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.