Symptom control & reduction of GH & somatomedin-C levels in acromegalic patients. Relief of symptoms associated w/ gastro-entro-pancreatic (GEP) endocrine tumours eg, carcinoid tumours w/ features of the carcinoid syndrome, VIPomas & glucagonomas. Prevention of complications following pancreatic surgery. Emergency management of bleeding gastroesophageal varices secondary to cirrhosis in combination w/ endoscopic sclerotherapy.
Dosage/Direction for Use
Acromegaly 0.05-0.1 mg SC 8 hrly initially, adjusted mthly to 0.2-0.3 mg. Max: 1.5 mg/day. Discontinue if no clinical response after 1 mth of treatment. GEP endocrine tumours 0.05 mg once or bid SC initially, gradually increasing to 0.2 mg tid depending on tolerability & therapeutic effect. Individually titrate for maintenance dose. Prevention of complications following pancreatic surgery 0.1 mg tid SC on 7 successive days, the 1st inj given at least 1 hr pre-op. Bleeding gastroesophageal varices 0.025 mg/hr as continuous IV infusion for a max 5 days.
Special Precautions
Tumour expansion may occur. May cause hypoglycaemia & alter insulin or oral hypoglycaemic drug requirements in patients w/ DM. Monitor thyroid function in long-term therapy. May alter absorption of dietary fats & vit B12. Severe renal failure requiring dialysis. Pregnancy & lactation.
Adverse Reactions
Local reactions eg, pain, stinging, tingling or burning at inj site. GI effects eg, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, abdominal bloating, flatulence, loose stools, diarrhoea & steatorrhoea. Formation of gallstones.
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