Download Live in the Moment

A PATIENT’S GUIDE
to understanding,
living with, and
treating the severe
diarrhea and flushing
associated with
carcinoid syndrome.
Live in the Moment,
when you’re living with the severe diarrhea and f lushing
associated with carcinoid syndrome.
Sandostatin® LAR Depot (octreotide acetate for injectable suspension) is indicated
Sandostatin® LAR Depot (octreotide acetate for injectable suspension) is indicated
for long-term treatment of the severe diarrhea and flushing episodes associated
for long-term treatment of the severe diarrhea and flushing episodes associated
with metastatic carcinoid tumors (carcinoid syndrome) and long-term treatment of
with metastatic carcinoid tumors and long-term treatment of the profuse watery
the profuse watery diarrhea associated with Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP)diarrhea associated with VIP-secreting tumors in patients in whom initial treatment
secreting tumors in patients in whom initial treatment with immediate release
with immediate release Sandostatin® (octreotide acetate) Injection has been shown
Sandostatin® (octreotide acetate) Injection has been shown to be effective
to be effective and tolerated. In patients with carcinoid syndrome and VIPomas, the
and tolerated. In patients with carcinoid syndrome and VIPomas, the effect of
effect of Sandostatin Injection and Sandostatin LAR Depot on tumor size, rate of
Sandostatin Injection and Sandostatin LAR Depot on tumor size, rate of growth and
growth and development of metastases has not been determined.
development of metastases has not been determined.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Warnings and Precautions
Warnings and Precautions
Treatment with Sandostatin LAR Depot may affect gallbladder function, sugar
Treatment with Sandostatin LAR Depot may affect gallbladder function, sugar
metabolism, thyroid and heart function, and nutritional absorption, which may
metabolism, thyroid and heart function, and nutritional absorption, which may
require monitoring by your doctor.
require monitoring by your doctor.
Please see additional Sandostatin® Immediate-release Injection Important Safety
Please
see additional
LAR LAR
Depot
Important
Safety
Information
Information
on page 14Sandostatin®
and Sandostatin®
Depot
Important
Safety
Information
on
page 15.
15 and Sandostatin® Immediate-release Injection Important Safety
on page
Information
on page full
16. Prescribing Information.
Please see enclosed
Please see enclosed full Prescribing Information.
Real people.
Real stories.
Real life.
We’ve created this guide to help you live with
the severe diarrhea and flushing associated with
carcinoid syndrome. As you read through,
you’ll be introduced to people just like you who
are managing these symptoms with Sandostatin®
LAR Depot (octreotide acetate for injectable
suspension)—and living in the moment.
What’s inside.
On the first few pages, you’ll find the basic science and medical
information you need to know. But don’t worry, we’ve made it
as straightforward as we can.
Then we’ll move on to the section dealing with food choices.
How you eat will play an important role in how you feel day to
day. That’s why we’ve included tips and advice about how to
stock your fridge and pantry to best manage your symptoms.
Isaac S.
If you’re newly diagnosed, or if you’re starting treatment for
the first time, you probably have a million questions. We’ve
tried to answer a lot of them for you. We’ve even added in
some extras for you to ask your health care provider, as well
as some places you can go to learn more.
So if you’re ready, let’s get started.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Brian H.
Warnings and Precautions: Treatment with Sandostatin® LAR
Depot may affect gallbladder function, sugar metabolism,
thyroid and heart function, and nutritional absorption, which
may require monitoring by your doctor.
Before taking Sandostatin LAR Depot: Tell your doctor if you
have a history of heart disease or are taking other medications,
including: cyclosporine, insulin, oral hypoglycemic agents,
beta-blockers, and bromocriptine.
Mary E.
Please see Sandostatin® LAR Depot Important Safety Information
on page 15 and Sandostatin® Immediate-release Injection
Important Safety Information on page 16.
Please see enclosed full Prescribing Information.
1
Doug B.
carcinoid syndrome:
Paula
Carcinoid syndrome refers to the group of symptoms that result from active
carcinoid tumors. When carcinoid tumors start to spread, or metastasize, they
can cause sudden and severe symptoms. These symptoms are the result of
an increased release of hormones by the carcinoid tumors.
