Sandostatin for Control of GH, IGF-1, Gastrointestinal HormoneSandostatin LAR Information
Sandostatin LAR Octreotide IM Injection






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  Administering Sandostatin® LAR®  
With its slow-release pharmacokinetic profile compared to Sandostatin® Injection, Sandostatin® LAR® can be administered once a month instead of 3 times a day, which may lead to enhanced patient compliance. In addition, improvements such as a new pre-filled vehicle syringe and redesigned needle size make mixing and administering Sandostatin® LAR® easier than ever.

Click on the following links for more detailed information on administering Sandostatin® LAR®.

To review frequently asked questions and answers on administering Sandostatin® LAR®, click here.

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

Convenient packaging
Sandostatin® LAR® is available in three strengths:

  • 10 mg (dark blue package)
  • 20 mg (orange package)
  • 30 mg (dark red package)

Each package is a single-use kit. Before administering Sandostatin® LAR®, check to make sure that all the contents are intact. Kits include:
  • One vial containing Sandostatin® LAR®
  • Two vials containing diluent or, one new, pre-filled vehicle 5-mL syringe that offers greater ease and convenience in preparing Sandostatin® LAR®
  • Two 40-mm (1˝") 19- or 20-gauge needles
  • Instruction booklet

  
Storage considerations
Sandostatin® LAR® should be refrigerated, especially for prolonged use. Sandostatin® LAR® should be stored at temperatures of 2° to 8°C and protected from light until time of use. Before administration, Sandostatin® LAR® should be allowed to reach room temperature, which may take 30 to 60 minutes. After preparation of the suspension, the drug must be administered immediately.		  
Caution:Sandostatin® LAR® must be protected from high temperatures, including temporary storage areas that may become hot (e.g., warehouses or car interiors). Because octreotide acetate is uniformly distributed within microspheres of a slow-release, biodegradable polymer, temperatures above 41°C will cause the product to melt. If Sandostatin® LAR® reaches 41°C, it will be impossible to achieve suspension of the powder in the diluent, and the product must be discarded.  
  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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • Do not disturb vial until vehicle has totally wetted powder (at least 2—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

  • 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

  • Immediately re-insert needle through rubber stopper and then—with bevel down and vial tipped at a 45-degree 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

  • 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.

  
 
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