the journal of Pharmacy Technology the journal of Pharmacy Technology
Abstracts of Back Issues
Home
Home
Back Issues
Author Information
PharmaCE
Acknowledgments
About the journal
Order Form
Customer Service
Advertising Information
Contact Information


OCTREOTIDE FOR REFRACTORY DIARRHEA ASSOCIATED WITH CAPECITABINE
Tawee Tanvetyanon and Ellen R Gaynor

To request full article click here.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the effect of low-dose subcutaneous octreotide on refractory diarrhea associated with capecitabine.

CASE SUMMARY: A 67-year-old white woman with recurrent metastatic breast cancer received monotherapy with capecitabine after failing docetaxel. The first 2 consecutive capecitabine cycles were well tolerated. The patient, however, developed severe watery diarrhea after the third cycle. Diphenoxylate, atropine, loperamide, and attapulgite, along with conventional supportive measures, did not significantly improve the diarrhea, resulting in prolonged hospitalization. Octreotide 100 µg every 8 hours was administered subcutaneously. Immediate relief in stool frequency was observed during the first day. The stool became more formed on the next day. The patient was ready for discharge after learning how to perform subcutaneous injections. Octreotide was continued at home for 3 more days. After discontinuation of octreotide, no recurrent diarrhea occurred. Capecitabine was not reinitiated.

DISCUSSION: Diarrhea is a potentially life-threatening complication from treatment with capecitabine, an oral fluoropyrimidine analog. Octreotide has shown efficacy for diarrhea from many conditions, including chemotherapy with irinotecan and intravenous fluoropyrimidines such as fluorouracil. Our report suggests that octreotide also is effective for diarrhea associated with capecitabine. The patient's rapid response shortened her hospital stay and improved her quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS: In our patient, subcutaneous octreotide, along with other conventional antidiarrheal therapies, was associated with rapid resolution of refractory diarrhea attributed to capecitabine.

J Pharm Technol 2004;20:226-8.

To request full article click here.


Harvey Whitney Books


Harvey Whitney Books

 
 

the journal of Pharmacy Technology
is published by HARVEY WHITNEY BOOKS COMPANY
8044 Montgomery Road, Suite 415, Cincinnati, OH 45236-2919
P.O. Box 42696, Cincinnati, OH 45242-0696 USA
Tel. 513/793-3555, FAX 513/793-3600
Office Hours: 9-5 E.S.T.
Contact Information
All Rights Reserved. Copyright © 1998-