Throughout this guide, you’ll see words like carcinoid tumor and carcinoid syndrome—
things you’ll hear your health care provider talk about, too. Our goal is to make the
information as easy to understand as possible.
What causes the symptoms of carcinoid syndrome?
67% of carcinoid tumors occur
in the gastrointestinal tract.
There are 2 types of carcinoid tumors.
Your doctor may refer to them as
“functional” or “non-functional.”
Functional metastatic carcinoid tumors
can release excess hormones, such as
serotonin, into the body.
It’s these excess hormones that can
cause a variety of symptoms, including
the severe diarrhea and flushing
associated with carcinoid syndrome.
Common side effects: Most patient experience side effects at some time. Some common
side effects you may experience include: back pain, fatigue, headache, abdominal pain,
nausea, and dizziness.
Other information: Patients with carcinoid tumors and VIPomas should adhere closely to
Flushing (red or purplish skin)
• Can be mild to severe
• Appears suddenly
• Occurs during the night
• Temporary (lasting minutes) or prolonged (lasting hours)
• Can occur several times a day
• Primarily on the face or neck
• May be accompanied by warmth and/or a rapid heartbeat
LUNG
LIVER*
Different people experience symptoms differently. Some people have mild
diarrhea and constant flushing. And for others, it’s the other way around. You
may experience both at the same time or you may have one without the other.
STOMACH
LARGE
INTESTINE
SMALL
INTESTINE
Places where carcinoid tumors
can occur in your body
The most important thing is to talk to your health care provider if you have any
new symptoms or an increase in the symptoms you already have—no matter
how mild or severe you think they are.
Please see Sandostatin® LAR Depot Important Safety Information on page 15 and
Sandostatin® Immediate-release Injection Important Safety Information on page 16.
You may want to ask
your health care provider:
Will my symptoms get
worse over time?
FAQs
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Diarrhea (loose, watery stools)
MANAGING
YOUR SYMPTOMS
Neuroendocrine tumors form in the
cells of the neuroendocrine system.
Neuroendocrine tumors that form in the
digestive system are called carcinoids.
What are the most common symptoms
of carcinoid syndrome?
STARTING
SANDOSTATIN®
“I used to avoid visiting
my sister-in-law for the
holidays. Now I’m there,
enjoying the laughs, the
arguments, the embraces.”
noun
TESTING &
TREATMENT
The symptoms associated with carcinoid tumors can be subtle and common to other disorders. They
may also come and go, and be more severe at certain times than others. That’s why it may have taken
some time for you to get a diagnosis of carcinoid syndrome. If this happened to you, you’re not alone.
CARCINOID
CARCINOID
SYNDROME
SYNDROM
Now we’re going to talk about what you’re experiencing.
CARCINOID SYNDROME
Please see enclosed full Prescribing Information.
To learn more call 1-888-NOW-NOVA (669-6682), or visit www.sandostatin.com.
*Liver is a common site of metastases.
their scheduled return visits for reinjection in order to minimize exacerbation of symptoms.
3
SUPPORT
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA.
Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
TESTING & TREATMENT
Once your health care provider has determined that you may have carcinoid syndrome,
he or she will perform tests that will help confirm your diagnosis.
Joe
Before you take this test, there are some foods you shouldn’t eat because they can affect
the results. Your health care provider will tell you about them, but here’s a reminder:
Treating patients for over 25 years.
#1-prescribed somatostatin
analogue in the world.
Symptom control you can count on.*
Here are results from a clinical study of 92 patients with carcinoid syndrome who were treated with
Sandostatin LAR Depot or Sandostatin Immediate-release Injection.
Sandostatin LAR Depot REDUCES DAILY STOOLS
Sandostatin LAR Depot REDUCES FLUSHING
4.5
4.3
STOOLS PER DAY
2.5
EPISODES PER DAY
0.7
STOOLS PER DAY†
EPISODES PER DAY†
42% MEAN REDUCTION (30%-48%; n=92)
Avocados
Bananas
Pineapples
84% MEAN REDUCTION (70%-90%; n=92)
in flushing frequency.
