Octreotide Injections

These instructions are for Children's Hospital of Philadelphia patients with hyperinsulinism prescribed octreotide injections to manage low blood sugars.

Important Information about octreotide:

• Learn more about hyperinsulinism.

• Octreotide, also known by the brand name Sandostatin®, treats low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) caused by hyperinsulinism. It works by decreasing the amount of insulin released into the body.

• The medicine is given by an injection underneath the skin, in the fatty tissue. This type of injection is also called deep subcutaneous (SC). Injections are given every 6 to 8 hours.

• Octreotide comes in different strengths. The most common is 200 mcg/ml concentration. If the concentration is different, please call your team.

• Check the strength and dose of the medicine each time you refill the prescription. If a different strength was ordered, the amount drawn up in the syringe will change.

• Octreotide is dosed in micrograms. You will give octreotide in an insulin syringe which will be dosed in units. Please review with your provider the number of units you will draw up on syringe. You should also know the number of micrograms your child is receiving.

• Side effects of octreotide include:

  • Some children do not respond to octreotide after taking it for a while

  • Diarrhea

  • Nausea

  • Stomach pain

  • Bloating/gas

  • Gallstones

  • Poor growth

  • Low thyroid function

  • Elevated liver enzymes

• Your child will be screened for these side effects with labs and an abdominal ultrasound before discharge and at their follow-up clinic visits.

• Before going home, your team will teach you:

  • Your child's dose of octreotide

  • How to give your child the octreotide injection

  • How to check your child's blood sugar

  • How to give glucagon in a low-blood sugar emergency

Instructions for storing octreotide:

• This medicine comes in a small bottle that holds more than 1 dose.

• Store octreotide in the refrigerator before opening.

• Use the medicine within 14 days after opening and and keep it at room temperature away from light. When you open a new bottle, write that date on the vial as well as the day that it expires.

Call your CHOP healthcare team with questions, concerns or if your child:

• Is weak or less active than usual

• Has any abnormal stomach issues

• Any blood sugar less than 50 mg/dl

• More than 2 blood sugars in 1 week

• 2 blood sugars > 150 mg/dl in 1 week

• Any blood sugar > 200 mg/dl

Reviewed on February 10, 2023, by Heather McKnight, CRNP; Nicole Stewart, RN; Jaime Gomes, PharmD