What is Sandostatin: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Sandostatin overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Bynfezia Pen, SandoSTATIN

Generic Names:

  • Octreotide Acetate

Uses:

  • Treats acromegaly (a growth hormone disorder), carcinoid syndrome, or diarrhea caused by tumors in the stomach, bowels, or pancreas.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Endocrine-Metabolic Agent, Endocrine-Metabolic Agent

Forms:

  • Injectable

How it’s taken:

  • By injection

What is Sandostatin used for?

Sandostatin is a prescription medication used to treat acromegaly. This mediation works to minimize the amount of growth hormone in the body which reduces the risk of heart diseases and diabetes. Sandostatin is also used to treat severe watery diarrhea.

What form(s) does Sandostatin come in

  • Injectable

What are common Sandostatin doses?

  • Ampule 1ML of 50MCG/ML

  • Ampule 1ML of 100MCG/ML

Common Sandostatin prescriptions

  • SandoSTATIN
    1ml of 100mcg/ml ampule

  • SandoSTATIN
    1ml of 500mcg/ml ampule

  • SandoSTATIN
    1ml of 50mcg/ml ampule

  • SandoSTATIN
    5ml of 200mcg/ml vial

How to take Sandostatin

  • Missed dose: You must use this medicine on a fixed schedule. Call your doctor or pharmacist if you miss a dose.

  • Injection routeIf you store this medicine at home, keep it in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. After first use of the prefilled pen, you can keep it at room temperature, away from heat and direct light, for up to 28 days. Throw away any unused medicine after 28 days.You may also keep the vials at room temperature, away from heat and direct light, for up to 14 days. Throw away any unused medicine after 14 days.

  • Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin or into a vein.

  • Injection routeA nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

  • Injection routeYou may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.

  • Injection routeYou will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas.

  • Injection routeUse a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Injection routeThrow away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.

  • Missed dose: You must use this medicine on a fixed schedule. Call your doctor or pharmacist if you miss a dose.

  • Injection routeIf you store this medicine at home, keep it in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. After first use of the prefilled pen, you can keep it at room temperature, away from heat and direct light, for up to 28 days. Throw away any unused medicine after 28 days.You may also keep the vials at room temperature, away from heat and direct light, for up to 14 days. Throw away any unused medicine after 14 days.

  • Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin or into a vein.

  • Injection routeYou will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas.

  • Injection routeThrow away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Injection routeYou may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.

  • Injection routeA nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

  • Injection routeUse a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.

What to do if you miss a dose of Sandostatin

  • It is very important to use this medicine on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

  • If you store this medicine at home, store it in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. If kept at room temperature and protected from light, octreotide is good for only 14 days.

  • Do not open a bottle until you are ready to use the medicine. If you are using the bottles that contain more than one dose, the bottle and any unused medicine must be thrown away 14 days after opening.

  • Throw away any unused medicine if the expiration date has passed.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Sandostatin contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to octreotide.

Sandostatin warnings

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, gallbladder disease, diabetes, psoriasis, heart or blood vessel problems, vitamin B12 deficiency, thyroid problems, or a history of gallstones.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Gallstones, which may lead to swelling of the gallbladder, bile ducts, or pancreasChanges in blood sugar levelHigh blood pressure

  • This medicine may improve fertility in women and may cause unwanted pregnancies. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Unusual tiredness or weakness, coldness, weight gain

  • Yellow skin or eyes

Sandostatin interactions

  • Some medicines can affect how octreotide works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:Bromocriptine, cyclosporine, quinidine, terfenadineBeta-blocker or calcium channel blockerDiuretic (water pill)Insulin or oral diabetes medicineMedicine for heart rhythm problemsPotassium supplements

  • Side effects tend to be more severe in patients who are taking octreotide for acromegaly.

Sandostatin side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Severe stomach pain, especially spreading to the side or back, severe nausea and vomiting

  • Unusual tiredness or weakness, coldness, weight gain

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat, trouble breathing

  • Increase in how much or how often you urinate, increased thirst or hunger, weight loss

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

  • Yellow skin or eyes

  • Shaking, trembling, sweating, fast or pounding heartbeat, lightheadedness, confusion

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Pain, burning, or itching where the needle was placed or shot was given

  • Headache

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