Octreotide Side Effects and Warnings

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• If you have diabetes, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have gallbladder disease, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have kidney disease, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have liver disease, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have a slow heartbeat, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have thyroid disease, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have a weakened heart, talk with healthcare provider.

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Belly pain.

• Gas.

• Hair loss. Hair usually grows back when medicine is stopped.

• Itching.

• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.

• Short-term discomfort after use.

• High blood pressure.

• High blood sugar. Usually reverses when stopped.

• Low blood sugar. Signs include anger, shaking, fast heartbeat, confusion, or sweating. Keep hard candies, glucose tablets, liquid glucose, or juice on hand for low blood sugar.

• Slow heartbeat.

• Acromegaly: Diarrhea.

• Gallstones may rarely occur.

• Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber-containing diet may help. Talk with healthcare provider about a stool softener or laxative.

• Flu-like symptoms. These include headache, weakness, fever, shakes, aches, pains, and sweating. Mild pain medicine may help.

• Feeling tired or weak.

• Headache.

• Irritation where the shot is given.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Chest pain or pressure.

• Severe nausea or vomiting.

• Very low blood sugar or very high blood sugar.

• Any rash.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.