octreotide acetate (Sandostatin LAR)
GENERIC NAME: OCTREOTIDE DEPOT SUSPENSION - INJECTION (ok-TREE-oh-tide)
BRAND NAME(S): Sandostatin LAR
USES: This medication is a long-acting form of octreotide. Octreotide is used to treat severe watery diarrhea and sudden reddening of the face and neck caused by certain types of tumors (e.g., carcinoid tumors, vasoactive intestinal peptide tumors) that are found usually in the intestines and pancreas. The symptoms occur when these tumors make too much of certain natural substances (hormones). This medication works by blocking the production of these hormones. By decreasing watery diarrhea, octreotide helps to reduce the loss of body fluids and minerals.Octreotide is also used to treat a certain condition (acromegaly) that occurs when the body makes too much of a certain natural substance called growth hormone. Treating acromegaly helps reduce the risk of serious problems such as diabetes and heart disease. Octreotide works by decreasing the amount of growth hormone to normal levels.This drug is not a cure for these conditions. This medication is usually used with other treatment (e.g., surgery, radiation, other drugs).
Medically Reviewed by a Doctor on 4/16/2014
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