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Octeotide? Why do you get these injections?

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Posted 4/17/2012 5:50 PM (GMT 0)
This is what they are giving my mom. I am reading up on it but it's not making much sense. She has had pretty bad diarrhea and they have halted the lactulose because of it. The data I'm reading on Octeotide is that is is used for tumors that cause diarrhea, but also to reduce the growth of hormones. I'm confused. They have not explained yet why they are giving this to her, but she is getting it every 8 hours. They have not previously diagnosed her with any tumors.

Anyone have any insight?

Thanks - Sara

Posted 4/17/2012 6:00 PM (GMT 0)
got an answer......it is for portal hypertension.
Posted 4/17/2012 7:59 PM (GMT 0)
Agreed.  Searched on "Octeotide and Portal Hypertention" and there was the information.  I'd never heard of it.  Some here have taken the beta blockers and others have had TIPS procedures for this. 

I'm hoping you will post how this works for her.

Mike had 2 procedures before transplantation for bleeding,  His was in the small bowel.  Never had varices in stomach or esophagus though.  They did a double balloon enteroscopy on him both times.  Scope, see a bleeder, blow up two balloons surrounding the spot, zap the spot with their magical lazer using their tiny tiny light, and put him back together again.

It was so odd.  He felt better on the way home from the procedure (they put you out of course, like a colonoscopy)...color came back into his face. It was like a miracle to stop those bleeders.

I hope this works for her.  Keep us posted.

Carol

Posted 4/18/2012 1:53 AM (GMT 0)
Apparently the Octreotide works to open up the veins and allow for better blood flow. From what I read, because the liver is such a large organ, there is a very sizable vein that allows blood flow into the liver. When the liver cannot accept all of the blood flow anymore (due to damage, scarring, whatever) it cause the blood flow to back up causing the portal hypertension. The Octreotide helps expland the veins thus leading to less pressure building up in the veins. The pressure building up in the veins can cause the veins to rupture. Again, if my understanding is correct, this is when the banding takes place.

If anyone can point out any inaccuracies in my statement, please feel free to do so.

Thanks - Sara
Posted 4/18/2012 2:02 AM (GMT 0)
Sara, thanks for the explanation. I had never heard of that medication before. It sounds like your mom is getting very good care.

Hugs,
Connie
Posted 4/18/2012 3:19 AM (GMT 0)
They also give blood pressure meds to lighten the load on the portal vein, when blood flow is impeded.
Posted 4/18/2012 1:13 PM (GMT 0)
My wife takes 20mg of Nadaolol every day for portal hypertension. It's to keep the pressure down so that she doesn't have a bleed from her stomach varices.

Charlie
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