Octreotide has been approved to treat acromegaly by the U.S. FDA approved on June 26, 2020.

Octreotide treats acromegaly, carcinoid tumors, and vasoactive intestinal peptide tumors (VIPoma).

Octreotide is available as an immediate-release solution (liquid) for injection in the doses of 10 mg, 20 mg, and 30 mg. It is intended for administration via the subcutaneous or intravenous route. It must be administered only under the supervision of a healthcare professional at around the same time every day. Check for discoloration and the presence of particles before injecting.

The side effects known to occur commonly during the treatment with Octreotide are nausea, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, flatulence, hair loss, etc. This medicine could also alter your blood glucose, thyroid, and liver enzyme levels. Report to your doctor immediately if you experience difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, gall bladder abnormalities, blood glucose fluctuations, or hypothyroidism.

Contact your physician immediately if you experience allergies to Octreotide and its ingredients. During the Octreotide injection treatment, your doctor may periodically monitor your blood sugar level, thyroid function, and liver or pancreatic enzyme function to prevent serious complications. Report to your doctor if you have an irregular heartbeat, gallstones, problems with blood sugar levels, either too high (hyperglycemia) or too low (hypoglycemia), or issues with the liver or kidneys. Discuss with your doctor if you have a medical history of vitamin B12 deficiency.

If you are pregnant or planning to have a baby, consult a doctor before taking this medicine. Your healthcare provider will prescribe Octreotide only if it is necessary for you. Avoid breastfeeding your baby while on the treatment as it is unknown if Octreotide passes into the breastmilk.

It is advised to let the Octreotide get to room temperature before using the medication if it is kept in the refrigerator. It reduces the possibility of pain at the injection site. It would be best if you didn't heat it, but you can warm it up in your palm. If you experience pain at the subcutaneous injection site, you can get relief by immediately rubbing the injection site lightly.

1. Hospira U.K.  Limited, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on May 2022] [Accessed on 16th Aug 2022], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.375.pdf
2. Novartis pharmaceuticals corporation, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on 2002] [Accessed on 16th Aug 2022],

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice; it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.