For the Navigator in Every Nurse

The oncology field is dynamic, and the role of oncology nurses is continually changing and expanding. While some nurses focus primarily on one aspect of patient care, others take an active role in helping patients navigate through their care, and still others obtain the title of "Nurse Navigator," with responsibility for facilitating multi-disciplinary management of patient care.

Engaging All Nurses in All Roles

Regardless of title and current role, most nurses will at some point be asked by patients about the different aspects of their care (eg, nutrition, psychosocial support, supplemental therapies). The Oncology Nurse Navigator Project offers an opportunity to prepare for these interventions by providing expert guidance and education on such topics as diagnosis, nutrition, psychosocial issues, and integrative medicine. Through this program, we intend to help nurses of all levels gain the knowledge and resources to help patients navigate through their care. Explore this website to learn more about the many support resources offered to oncology nurses through the Oncology Nurse Navigator Project.

This program is brought to you by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, the makers of Sandostatin® LAR Depot.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Sandostatin® LAR Depot (octreotide acetate for injectable suspension) is indicated for patients in whom initial treatment with immediate release Sandostatin® (octreotide acetate) Injection has been shown to be effective and tolerated for:

  • Long-term treatment of the severe diarrhea and flushing episodes associated with metastatic carcinoid tumors.
  • Long-term treatment of the profuse watery diarrhea associated with VIP-secreting tumors

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.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Warnings and Precautions:

  • Gallbladder abnormalities may occur: Patients should be monitored periodically
  • Glucose Metabolism: Hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia may occur. Blood glucose levels should be monitored when Sandostatin LAR Depot treatment is initiated or when the dose is altered. Antidiabetic treatment should be adjusted accordingly.
  • Thyroid Function: Hypothyroidism may occur. Baseline and periodic assessment of thyroid function (TSH, total and/or free T4) is recommended.
  • Cardiac Function: Bradycardia, arrhythmia, conduction abnormalities, and other EKG changes may occur. The relationship of these events to octreotide acetate is not established because many of these patients have underlying cardiac disease. Use with caution in at-risk patients.
  • Nutrition: Octreotide may alter absorption of dietary fats. Monitoring of vitamin B12 levels is recommended during therapy with Sandostatin LAR Depot. Patients on total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and octreotide should have periodic monitoring of zinc levels.

Drug Interactions: The following drugs require monitoring and possible dose adjustment when used with Sandostatin LAR Depot: cyclosporine, insulin, oral hypoglycemic agents, beta-blockers, bromocriptine. Octreotide has been associated with alterations in nutrient absorption, so it may have an effect on absorption of orally administered drugs. Drugs mainly metabolized by CYP3A4 and which have a low therapeutic index should be used with caution.

Adverse Reactions: The most common adverse reactions occurring in patients receiving Sandostatin LAR Depot were biliary abnormalities (62%), injection site pain (20-50%), nausea (24-41%), abdominal pain (10-35%), fatigue (8-32%), headache (16-30%), hyperglycemia (27%), back pain (8-27%), constipation or vomiting (15-21%), dizziness (18-20%), sinus bradycardia (19%), pruritus (18%), URTI (10-18%), myalgia (4-18%), flatulence (9-16%), arthropathy (8-15%), rash (15%), generalized pain (4-15%), sinusitis (5-12%), conduction abnormalities (9%), hypoglycemia (4%), and arrhythmia (3%).

Please see full Prescribing Information by clicking here.

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.