*Patients with carcinoid tumors may experience symptom flare-ups while on therapy. They may be given supplemental Sandostatin®
(octreotide acetate) Immediate-release Injection (at the dosage they were receiving prior to switching to Sandostatin LAR Depot)
until symptoms are again controlled.
† Patients received 10-mg, 20-mg, or 30-mg doses of Sandostatin LAR Depot, or Sandostatin Immediate-release Injection. A 6-month
clinical trial of malignant carcinoid syndrome was performed in patients who had previously been shown to be responsive to
Sandostatin Immediate-release Injection.
MANAGING
YOUR SYMPTOMS
in frequency of severe diarrhea.
STARTING
SANDOSTATIN®
“My daughter’s graduation
from nursing school
was no small affair. And
I didn’t miss a moment.
It was my proudest day.”
One of the hormones overproduced by carcinoid tumors is serotonin, which is broken
down into a substance called 5-hydroxyindoeacetic acid (5-HIAA for short). To find out
if you have carcinoid syndrome, your health care provider will take a sample of your
blood and urine to measure your levels of 5-HIAA.
When you get a diagnosis of severe diarrhea and flushing associated with carcinoid
syndrome, your first thought may be, “What now?” Luckily, there’s a treatment option
like Sandostatin LAR Depot (octreotide acetate for injectible suspension). Sandostatin
(octreotide acetate) Injection is a medicine approved in 1988 to treat the severe
diarrhea and flushing associated with carcinoid syndrome. Along with some small
lifestyle changes, it may help you control your symptoms and Live in the Moment.
TESTING &
TREATMENT
How can a test prove I have the severe
diarrhea and f lushing associated with
carcinoid syndrome?
Sandostatin® LAR Depot. Control You Can Trust.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Pecans
There are also some medicines you shouldn’t take before your 5-HIAA test.
Again, your health care provider will tell you, but here’s a reminder:
Common side effects: Most patients experience side effects at some time. Some common side effects you may experience include:
back pain, fatigue, headache, abdominal pain, nausea, and dizziness.
Other information: Patients with carcinoid tumors and VIPomas should adhere closely to their scheduled return visits for reinjection
• Acetaminophen (such as Tylenol®*)
in order to minimize exacerbation of symptoms.
• Salicylates (such as aspirin)
Please see Sandostatin® LAR Depot Important Safety Information on page 15 and Sandostatin® Immediate-release Injection
Important Safety Information on page 16.
• Guaifenesin (found in some cough medicines)
Please see enclosed full Prescribing Information.
To learn more call 1-888-NOW-NOVA (669-6682), or visit www.sandostatin.com.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription
drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
SUPPORT
• L-dopa (used to treat Parkinson’s disease)
*Tylenol is a registered trademark of McNeil Consumer Healthcare.
5
Walnuts/ Hickory nuts
FAQs
You may want
to ask your
health care
provider:
How long will
it take to get
my test results?
Tomatoes
STARTING SANDOSTATIN®
You’re about to start therapy with Sandostatin® LAR Depot (octreotide
acetate for injectible suspension). What that means is, you may be on
your way to controlling your symptoms rather than having them control
you. Below you’ll find a step-by-step guide to what you should expect,
and when you should expect it.
Jan
Your health care provider will monitor your progress on Immediate-release Sandostatin injection and may
then prescribe Sandostatin LAR Depot, which will be given as an injection by your health care provider once
every 4 weeks.
The beginning
For the first 2 weeks
During the first month:
After 3 months:
If your health care provider has
prescribed Sandostatin to you
for the first time, you will start by
getting daily injections.
You will give yourself daily
injections of immediate-release
Sandostatin® (octreotide acetate)
Injection 2 or 3 times a day.
Your health care provider will ask you to continue
taking daily injections for 2 more weeks—just to
make sure you have good symptom control while
the Sandostatin LAR Depot starts working.
Your health care provider will check on your
progress to see if the dose should be adjusted.
Remember to talk about any symptoms you’re
having. Try to be as accurate as possible so you can
get the right dose. You should also be visiting your
health care provider every 4 weeks to check in.
Get Sandostatin on
your schedule. If you’re
eligible, you can get your
injections even when you
are away from home. See
page 14 for more details.
