Signs and symptoms of acromegaly may be caused by the tumor or by the overproduction of growth hormone (GH).1-3
Symptoms caused by the tumor:
- Headaches
- Visual problems
Symptoms caused by GH oversecretion:
- Hypertension (high blood pressure) or other heart-related problems
- Diabetes
- Sleep apnea
- Excessive sweating
- Joint pains
- Enlargement of hands and feet
- Swelling of soft tissue
Other signs and symptoms of acromegaly:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Skin tags
- Menstrual cycle disturbances/impotence
- Goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland)
- Sinus congestion
- Skin changes, including thickening, oiliness, acne
- Coarsening of facial features, including forehead, nose, lips, tongue, jaw
You may only have a few of these and may never develop additional symptoms. Please keep in mind that this information does not substitute for your healthcare provider. Please speak with your healthcare provider about any questions you may have. The full range is presented so you can understand the challenges involved in monitoring and controlling the disease.
Sandostatin® LAR Depot (octreotide acetate for injectable suspension) is indicated for long-term maintenance therapy in acromegalic patients who have had an inadequate response to surgery and/or radiotherapy, or for whom surgery and/or radiotherapy is not an option. The goal of treatment in acromegaly is to reduce GH and IGF-1 levels to normal.
Important Safety Information:
As with immediate release Sandostatin® Injection, the most frequently reported drug-related adverse events were biliary disorders (52%), gastrointestinal disorders (7% to 36%), and injection-site pain (2% to 11%). Hypoglycemia (2%), hyperglycemia (15%), and hypothyroidism (2%) have been reported. While not measured in acromegalic patients receiving Sandostatin® LAR Depot, ECG changes have been reported in patients receiving immediate release Sandostatin® Injection; the degree to which these abnormalities are related to octreotide acetate is not clear, as many acromegalics have cardiovascular disease. 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.
