the medication if it is kept in the refrigerator. It reduces the possibility of pain at the injection site. It would be best if you didn't heat it, but you can warm it up in your palm. If you experience pain at the subcutaneous injection site, you can get relief by immediately rubbing the injection site lightly.

Frequently Asked Question

• What are the uses of Somatostatin?
• Somatostatin is used to treat Acromegaly (abnormal growth of the feet, hands, and face), carcinoid tumors, and vasoactive intestinal peptide tumors (VIPoma).

• Is  Somatostatin safe for pregnancy? 
• No, Somatostatin should not be used during pregnancy. Consult your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to have a baby. While using this drug, women who don't want to get pregnant should use an effective method of contraception.

• Is Somatostatin a chemotherapy medication?
• Somatostatin is a chemotherapy medication used in patients with gastro-entero-pancreatic (GEP) endocrine and pituitary tumors.

• What are the common side effects of Somatostatin?
• Nausea, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, flatulence, increased blood glucose level and gallstones are the most common side effects of Somatostatin.

• Does Somatostatin result in weight gain and hair loss?
• Yes, hair loss is the most common side effect of Somatostatin and it might also cause weight gain.

• Can a diabetic patient take Somatostatin?
• Somatostatin may cause fluctuations in blood sugar. So this medication should be used cautiously in patients with diabetes, only when prescribed by a doctor.

• How should Somatostatin be taken?
• Somatostatin is intended for administration via the subcutaneous or intravenous route, and it should be administered only under the monitoring of a healthcare professional. 

• What happens if I overdose on Somatostatin?
• The common symptoms of overdose are irregular heartbeat, weight loss, severe upper stomach pain,  nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea, weakness, tiredness, lack of energy, abdominal swelling, muscle pain, and slow breathing.