Some restrictions apply.
• So your health care provider can see how well immediate-release Sandostatin Injection
is working from the start
• So your health care provider can see if you’re experiencing any common side effects
such as back pain, fatigue, headache, abdominal pain, nausea, and dizziness
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Warnings and Precautions: Treatment with Sandostatin® LAR Depot may affect gallbladder function, sugar metabolism, thyroid
and heart function, and nutritional absorption, which may require monitoring by your doctor.
FAQs
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA.
Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
You may want to ask
your health care provider:
What are the side effects
of treatment?
MANAGING
YOUR SYMPTOMS
Two reasons why it is important to begin your therapy with daily injections:
STARTING
SANDOSTATIN®
“I never thought I could
zip line either. But
when you’ve come that
far, why not take the
shortcut down?”
Switching to Sandostatin LAR Depot.
Before taking Sandostatin LAR Depot: Tell your doctor if you have a history of heart disease or are taking other medications,
including: cyclosporine, insulin, oral hypoglycemic agents, beta-blockers, and bromocriptine.
Please see enclosed full Prescribing Information.
7
To learn more call 1-888-NOW-NOVA (669-6682), or visit www.sandostatin.com.
SUPPORT
Please see Sandostatin® LAR Depot Important Safety Information on page 15 and
Sandostatin® Immediate-release Injection Important Safety Information on page 16.
MANAGING
YOUR SYMPTOMS
Isaac
“When the Falcons game
heads into overtime, I’m
not missing a single play.
40 yard line, 40 rows up.
I’m there.”
Stay hydrated:
Make digestion easier:
Avoid high-fat foods and
foods rich in amines:
Reduce stress:
Keep a journal:
Record any side effects
with Sandostatin LAR
treatment:
Not that:
Cooked vegetables
Raw vegetables
White potatoes & rice
Cabbage
Jelly
Cream cheese
Here’s what you can do to help you manage the severe diarrhea and flushing
associated with carcinoid syndrome so that you can continue to enjoy daily activities.
Whole-grain bread
White bread
Clear broth
Creamy soup
Drink plenty of water each day
Pretzels
Doughnuts
Crackers
Butter cookies
Ripe bananas
Dried fruit
Pureed vegetables
Relishes
Jam
Butter
Gatorade
Soft drinks
When you have excessive diarrhea, you can lose a lot of water. That means you could
become dehydrated and lose electrolytes. It can also affect your digestion and cause
changes in your body weight and nutrition absorption, which can leave you feeling
weak and tired.
Eat high-protein foods like lean meats, fish, and eggs
Cook or finely chop hard-to-digest fruits and vegetables
Aged cheeses, pickled foods, cured meats
Try to keep a positive attitude every day
Avoid large, spicy meals
You may want to ask
your health care provider:
How much protein should
I be eating each day?
Identifying foods and situations that trigger symptoms can help you
avoid them
Most patients experience some common side effects such as back pain,
fatigue, headache, abdominal pain, nausea, and dizziness
Please see Sandostatin® LAR Depot Important Safety Information
on page 15 and Sandostatin® Immediate-release Injection Important Safety
Information on page 16.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA.
Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Please see enclosed full Prescribing Information.
To learn more call 1-888-NOW-NOVA (669-6682), or visit www.sandostatin.com.
SUPPORT
9
Choose this:
FAQs
Eat simply:
When you’re managing the severe diarrhea and flushing associated with carcinoid syndrome, watching
what you eat can help you avoid some symptoms or symptom flare-ups. But that doesn’t mean you
have to give up your favorite foods altogether. Check out the chart to see what easy substitutions you
might make to get the most from every meal.
MANAGING
YOUR SYMPTOMS
Keep your energy up:
What can I do to manage the severe
diarrhea and f lushing associated
with carcinoid syndrome?
Choose this. Not that.
FAQs
You have questions. We have answers.
And if you don’t see what you need, visit www.sandostatin.com for more.
Q: I’ve heard that Sandostatin® LAR Depot (octreotide
acetate for injectable suspension) is changing its
administration kit. How will this affect my treatment?
