Okeron

Okeron is a synthetic analogue of the natural peptide (gastrointestinal) hormone somatostatin. It belongs to the pharmacological group of hormones and their analogues. International name - Octreotide; other trade names: Octa, Octrid, Octretex, Sandostatin.

Indications Okeron

Okeron is used in the treatment of such diseases as:

• excess growth hormone (acromegaly);
• chronic pancreatitis;
• gastrinoma (pancreatic tumor, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome);
• insulinoma (a tumor of the β-cells of the pancreatic islets);
• carcinoids of the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas;
• other endocrine tumors of the digestive organs (in combination therapy);
• diarrhea of secretory and osmotic etiology, refractory diarrhea in HIV and after anticancer chemotherapy;
• irritable bowel syndrome;
• gastrointestinal bleeding (including preoperative preparation of patients at risk of recurrent bleeding).

Release form

Release form: injection solution in ampoules.

Pharmacodynamics

Okeron (Octreotide) has a pharmacological effect due to the synthetic octapeptide analogue of the hormone somatostatin included in its composition, which exhibits higher activity over a longer period of time.

Acting as a neurotransmitter, the somatostatin analogue interacts with cell membrane receptors and is involved in the control of such physiological processes in the body as cellular metabolism and proliferation, smooth muscle activity, digestion, intestinal motility, etc.

Acting in a paracrine manner, the drug Okeron performs the functions of an endogenous hormone, namely: it suppresses the excessive formation of somatotropin (growth hormone), and also inhibits the secretion and release of insulin, glucagon, secretin, gastrin, pepsin, motilin, hydrochloric acid and bile, cholecystokinin and calcitonin.

In addition, octreotide significantly reduces the volume of blood flow in the gastrointestinal tract without affecting blood pressure levels.

Pharmacokinetics

After subcutaneous administration, Okeron enters the bloodstream within a short time: the maximum level of the drug in the blood plasma is observed in no more than 25-30 minutes. Almost 65% of the active substance binds to blood proteins.

About a third of the dose is excreted unchanged from the body through the kidneys; the half-life is 90-100 minutes. The therapeutic effect of the drug lasts about 9 hours.

Dosing and administration

The method of administration of the drug is subcutaneous injections, the dose and duration of the course of therapy are prescribed by the doctor and depend on the specific disease. For example, patients with diagnosed excess growth hormone are prescribed an average of 0.2-0.3 mg per day, the maximum permissible daily dose is 1.5 mg.

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Use Okeron during pregnancy

The use of Okeron during pregnancy is only for indications; the risk category of the drug for the fetus (according to FDA) is B).

Contraindications

The use of Okeron is contraindicated in cases of hypersensitivity of patients to the drug.

Side effects Okeron

Using Okeron may cause:

• nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and pain, diarrhea;
• formation of stones in the gallbladder.
• heart rhythm disturbances;
• hypoglycemia;
• skin allergic reactions;
• hair loss.

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Overdose

Overdose may result in decreased heart rate, hot flashes, stomach and intestinal cramps, nausea and diarrhea.

Interactions with other drugs

Okeron increases the effectiveness of drugs taken simultaneously for gastric ulcers that block H2-histamine receptors, and also increases the level of bioavailability of the dopamine receptor stimulator Bromocriptine.

Okeron reduces the absorption of the immune-suppressing drug Cyclosporine.

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Storage conditions

Storage conditions for Okeron: at a temperature of + 2-8° C. The drug must not be frozen.

Shelf life

Shelf life: 24 months.