Neuroendocrine

Octreotide

Also: Sandostatin · Mycapssa

Long-acting somatostatin analog that suppresses growth hormone and gut hormones.

Discussion

Overview

What it is

An eight-amino-acid ring peptide used for acromegaly, carcinoid syndrome and some types of gut bleeding. Available as injections, a monthly depot and an oral capsule.

Common forms

InjectionMonthly depot injectionOral capsule (Mycapssa)

Mechanism

How it works

Binds somatostatin receptors (mainly SSTR2 and SSTR5), suppressing growth hormone, IGF-1, insulin, glucagon and gut hormone release.

SSTR2 / SSTR5 agonismGrowth hormone suppressionGut hormone suppression

↓Growth hormone and IGF-1

↓Hormone-driven diarrhea and flushing

Hormonal impact

↓Growth hormone

↓IGF-1

↓Insulin

↓Glucagon

Evidence

What the research supports

Lowers GH and IGF-1 in acromegalystrong

Controls carcinoid syndrome diarrhea and flushingstrong

Safety

Side effects & interactions

Side effects

Loose stools
Abdominal pain
Injection-site pain
Gallstones serious
Slow heart rate serious
Blood-sugar swings serious

Medications

CyclosporinemoderateLowers cyclosporine absorption.
Insulin / diabetes drugsmoderateDoses may need adjusting.
Beta-blockersmoderateAdded slowing of the heart rate.

Community

Discussion

Experiences from people who have tried Octreotide. Anecdotes are not medical advice.

Loading discussion…