Sandostatin LAR 20mg Injection (Octreotide Acetate)
Sandostatin LAR 20mg Injection contains octreotide, a long-acting medicine similar to a natural hormone called somatostatin. It works by reducing the release of several hormones and substances in the body, including growth hormone and certain gut hormones. By lowering these levels, it helps control the symptoms and effects of conditions where they are produced in excess. The “LAR” form is a long-acting depot that is given once a month. Sandostatin LAR uses include the treatment of acromegaly (excess growth hormone) and certain hormone-producing tumours, and it is given by injection under specialist supervision.
Description
Sandostatin LAR 20mg Injection Uses
- Treats acromegaly, a condition caused by too much growth hormone
- Controls symptoms of certain hormone-producing tumours (such as carcinoid tumours and VIPomas)
- Helps manage severe flushing and diarrhoea caused by these tumours
- Used for certain neuroendocrine tumours to help control the disease
- Prescribed by a specialist as part of a long-term, monitored treatment plan
How Sandostatin LAR Is Given
Sandostatin LAR is not a self-administered medicine. It is given as a deep injection into a muscle (the buttock) by a doctor or nurse, usually once every four weeks. The powder is mixed with its solvent just before use and injected immediately. The dose is set by your specialist and adjusted based on your hormone levels and response. Some patients are first given short-acting octreotide to check they tolerate it before starting the long-acting form. Never attempt to obtain or use this medicine without specialist supervision.
Sandostatin LAR 20mg Injection Warnings
- Can cause gallstones with long-term use; the gallbladder may be checked periodically
- Can affect blood sugar levels, raising or lowering them, so monitoring is needed, especially in diabetes
- Can slow the heart rate and affect thyroid function
- Can affect how other medicines are absorbed or work
- Can harm the balance of certain nutrients over time
- Tell your doctor about any gallbladder, thyroid, heart, or blood sugar problems
Sandostatin LAR 20mg Injection Precautions
- Used only under the supervision of a specialist
- Blood sugar, thyroid function, and the gallbladder are monitored during long-term treatment
- Tell your doctor if you have diabetes, as your diabetes treatment may need adjusting
- Tell your doctor about all other medicines, as doses of some may need changing
- Attend regular follow-up appointments and hormone level checks
- Report any severe abdominal pain, which could signal a gallbladder problem
- Requires proper cold-chain storage; handled and prepared by the pharmacy and clinic
Sandostatin LAR 20mg Injection Side Effects
- Diarrhoea, loose stools, or abdominal discomfort
- Nausea
- Pain or discomfort at the injection site
- Headache
- Changes in blood sugar
- Gallstones with long-term use
- Serious effects, such as severe abdominal pain, a very slow heartbeat, or signs of a gallbladder problem, need medical attention
Storage Instructions
- Store in a refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C
- Do not freeze
- Keep in the original carton to protect from light
- May be kept at room temperature for a short time before use if advised, then used immediately after mixing
- Handled and stored by the pharmacy cold chain; keep out of the reach of children
Packaging and Quantity
Available as a 20mg vial of powder with solvent for reconstitution, supplied as a single-dose kit.
Prescription Requirement
Sandostatin LAR is a specialist prescription-only medicine, given by injection under medical supervision. It is supplied against a valid specialist’s prescription and administered by a healthcare professional. It cannot be dispensed for self-use.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sandostatin LAR 20mg Injection
What is the price of Sandostatin LAR 20mg Injection in Pakistan?
The price of Sandostatin LAR 20mg Injection in Pakistan varies as it is an imported specialist medicine. At Delta Pharmacy it is supplied only against a valid prescription and under proper cold-chain handling.
Is Sandostatin LAR 20mg Injection available in Pakistan?
Yes, Sandostatin LAR 20mg Injection is available in Pakistan through specialist pharmacy supply, dispensed against a specialist’s prescription and kept under cold-chain storage.
What is Sandostatin LAR 20mg Injection used for?
It is used to treat acromegaly and certain hormone-producing tumours by lowering the excess hormones that cause symptoms.
How often is Sandostatin LAR given?
It is usually given as an injection into the muscle once every four weeks by a doctor or nurse, with the dose set by your specialist.
Disclaimer
This information is provided by Delta Pharmacy for general awareness only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Sandostatin LAR (octreotide) is a specialist medicine that must be prescribed and given under medical supervision. Always consult your doctor about your treatment, dosage, and any health concerns before using this medicine.















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