Chronic treatment associated with abnormal Schillings test. May impair gallbladder function (inhibits gallbladder contractility and decreases bile secretion). Suppresses secretion of TSH. May alter absorption of dietary fats. Use with caution in heart failure or concomitant medications which alter heart rate or rhythm (bradycardia, conduction abnormalities, and arrhythmia observed in acromegalic and carcinoid syndrome patients). Somatostatin analogs may affect glucose regulation (in type I diabetes, severe hypoglycemia may occur; in type II diabetes or patients without diabetes, hyperglycemia may occur). May reduce excessive fluid loss in conditions that cause such a loss. Use caution in hepatic and renal impairment. Depot formulation should not be used for treatment of sulfonylurea-induced hypoglycemia. Vehicle used in depot injection (polylactide-co-glycolide microspheres) rarely associated with retinal artery occlusion in abnormal arteriovenous anastomosis (e.g. patent foramen ovale). Increases in elimination half-life observed in older adults. Therapy may restore fertility.