A: The Sandostatin LAR Depot dose prescribed by your
doctor will stay the same. We’ve just made the mixing and
preparation more convenient and the solution easier to
prepare—so it may take less time for your health care
provider to get ready for your visit.
Q: How does Sandostatin LAR Depot work?
A: Sandostatin LAR Depot is similar to somatostatin, a
hormone that occurs naturally in the body. Both work
in the same way to reduce excess hormones and other
metabolic activities involved in carcinoid syndrome and
VIPomas. Sandostatin LAR Depot remains in the body
much longer than somatostatin.
Q: What should I do if I miss an appointment?
A: If you miss your appointment for your injection, you
should call your health care provider’s office immediately
to reschedule your visit. If keeping office appointments is
difficult for you, talk with your health care provider to see
if you qualify for the Mobile Administration Program (MAP).
If your health care provider determines you are eligible for
MAP, he or she will fill out and submit an enrollment form
for you. Then a representative will contact you to schedule
your first appointment with a nurse who will administer
your injection at a location and time convenient for you.
Q: Can I stop taking Sandostatin LAR Depot if I feel better?
A: Only after consulting with your health care provider. You
may feel better because of the action of Sandostatin LAR
Depot, but the underlying problem still exists.
Q: How much does Sandostatin LAR Depot cost?
A: How much the drug will cost depends on where it is
dispensed and what your individual insurance plan may
cover. This amount can vary.
Q: Does Sandostatin LAR Depot contain latex, gelatin,
or gluten?
A: There is no latex, gelatin, or gluten present in Sandostatin
LAR Depot.
Q: How can I get help paying for my Sandostatin LAR Depot?
A: Novartis is committed to making sure you have access to
the treatments you need. With the Sandostatin LAR Depot
Co-pay card, eligible patients may pay no more than $25
per Sandostatin LAR Depot prescription. To find out if you’re
eligible, ask your health care provider or call Patient
Assistance Now Oncology (PANO) at 1-800-282-7630 to
find out about the Co-pay card and insurance reimbursement.
Limitations apply. Visit www.sandostatin-copay.com for
program Terms and Conditions. This offer is not valid under
Medicare, Medicaid, or any other federal or state program.
Novartis reserves the right to rescind, revoke, or amend this
program without notice.
Q: What are the possible side effects of Sandostatin LAR
Depot taken to treat the severe diarrhea and flushing
associated with carcinoid syndrome?
A: Most patients experience side effects at some time.
Some common side effects you may experience include:
back pain, fatigue, headache, abdominal pain, nausea,
and dizziness.
FAQs
Q: What dose of Sandostatin LAR Depot is right for me?
A: Sandostatin LAR Depot comes in 3 doses. Talk to your
doctor to find out which dose is right for you.
Q: Can I administer Sandostatin LAR Depot to myself?
A: No, Sandostatin LAR Depot should be administered only
by a trained health care provider.
11
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA.
Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Please see enclosed full Prescribing Information.
To learn more call 1-888-NOW-NOVA (669-6682), or visit www.sandostatin.com.
SUPPORT
Please see Sandostatin® LAR Depot Important Safety Information on page 15 and
Sandostatin® Immediate-release Injection Important Safety Information on page 16.
SUPPORT
Mobile Administration
Program (MAP)
PR
O GRA M MO
IO
MINISTRAT
AD
LE
P
IO
BI
“When Mena was born,
I was there. Not only in
the hospital. I was in the
delivery room. I saw my
granddaughter take her
very first breath.”
BI
MINISTRAT
Mary
OGRA M MO
AD
No one should have to go through anything as tough as the severe diarrhea and
flushing associated with carcinoid syndrome, alone. That’s why Novartis has developed
many programs and resources for patients and their caregivers.
PR
LE
- providing the resources, support, and information you need.
N
N
We’re here for you
If you’re an eligible patient, once your health care provider finds the right dose of
Sandostatin® LAR Depot for you, you may be able to get your injections on the go.
Talk to your health care provider to find out if MAP is right for you.†
• Of course, this shouldn’t replace regularly scheduled appointments with your health
care provider. The first dose of Sandostatin LAR Depot must be administered by your
treating physician. But with MAP, subsequent doses can be administered in a place
that’s convenient for you, even outside of normal office hours.
