octreotide (injectable) Health Article

• slow or irregular heartbeats;

• gallbladder problems (stomach pain);

• pancreatitis (pain in the upper stomach or back, nausea, vomiting, fever, bloating, yellowing of the skin or eyes);

• thyroid problems (may be detected by blood tests);

• low blood sugar (headache, confusion, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, fast heartbeat, sweating, tremor, nausea); or

• high blood sugar (increased thirst and urination; flushed or dry skin; drowsiness).

Less serious side effects may include:

• nausea or vomiting;

• diarrhea;

• mild stomach pain or gas;

• constipation; or

• pain or irritation where you injected the medication.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

What other drugs will affect octreotide?

Before using octreotide, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• bromocriptine (Parlodel);

• diabetes medication such as insulin, glipizide (Glucotrol), glyburide (Diabeta, Micronase), tolbutamide (Orinase), metformin (Glucophage), pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), and others;

• medicine for heart disease or high blood pressure; or

• a diuretic (water pill).

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with octreotide. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about octreotide.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.