Somatostatin
Information about Somatostatin
Somatostatin Uses
Somatostatin is used in the treatment of acromegaly, carcinoid tumours and bleeding esophageal varices.
How Somatostatin works
Somatostatin works by blocking the effects of certain natural hormones in the body such as serotonin and growth hormone. It also decreases bleeding from food pipe by constricting (narrowing) the blood vessels.
Common side effects of Somatostatin
Diarrhea, Abdominal pain, Constipation, Flatulence, Headache, Increased glucose level in blood, Injection site reaction, Gallstones
Expert advice for Somatostatin
- Somatostatin helps treat acromegaly and certain hormone-producing tumors of stomach, liver, and pancreas.
- It is given as an injection under the skin or into a vein.
- It may temporarily cause pain at the site of injection. You can relieve this by gently rubbing the site of injection for a few seconds afterwards.
- When used long term, your doctor may monitor your thyroid function, gallbladder function, liver function and vitamin b12 levels regularly.
- Inform your doctor if you are taking medicines to control your blood pressure or if you are diabetic.
- Women who do not wish to conceive should practice an effective method for contraception while taking this medication.
- Somatostatin helps treat acromegaly and certain hormone-producing tumors of stomach, liver, and pancreas.
- It is given as an injection under the skin or into a vein.
- It may temporarily cause pain at the site of injection. You can relieve this by gently rubbing the site of injection for a few seconds afterwards.
- When used long term, your doctor may monitor your thyroid function, gallbladder function, liver function and vitamin b12 levels regularly.
- Inform your doctor if you are taking medicines to control your blood pressure or if you are diabetic.
- Women who do not wish to conceive should practice an effective method for contraception while taking this medication.