• All MAP Nurses are registered nurses affiliated with United BioSource Corporation®
(UBC)—specially trained in the mixing and administration of Sandostatin LAR Depot
How RealSupport TM supports you.
RealSupport™ can be real helpful. We created this
program as a resource to help our patients live in the
moment. With educational videos, tips, and recipes,
this important tool may provide the information you
need to cope with the severe diarrhea and flushing
associated with carcinoid syndrome.
At your home, office, or destination—our nurses are there for you,* at no charge to you
• Talk to your health care provider to find out if MAP is right for you
For more information about MAP, please visit www.MobileCarcinoidPatient.com.
™
R E A L I N F O R M AT I O N F R O M R E A L PAT I E N T S
Patient Assistance
Now Oncology (PANO)
Enroll in RealSupport™ at www.joinrealsupport.com
and get a personalized Doctor Discussion guide.
Novartis Oncology is committed to helping patients living with cancer receive the
medicines they need. Patient Assistance Now Oncology (PANO) offers quick and easy
access to information about the broad array of support and reimbursement programs
available.
Support for patients includes:
What’s in the guide?
• Insurance verification
• Tips for talking with your doctor about the symptoms of severe diarrhea and flushing
• Medicare education
• Suggestions on getting the most from your treatment plan
• Assistance with denials/appeals
• Advice on how you can partner with your health care provider to help manage
• Therapy-specific support programs
for out-of-pocket costs
your condition
• Assistance with searching for other
sources of coverage/funding that could
alleviate or reduce costs for patients
Get a Patient Injection
Guide too
As another benefit of your RealSupport™ membership, you will receive a detailed
instruction guide on how to self-administer Sandostatin® (octreotide acetate)
Immediate-release Injection.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Warnings and Precautions: Treatment with Sandostatin LAR Depot may affect gallbladder function, sugar metabolism, thyroid
and heart function, and nutritional absorption, which may require monitoring by your doctor.
®
13
Foundations for assistance with
co-pay costs
• Assistance for low-income
and uninsured patients
• Patients pre-qualified via phone
screening for the Patient Assistance
Program (PAP) will be sent a 30-day
supply of their needed medication while
completing the application
*Some restrictions may apply.
†Patients with government-provided insurance (such as Medicare Parts B and D or Medicaid) are not eligible at this time. Patients who reside
in Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, or Rhode Island are not eligible for this program. Visit www.sandostatin.com for complete terms
and conditions.
Please see Sandostatin® LAR Depot Important Safety Information on page 15 and Sandostatin® Immediate-release Injection
Important Safety Information on page 16.
Please see enclosed full Prescribing Information.
To learn more call 1-888-NOW-NOVA (669-6682), or visit www.sandostatin.com.
SUPPORT
Before taking Sandostatin LAR Depot: Tell your doctor if you have a history of heart disease or are taking other medications,
including: cyclosporine, insulin, oral hypoglycemic agents, beta-blockers, and bromocriptine.
• Referrals to Independent Charitable
Doug
“I’m waist-deep in the
Holston River, hip waders
on, reel in hand, and I cast
that fly out over the water.
It’s a beautiful thing.”
RESOURCES
Important Safety Information
There’s also a host of support groups and organizations
that have your back, too.
Sandostatin® (octreotide acetate) Immediate-release Injection
NET advocacy groups*
General advocacy groups*
Carcinoid Cancer Foundation (CCF)
www.carcinoid.org
1-888-722-3132 (toll-free)
American Cancer Society (ACS)
www.cancer.org
1-800-227-2345 (toll-free)
Caring for Carcinoid Foundation (CFCF)
www.caringforcarcinoid.org
1-617-948-2514
CancerCare
www.cancercare.org
1-800-813-HOPE (toll-free)
Healing NET Foundation
www.thehealingnet.org
1-615-369-6463
Novartis resources
Neuroendocrine Cancer Awareness
Network (NCAN)
www.netcancerawareness.org
1-866-850-9555 (toll free)
New Jersey Carcinoid Cancer NETwork
www.carcinoidnetwork.org
1-609-812-9294
NorCal CarciNET Community
www.norcalcarcinet.org
CarcinoidLink
www.carcinoid.com
The NET AllianceTM
www.NeuroendocrineTumor.com
*These websites are maintained by third parties.
