Octreotide

Products

Octreotide is commercially available as an injectable (Sandostatin, Sandostatin LAR, generics). It has been approved in many countries since 1988.

Structure and properties

Octreotide is a synthetic octapeptide derivative of the hormone somatostatin. It is present in the drug as octreotide acetate and has the following structure: D-Phe-Cys-Phe-D-Trp-Lys-Thr-Cys-Thr-ol, xCH3COOH (x = 1.4 to 2.5).

Effects

Octreotide (ATC H01CB02) has the same properties as somatostatin but a longer half-life of up to 100 minutes (somatostatin: 2-3 minutes). It reduces the secretion of the growth hormone somatropin and the somatomedin IGF-I (insulin-like growth factor-I). Furthermore, it inhibits the secretion of insulin, glucagon, TSH, gastrin, serotonin, VIP, secretin, motilin, and pancreatic polypeptide.

Indications

  • For the treatment of acromegaly.
  • For symptom management in functional tumors of the gastroenteropancreatic endocrine system (GEP-NETs).
  • Other indications

Dosage

According to the SmPC. The drug is injected either subcutaneously or intragluteally (intramuscularly), depending on the formulation.

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity

For complete precautions, see the drug label.

Adverse effects

The most common possible adverse effects include diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, bloating, headache, gallstones, hyperglycemia, and constipation.