This is an international site for Sandostatin® LAR® and is intended for Health Care Professionals outside the U.S. The information on the site is not country-specific, and may contain information that is outside the approved indications in the country in which you are located. Please contact your local Novartis representative for the latest information specific to your country.

Sandostatin LAR Information for US residents Sandostatin LAR Information for International Healthcare Professionals Sandostatin LAR Information for Patients Outside the US
Sandostatin® LAR® Delivers Powerful Efficacy and Unparalleled Evidence

Home > About Sandostatin® LAR® > How To Administer Sandostatin® LAR® > Mixing

Mixing

This section offers techniques for preparing and administering Sandostatin® LAR® (octreotide/IM injection).

7 steps to successful mixing

Successful preparation and injection of Sandostatin LAR requires proper technique: The powder must be completely saturated and in a uniform suspension prior to deep intragluteal injection. Please be sure to read all of the instructions before mixing the product. It is very important to follow precisely all 7 steps when preparing Sandostatin LAR for administration. Sandostatin LAR must be administered immediately after suspension and the patient must be ready to be injected at Step 7.

Mixing

Follow the instructions below carefully to ensure complete saturation of the powder and its uniform suspension before injection. Sandostatin LAR suspension must only be prepared immediately before administration. Sandostatin LAR should only be administered by a trained health professional.

Step 1    
Mixing Sandostatin® LAR® – Step 1 of 7 Allow Sandostatin LAR vial and vehicle syringe to reach room temperature.
Remove cap from vial and assure that powder is settled at bottom of vial by lightly tapping vial.
*Failure to tap vial before injecting vehicle increases risk of clogging.

Step 2		  
Mixing Sandostatin® LAR® – Step 2 of 7 Remove cap from vehicle syringe and attach one of the supplied needles—use only 1.1-mm diameter, 19-gauge needles.
*Do not directly inject vehicle without preparing vial.

Step 3		  
Mixing Sandostatin® LAR® – Step 3 of 7 Disinfect vial’s rubber stopper with alcohol swab and insert needle through centre.
Without disturbing powder, gently inject vehicle into vial by running vehicle down inside wall of vial.
*Do not inject vehicle directly into powder.

Step 4		  
Mixing Sandostatin® LAR® – Step 4 of 7 Do not disturb vial until vehicle has totally wetted powder (at least 2 to 5 minutes).
Without inverting vial, check sides and bottom of vial for dry spots.
If dry spots exist, allow undisturbed wetting to continue.
*Powder must be completely wetted before proceeding.

Step 5		  
Mixing Sandostatin® LAR® – Step 5 of 7 Once complete wetting has occurred, vial should be moderately swirled for 30 to 60 seconds until a milky, uniform suspension is achieved.
*Do not invert or shake vial vigorously as this can cause lumps to form.

Step 6		  
Mixing Sandostatin® LAR® – Step 6 of 7 Immediately reinsert needle through rubber stopper and then—with bevel down and vial tipped at a 45° angle (as shown in diagram)—slowly draw contents of vial into syringe.
Some residual suspension will remain—vial contains a calculated overfill.
*Never invert vial as this can affect the dose.

Step 7		  
Mixing Sandostatin® LAR® – Step 7 of 7 Discard first needle and attach second supplied needle and administer immediately after suspension preparation.

These preparation instructions may be more detailed than those approved in your country.