Sandostatin Copay Assistance

How Assistance Works

Streamlining our patient’s specialty pharmacy experience with unmatched full-service convenience

1. Check Your Coverage/Benefits Verification

Our team of expert billers finds the best avenues of coverage that minimize out-of-pocket costs.
2. Transfer Prescription to AmeriPharma®

We process your prescription by working with your previous pharmacy or prescriber, making the transition quick and easy.
3. Prior Authorization

Our team of specialists obtains approval from your insurance companies within 24 to 72 hours.
4. Copay Assistance & Financial Aid

We secure financial aid and decrease copays, out-of-pocket expenses, and high deductibles. To date, AmeriPharma® Specialty Care has secured $55 million in financial assistance for our patients.
5. Nursing Care Coordination If Needed

AmeriPharma® puts your schedule and home environment first when scheduling and coordinating one of our specialized nurses for your in-home infusions.
6. Delivery Coordination

Medications are always delivered in strict compliance with the specific requirements for shipping. Next-day and overnight cold-chain deliveries are coordinated around your schedule.

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What Is Sandostatin?

Sandostatin (generic name: octreotide) is part of the somatostatin and somatostatin analog classes of drugs. Sandostatin is a manufactured protein that has a similar structure to a naturally occurring hormone called somatostatin. The hypothalamus produces somatostatin in the human brain. Sandostatin comes in two formulations: immediate release and long-acting. Immediate release begins working as soon as it is injected. The extended formula name differs from the immediate release, as it contains the letters LAR in the name. Once injected, it is released slowly into the body over time.

Naturally occurring somatostatin breaks down quickly in the body within just minutes of production. The manufactured form, Sandostatin, is more stable. This means it continues to work in the body over time, making it a better choice for medical indications. Sandostatin reduces the level of insulin, glucagon, growth hormones, and some digestive chemicals.

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What Is Sandostatin Used To Treat?

This medication has been indicated to treat certain carcinoid tumors, vasoactive intestinal peptide tumors, and acromegaly. However, some medical professionals may prescribe Sandostatin off-label for diarrhea, type 1 diabetes, gastrin-secreting tumor that results from excessive gastric acid production leading to severe peptic ulcer disease and diarrhea (gastrinomas), pituitary adenomas, abnormal linking of the pancreatic ductal surface to another surrounding surface area (pancreatic fistula), and other conditions.

For patients with cancerous tumors, Sandostatin may help to reduce the flushing and diarrhea that often accompany these diseases. Flushing can be observed in a patient when their skin turns red and warm.

Acromegaly is a condition that causes bones and body tissues to grow larger than average. Medical professionals use Sandostatin to treat acromegaly because it helps reduce the hormone level that contributes to abnormal growth rates.

Copay and Financial Assistance

AmeriPharma™ Specialty Pharmacy alleviates financial burdens for patients and their families

Advanced software locates funding sources to match you with top-dollar foundation programs
One of our copay assistance specialists will assist with the application process
Automatic updates will be sent to you and your physician on the status of the funding

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Directions for Use

The dosing for Sandostatin will vary based on the conditions for which you are taking it. If you miss a dose or believe you have overdosed, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical attention.

For adults with carcinoid tumors, the initial dose ranges from 100 mcg to 600 mcg per day, divided over two to four doses. These medications are injected under the skin (subcutaneously), directly into a muscle (intramuscularly), or into the veins via infusion (intravenously).

For adults with vasoactive intestinal peptide tumors, the initial dose ranges from 200 mcg to 300 mcg per day, divided over two to four doses. The maintenance dose is between 150 mcg and 750 mcg each day thereafter.

For adults with acromegaly, the initial dose is 50 mcg three times daily. The maintenance dose is usually 100 mcg three times daily but should not exceed a maximum dose of 500 mcg three times daily.

A healthcare professional will administer your initial dose and provide administration instructions on how to self-administer your subsequent doses. If you decide to self-administer your Sandostatin injections, choose a different place on the body to inject each time. Never administer two consecutive injections in the same place. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully and confirm you are able to properly self-administer your dose correctly to ensure the best treatment outcomes for your condition.

Sandostatin Side Effects

Patients using Sandostatin will need regular medical tests and labs to monitor for any complications. Some of these tests include blood tests to assess liver and kidney function. Patients who are receiving radiation treatments may have to stop taking their Sandostatin for a while if severe side effects occur. Patients should immediately report any bruising, bleeding, or severe abdominal pain to their medical professionals for further evaluation.

Common side effects of Sandostatin are:

Cardiac conduction disorder – this disorder can arise when the electrical system in your heart is unable to control your heart rate and rhythm
High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
Gallbladder sludge and gallstones
Gastrointestinal issues, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
Headaches or backaches
Tiredness
Dizziness