Medical Uses
Oczyesa is a ready-to-use, long-acting subcutaneous depot of octreotide used for the maintenance (long-term) treatment of acromegaly, a condition where a pituitary adenoma (a non-cancerous tumour in a small gland located at the base of the brain) produces too much growth hormone, causing high levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). This causes excessive growth of tissues and bones and can also cause diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), and cardiovascular disease (conditions affecting the heart and blood circulation).
Oczyesa is used in adults who have previously responded to and tolerated treatment with other somatostatin analogues (man-made (synthetic) versions of the hormone somatostatin).
Recommended Dosage:
The standard recommended dosage of Octreotide is 5 mg/kg, administered as a subcutaneous injection over 30 minutes. The treatment schedule starts at Week 0, Week 2, and then continues every 4 weeks thereafter.
In case a dose is missed, it should be administered as quickly as possible. In cases where the missed dose is given within 2 weeks of the scheduled time, patients can resume the original dosing schedule. However, if it is administered after 2 weeks, the therapy should be continued at every 4-week intervals from the new date.
Physicians are advised to re-evaluate the patient’s therapy at least yearly to confirm whether ongoing treatment provides continued clinical benefit. Oczyesa may be used alone or in combination with hydroxyurea, depending on the patient’s medical needs and the physician’s recommendation.