Type of Cancer Carcinoid and vasoactive intestinal peptide tumors
Route Administered Subcutaneous, Intravenous
Precautions Monitor blood sugar and gall bladder function. May require dosage changes and other drugs taken prior to starting octreotide (e.g., insulin, cyclosporine, beta blockers, diuretics)
Side Effects Short-term stinging, pain, redness, swelling or burning at injection site (minimized by using drug at room temperature, injecting it slowly, then rubbing the area gently), nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and bloating, gas, diarrhea (minimized by giving injections between meals or at bedtime, rather than at mealtimes), flushing, dizziness, headache, fatigue
