Content reviewed by clinical research staff

Last reviewed: March 2026Sources: PubMed, FDA, WADA Prohibited List

Evidence graded using the PeptideScholar A-D system

Octreotide

AFDA Approved
65
Moderate Credibility
1 cited studyy · Evidence level A

Somatostatin analog · 8 amino acids · Brand: Sandostatin, Sandostatin LAR Depot

FDA ApprovedPrescription Required

Octreotide is a synthetic cyclic octapeptide analog of somatostatin, approved by the FDA for acromegaly, carcinoid tumors, and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)-secreting tumors. It is one of the most important peptide drugs in oncology and endocrinology.

Mechanism of Action

Binds to somatostatin receptors (SSTR2 > SSTR5 > SSTR3), inhibiting secretion of growth hormone, serotonin, gastrin, glucagon, insulin, and vasoactive intestinal peptide. In neuroendocrine tumors, it suppresses hormone hypersecretion and may have antiproliferative effects.

Benefits

  • First-line medical therapy for acromegaly
  • Controls hormone hypersecretion in neuroendocrine tumors[1]
  • Prolongs time to tumor progression in metastatic midgut NETs (PROMID trial)[1]
  • Treats esophageal variceal bleeding (acute hemorrhage)
Not Medical Advice — Research-Reported Information Only

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

Octreotide — Dosing in Published Research

Reported Routes: Subcutaneous injection, Intramuscular injection, Intravenous
Sandostatin: 50-100 mcg SC/IV every 8 hours initially. Sandostatin LAR Depot: 20 mg IM intragluteally every 4 weeks after 2 weeks of short-acting stabilization. Dose titrated based on GH/IGF-1 levels or symptom control.

The dosing information above is sourced from published research literature and clinical trials. These are not recommendations. Individual responses vary. Always consult a healthcare provider before considering any peptide-based therapy.

Side Effects

  • GI symptoms (nausea, bloating, diarrhea, steatorrhea)
  • Gallstones and biliary sludge (long-term use)
  • Hyperglycemia (inhibits insulin and glucagon)
  • Bradycardia and cardiac conduction abnormalities
  • Injection site pain (short-acting form)

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Octreotide is FDA-approved and available by prescription. Licensed telehealth providers can evaluate if it's right for you.

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Approved Treatment Routing

Octreotide in PeptideScholar's current approved-treatment dataset

Octreotide is currently modeled on this site as an approved treatment path for: Acromegaly; carcinoid tumors; vasoactive intestinal peptide tumors (VIPomas); control of symptoms related to metastatic neuroendocrine tumors. Brand names in the current dataset: Sandostatin, Sandostatin LAR Depot.

Validation Note
This block reflects the site's current structured treatment data and internal routing logic. It is not a substitute for checking current prescribing, labeling, payer, or local regulatory details.

Research & Evidence

RCTJ Clin Oncol, 2009

Placebo-controlled, double-blind, prospective, randomized study on the effect of octreotide LAR in the control of tumor growth in patients with metastatic neuroendocrine midgut tumors: a report from the PROMID Study Group.

Octreotide LAR significantly prolonged time to tumor progression (14.3 vs 6.0 months) in metastatic midgut neuroendocrine tumors vs placebo

PMID: 19704057

References

  1. 1. Placebo-controlled, double-blind, prospective, randomized study on the effect of octreotide LAR in the control of tumor growth in patients with metastatic neuroendocrine midgut tumors: a report from the PROMID Study Group.. J Clin Oncol, 2009. Octreotide LAR significantly prolonged time to tumor progression (14.3 vs 6.0 months) in metastatic midgut neuroendocrine tumors vs placebo [PMID: 19704057]

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Octreotide FAQ

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations.

Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or modifying any treatment. Do not disregard professional medical advice based on information found on this site.

No claims of therapeutic efficacy are made for substances that are not FDA-approved for the discussed indications. Research citations reflect published findings and do not imply endorsement.

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