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Octreotide

Octreotide Side Effects

Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCPKristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Reviewed by Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP, Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on October 18, 2024

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Gallbladder problems (63%)
  • Diarrhea (34-61%)
  • Nausea (34-61%)
  • Stomach discomfort (34-61%)
  • Low heart rate (25%)
  • High blood sugar (16%)
  • Low thyroid hormone (12%)

Less Common Side Effects

  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Pain at injection site
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Low blood sugar

Octreotide serious side effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

  • Dangerously low blood sugar: feeling faint, shaking, sweating, dizziness, fast heartbeat, nervousness, anxious, confused, irritable, feeling very hungry
  • Dangerously high blood sugar: frequently thirsty, needing to urinate often, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, having fruity breath, having dry mouth
  • Heart rhythm problems: chest pounding, fluttering in the chest, difficulty breathing, chest pain, feeling faint or lightheaded
  • Swelling of the gallbladder or pancreas: sudden pain in upper right portion of your stomach area, back pain between your shoulder blades, nausea, vomiting, fever, swelling in the belly, fast heartbeat, difficulty breathing
  • Serious allergic reaction: hives, swelling of the face or throat, trouble breathing, rash, itching

Source: DailyMed

The following Octreotide side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Constipation

depressed mood

diarrhea

dizziness

dry skin and hair

fainting

fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat

feeling cold

hair loss

hoarseness or husky voice

loss of appetite

muscle cramps and stiffness

nausea

severe stomach pain with nausea and vomiting

stomach pain

unusual tiredness or weakness

vomiting

weight gain

Less common

Anxiety

bladder pain

bloody or cloudy urine

blurred vision

chills

cold sweats

collection of blood under the skin

confusion

cool, pale skin

deep, dark purple bruise

difficult, burning, or painful urination

dry mouth

flushed, dry skin

frequent urge to urinate

fruit-like breath odor

headache

increased hunger

increased thirst

increased urination

itching, pain, redness, or swelling

loss of consciousness

lower back or side pain

nervousness

nightmares

seizures

shakiness

slurred speech

sweating

swelling

trouble breathing

unexplained weight loss

Rare

Black, tarry stools

bleeding gums

blood in vomit

changes in skin color, pain, tenderness, swelling of the foot or leg

chest pain or tightness

cough

coughing up blood

dark urine

decreased urine output

difficulty in breathing or swallowing

difficulty swallowing

dilated neck veins

extreme tiredness or weakness

fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse

fever

hives, itching, skin rash

increased menstrual flow or vaginal bleeding

irregular breathing

itching, pain, redness, swelling, tenderness, or warmth on the skin

light-colored stools

nosebleeds

pain in the groin or genitals

pale skin

paleness or cold feeling in the fingertips and toes

paralysis

pounding in the ears

prolonged bleeding from cuts

puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

red or dark brown urine

severe or continuing stomach pain

sharp back pain just below the ribs

sneezing

sore throat

swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs

tingling or pain in the fingers or toes when exposed to cold temperatures

tremor

unusual bleeding or bruising

upper right abdominal or stomach pain

yellow eyes and skin

Incidence not known

Blindness

bloating

clear or bloody discharge from nipple

decreased vision

delusions of persecution, mistrust, suspiciousness, and/or combativeness

dimpling of the breast skin

eye pain

gaseous

indigestion

inverted nipple

lump in the breast or under the arm

pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck

pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back

persistent crusting or scaling of the nipple

pinpoint red spots on the skin

recurrent fever

redness of swelling of the breast

severe constipation

severe cramping

sore on the skin of the breast that does not heal

sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth

stomach fullness

swollen glands

tearing

weakness of the muscles in your face

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

Symptoms of overdose

Anxiety

blurred vision

chills

cold sweats

coma

confusion

cool, pale skin

depression

dizziness

fast heartbeat

feeling of warmth

headache

increased hunger

nausea

nervousness

nightmares

redness of the face, neck, arms and occasionally, upper chest

seizures

shakiness

slurred speech

unusual tiredness or weakness

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Abnormal stool

excess air or gas in the stomach or bowels

full feeling

pain, redness, stinging, swelling, tingling, or burning sensation at the injection site

passing of gas

Less common

Backache

feeling of warmth

hair loss

joint pain

redness of the face, neck, arms and occasionally, upper chest

Rare

Absent, missed, or irregular menstrual periods

change in vision

difficulty in moving

feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings

hearing loss

itching of the vagina or genital area

joint swelling or redness

loss of vision

memory loss

muscle pain

numbness or tingling of the hands, feet, or face

pain during sexual intercourse

sensation of spinning

stopping of menstrual bleeding

swelling of the breasts or breast soreness in both females and males

thick, white vaginal discharge with no odor or with a mild odor

unexpected or excess milk flow from the breasts

Incidence not known

Decreased interest in sexual intercourse

inability to have or keep an erection

loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance

unexpected or excess milk flow from the breasts

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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Why trust our experts?

Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP, started his full-time career as a clinical pharmacist at UCLA Health in the general medicine, general cardiology, and ICU units after completing residency in 2016. He also was the preceptor for the general medicine rotation from 2017 to 2021, which was a required rotation for all pharmacy residents.
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD, is a licensed pharmacist in California. She has been a retail pharmacy manager and staff pharmacist for over 7 years and has contributed drug information content to different health companies.

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