Is Octreotide safe?
Decades of use; gallstone and glucose effects
The most common side effects affect the gut. They include nausea, belly cramps, loose stools, bloating and poor fat absorption. They are worst early in treatment. Octreotide slows gallbladder emptying. So gallstones or biliary sludge develop in a large share of long-term patients. Octreotide affects insulin and glucagon release, so blood sugar can go either way. It can also slow the heart rate. Thyroid function and vitamin B12 levels may fall with long use. Pain at the injection site is common with the depot form. 2
In PROMID, side effects were reported at similar rates in both arms. Gut complaints and fatigue were the most frequent. Blood effects were rare. 1
More on Octreotide
Citations
- Rinke 2009, J Clin Oncol: placebo-controlled trial of octreotide LAR in metastatic midgut neuroendocrine tumors (PROMID) doi.org
- Novartis: Sandostatin (octreotide acetate) injection prescribing information novartis.com
Reference information only, not medical advice. Drawn from the Octreotide article, fact-checked against the cited sources. No dosing anywhere on this site.