Mycapssa (octreotide) is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed for certain adults with acromegaly. Mycapssa comes as a delayed-release oral capsule that’s typically taken twice per day.

Mycapssa is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat acromegaly in adults who:

  • experienced improvement in their condition from treatment with the drugs octreotide (Sandostatin) or lanreotide (Somatuline Depot)
  • didn’t have major side effects from treatment with lanreotide or octreotide

Octreotide is the active ingredient in Mycapssa.

Mycapssa comes as a delayed-release oral capsule. “Delayed release” means the drug is released into your body slowly over time.

Mycapssa belongs to a drug class called somatostatin analogs. Mycapssa is the only oral form of octreotide that’s currently available, and it doesn’t have a generic version.

Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Mycapssa, including its strength and how to take the medication. For a comprehensive look at Mycapssa, see this article.

Note: This article describes typical dosages for Mycapssa provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking Mycapssa, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.

Below is information about Mycapssa’s form, strength, and dosages.

Mycapssa form

Mycapssa comes as a delayed-release oral capsule. “Delayed release” means the drug is released into your body slowly over time.

Mycapssa strength

Mycapssa comes in one strength of 20 milligrams (mg).

Typical dosages

Typically, your doctor will start by prescribing you a low dosage. Then they’ll adjust it over time to reach the amount that’s right for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly prescribed or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Dosage for acromegaly

Doctors may prescribe Mycapssa to treat acromegaly. If your doctor prescribes it, your starting dose will likely be 20 mg (one capsule) taken twice daily.

When you first start taking Mycapssa, your doctor will assess your condition and your hormone levels every 2 weeks. After your first assessment, your doctor may increase your dosage by 20 mg. If they do, you’ll likely take 40 mg in the morning and 20 mg at night.

After further testing, your doctor may advise another dose increase, up to 40 mg twice daily. This is the maximum recommended dose of Mycapssa.

For information about your specific dosage, talk with your doctor.

Long-term treatment

Mycapssa is meant to be a long-term treatment. It’s called a maintenance treatment, which means that it helps keep your condition stable over time. If you and your doctor determine that Mycapssa is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.

Before you start taking Mycapssa, your doctor will discuss your treatment plan with you.

The Mycapssa dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

  • how your body responds to Mycapssa
  • your lab results, including your level of IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1)
  • other medications you take

Other medical conditions (such as end stage kidney disease) can also affect your dosage.

Dosage adjustments

If you take other medications or have certain health conditions, your doctor may adjust your Mycapssa dosage.

Drug interactions

Your doctor may need to increase your Mycapssa dosage if you take certain medications. These include proton pump inhibitors, antacids, and H2 blockers. These drugs can affect the level of Mycapssa in your body.

Your doctor may also need to adjust the dosage of other drugs you take. To learn what drugs interact with Mycapssa, see this article.

Other health conditions

Your doctor may need to adjust your dosage if you have certain health conditions. Conditions including end stage kidney disease may require your doctor’s close monitoring and dosing adjustments.

Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you take and any health conditions you may have.

Mycapssa comes as a delayed-release oral capsule. Below are tips on taking Mycapssa:

  • You’ll typically take Mycapssa twice daily around the same times of day. Taking it at the same times each day helps maintain a steady level of Mycapssa in your body. This helps the drug work effectively.
  • Be sure to swallow Mycapssa capsules whole. Don’t crush or chew them.
  • Your doctor will likely advise taking Mycapssa with a glass of water on an empty stomach. This means taking it at least 1 hour before a meal or at least 2 hours after a meal.
  • Don’t take Mycapssa with food or with any beverage other than water.
  • If you have trouble swallowing capsules, see this article for tips on how to take them. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
  • Mycapssa comes in wallets (special containers) that lock to help keep Mycapssa away from children. You’ll store unopened wallets in the refrigerator. Don’t freeze them. After opening a wallet for the first use, store it at room temperature. After that, it’s good for up to 1 month. For details on using the Mycapssa wallets, you can explore this guide from the drug manufacturer’s website. There’s also a brochure.

If you have questions about how to use Mycapssa, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS

Some pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.

If you miss a dose of Mycapssa, don’t take it later. Skip the missed dose. Take your next scheduled dose at its regular time. Don’t take two doses to make up for the missed one.

Tell your doctor if you’re not taking Mycapssa regularly. Missing doses can prevent Mycapssa from working well. To avoid missing doses, you can try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or leaving a note on your bedside table. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.

It’s important that you don’t take more Mycapssa than your doctor prescribes. Doing so may lead to harmful effects or overdose.

Effects of an overdose

Overdose effects of Mycapssa may include:

If you take more than the recommended amount of Mycapssa

Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much Mycapssa. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

Below are some frequently asked questions about Mycapssa.

Is the dosage of Mycapssa similar to the dosage of Sandostatin?

No, the forms and how often you take each drug are different.

Mycapssa comes as a delayed-release capsule. It’s typically taken twice daily.

Sandostatin (octreotide acetate), on the other hand, comes as a liquid solution. It’s typically injected subcutaneously (under your skin) three times daily. It can also be given intravenously (into your vein) by a healthcare professional.

Your doctor will prescribe the drug and the dosage that’s right for you. To learn more about how these drugs compare, talk with your doctor.

How long does it take for Mycapssa to start working?

Mycapssa starts to work after your first dose. However, you likely won’t feel the drug working in your body. That’s because it’s a maintenance treatment. It keeps your acromegaly stable over time. If you notice symptoms of acromegaly returning, contact your doctor right away.

Your doctor will monitor you during treatment with Mycapssa. They will check your signs and symptoms of acromegaly. They’ll also do lab tests. While they’re determining your dosage, they will test your IGF-1 levels every 2 weeks. Once they’ve determined your maintenance dosage, they’ll test your IGF-1 levels every month or as needed. The results of this testing, as well as your signs and symptoms, will tell your doctor how well Mycapssa is working.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about what to expect with Mycapssa treatment.

The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Mycapssa for you, they will prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes.

As with any drug, never change your dosage of Mycapssa without your doctor’s recommendation. If you have questions about the dosage of Mycapssa that’s best for you, talk with your doctor.

Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Mycapssa. For information about other aspects of Mycapssa, refer to this article.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.