About octreotide
Somatostatin analogue
Used for
- Acromegaly when surgery or other treatments are unsuitable or ineffective
- Control of severe diarrhoea and flushing from certain neuroendocrine tumours
- Treatment of complications from bleeding oesophageal varices, in hospital
Usual adult dose
Acromegaly: usually 50–100 micrograms under the skin three times daily, adjusted by response. Tumour symptoms: commonly 50 micrograms under the skin once or twice daily, adjusted as needed. Variceal bleeding: usually continuous intravenous infusion, 25 micrograms per hour for up to five days.
Usual dose in children
Specialist-directed; doses vary by condition and are based on body weight.
Common side effects
- Nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort, or constipation
- Gallstones or gallbladder inflammation
- Injection-site pain or irritation
- Changes in blood glucose levels
Important warnings
- May cause low or high blood sugar; monitoring may be needed.
- Long-term use can cause gallstones or affect thyroid function.
- May slow heart rate or affect heart rhythm.
- Seek urgent care for severe abdominal pain or allergic reaction.
Pregnancy
Use during pregnancy only when clearly needed; experience is limited. Discuss risks and benefits with a clinician.
Breastfeeding
It is not known whether octreotide passes into human milk. Breastfeeding decisions should consider treatment benefits and potential risks.
Interactions
- May alter insulin or oral diabetes medicine requirements.
- Can affect ciclosporin levels and response.
- May require adjustment of medicines that slow heart rate, such as beta blockers.
- May affect absorption of some medicines from the gut.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.