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation does not
guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or any
other aspect of the information on these sites.
Important Safety Information
Sandostatin® LAR Depot
(octreotide acetate for injectable suspension)
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Sandostatin LAR Depot (octreotide acetate for injectable
suspension) is indicated for long-term treatment of the severe
diarrhea and flushing episodes associated with metastatic
carcinoid tumors and long-term treatment of the profuse watery
diarrhea associated with VIP-secreting tumors in patients in
whom initial treatment with immediate release Sandostatin®
(octreotide acetate) Injection has been shown to be effective
and tolerated. In patients with carcinoid syndrome and VIPomas,
the effect of Sandostatin Injection and Sandostatin LAR Depot
on tumor size, rate of growth and development of metastases
has not been determined.
15
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Warnings and Precautions: Treatment with Sandostatin LAR
Depot may affect gallbladder function, sugar metabolism,
thyroid and heart function, and nutritional absorption, which
may require monitoring by your doctor.
Before taking Sandostatin LAR Depot: Tell your doctor if you
have a history of heart disease or are taking other medications,
including: cyclosporine, insulin, oral hypoglycemic agents, betablockers, and bromocriptine.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Warnings and Precautions: Treatment with Sandostatin
(octreotide acetate) Injection may affect gallbladder function,
sugar metabolism, thyroid and heart function, and nutritional
absorption, which may require monitoring by your doctor.
Sandostatin Injection is a prescription medicine indicated for
treatment of the severe diarrhea and flushing episodes associated
with metastatic carcinoid tumors and treatment of the profuse
watery diarrhea associated with VIP-secreting tumors.
Before taking Sandostatin Injection: Tell your doctor if you
have a history of heart disease or are taking other medications,
including: cyclosporine, insulin, oral hypoglycemic agents, betablockers, calcium channel blockers, agents to control fluid and
electrolyte balance, and bromocriptine.
The effect of Sandostatin Injection on tumor size, rate of growth
and development of metastases has not been determined.
Please see enclosed full Prescribing Information.
Common side effects: Most patients experience side effects
at some time. Some common side effects you may experience
include gallstones, heart function changes, diarrhea, loose
stools, nausea, abdominal discomfort, blood sugar changes,
and underactive thyroid gland including enlargement of thyroid
gland. Fewer than 10% of patients experienced vomiting,
abnormal stools, constipation, flatulence, pain on injection,
headache, dizziness, and inflammation of the pancreas. Intestinal
obstruction and low platelet counts have also been observed.
Other information: Women of child bearing potential should use
adequate contraception during treatment. Talk to your doctor if
you are a nursing mother. Diabetic patients should monitor their
blood sugar levels frequently. Patients should make sure they
are carefully instructed in the correct sterile injection technique
before using Sandostatin Injection.
Patients with carcinoid tumors and VIPomas should adhere
closely to their scheduled return visits for reinjection in order to
minimize exacerbation of symptoms. Patients with acromegaly
should adhere to their return visit schedule to help assure steady
control of GH and IGF-1 levels.
Common side effects: Most patients experience side effects
at some time. Some common side effects you may experience
include: back pain, fatigue, headache, abdominal pain, nausea,
and dizziness.
Other information: Patients with carcinoid tumors and VIPomas
should adhere closely to their scheduled return visits for
reinjection in order to minimize exacerbation of symptoms.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA.
Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Please see enclosed full Prescribing Information.
To learn more call 1-888-NOW-NOVA (669-6682), or visit www.sandostatin.com.
You’re sitting in your health care provider’s office and your mind is spinning with questions and
information. So we wanted to give you a place to jot it all down to make sure you keep it straight.
Notes
Please see Sandostatin® LAR Depot Important Safety Information on page 15 and
Sandostatin® Immediate-release Injection Important Safety Information on page 16.
Please see enclosed full Prescribing Information.
To learn more call 1-888-NOW-NOVA (669-6682), or visit www.sandostatin.com.
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
East Hanover, New Jersey 07936-1080
© 2015 Novartis
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SDS-1117393
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