Octreotide: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan

Octreotide is a somatostatin analogue. It is a prescription medicine used for acromegaly, hormone-secreting tumours and variceal bleeding. In Pakistan it is available as injections, made by 3 different manufacturers. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.

How Octreotide works

Octreotide is a man-made version of somatostatin, a natural hormone that switches off the release of many other hormones. It reduces growth hormone, insulin, glucagon and several gut hormones, and it lowers blood flow to the gut, which helps to reduce bleeding from varices.

What is Octreotide used for?

• Acromegaly
• Hormone-secreting tumours
• Variceal bleeding

Octreotide is used to control acromegaly, a condition caused by too much growth hormone, and to relieve symptoms such as flushing and severe diarrhoea caused by certain hormone-secreting tumours of the gut and pancreas (neuroendocrine tumours). In hospital it is also used to help control bleeding from swollen veins in the gullet (varices) in people with liver disease, and sometimes after pancreatic surgery.

Side effects of Octreotide

Gut-related effects are the most common with Octreotide, along with a few others:

• Diarrhoea or loose fatty stools
• Stomach pain, wind or nausea
• Pain or stinging at the injection site
• Gallstones with longer use
• Changes in blood sugar

Get medical help straight away for severe pain in the upper abdomen, yellowing of the skin, a very slow heartbeat, or symptoms of very high or very low blood sugar.

Precautions and warnings

• Octreotide is started by a specialist, and injections are given by trained staff or by you after you have been shown how to do them safely.
• Your blood sugar, thyroid function and gallbladder may be checked during long-term treatment.
• Tell your doctor if you have diabetes, as your diabetes medicines may need adjusting.
• Mention other medicines you take, particularly ciclosporin, beta-blockers or heart rhythm medicines.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, discuss treatment with your doctor first.

Frequently asked questions about Octreotide

What is the price of Octreotide in Pakistan?

At Medimart, Octreotide products currently in stock range from Rs 592 to Rs 3,253 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Asterotide 0.1mg Injection at Rs 592. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.

Which brands of Octreotide are available in Pakistan?

Octreotide is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Asterotide (Aster), Hatide (Hygeia) and Sandostatin (Novartis Pharma (Pakistan)ltd).

Do I need a prescription for Octreotide?

Yes. Octreotide is a prescription medicine in Pakistan. Use it only when a doctor has prescribed it, at the dose and for the time they advise.

Can Octreotide be used during pregnancy?

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, discuss treatment with your doctor first.

Are all Octreotide brands the same?

Brands that contain the same amount of Octreotide in the same form are expected to work in the same way, although inactive ingredients, pack sizes and prices differ. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching from one brand to another.

Octreotide brands and prices in Pakistan

Medimart lists 3 products containing Octreotide from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.

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