Therapeutic Indications Of Sandostatin LAR Is used: in acromegaly, a condition where the body produces too much growth hormone. to relieve symptoms associated with some tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. to prevent complications following surgery of the pancreas gland. to stop bleeding and to protect from re-bleeding from ruptured gastro-esophageal varices in patients suffering from cirrhosis. to treat pituitary tumors that produce too much thyroid-stimulating hormone. Method Of Administration Of Sandostatin LAR Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. Doses may be changed in special conditions so always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions. If you take more than you should, talk to a doctor or go to the hospital straight away. If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember it unless it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take a double dose (two doses at the same time) to make up for the forgotten dose. Undesirable Side Effects Of Sandostatin LAR Although the following side effects are not common in everyone, some patients may complain from: Inflammation of the gallbladder; symptoms may include pain in the upper right abdomen, fever, nausea, yellowing of the skin and eyes Thirst, low urine output, dark urine, dry flushed skin Irregular heartbeat. Hypersensitivity reactions including skin rash A type of allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) that can cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing, swelling and tingling, possibly with a drop in blood pressure with dizziness or loss of consciousness. An inflammation of the pancreas gland; symptoms may include sudden pain in the upper abdomen, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Liver inflammation; symptoms may include yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, generally feeling unwell, itching, and light-colored urine. Low level of platelet counts in blood; this could result in increased bleeding or bruising Warnings & Special Precautions While Taking Sandostatin LAR Talk to your doctor before using Octreotide: If you know that you have gallstones now, or have had them in the past; tell your doctor, as prolonged use of Octreotide, may result in gallstone formation. Your doctor may wish to check your gallbladder periodically. If you have problems with your blood sugar levels, either too high or too low. When Octreotide is used to treat bleeding from gastro-esophageal varices; monitoring of blood sugar levels is mandatory. If you have a history of vitamin B12 deprivation your doctor may wish to check your vitamin B12 level periodically. If you receive treatment with Octreotide over a long period of time, your doctor may wish to check your thyroid function periodically. Your doctor will check your liver function. Storage Conditions Of Sandostatin LAR Store in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C). Do not freeze. Keep this product out of the sight and reach of children. Store in the original package to protect from moisture. Do not use this product after the expiry date which is stated on the box/blisters/label. The expiry date refers to the last day of the month.