Posted on October 19th, 2010 by


Generic Name: Octreotide (AHK-tree-oh-tide), octreotide acetate
Trade Name: Sandostatin®, Sandostatin® LAR Depot

How is this drug used? Octreotide is FDA approved for the management of diarrhea and flushing, as part of carcinoid syndrome caused by carcinoid tumor or vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) secreting adenomas. It is important for patients to remember that physicians have the ability to prescribe medication for conditions other than those for which the drug has been approved by the FDA. Patients who have received a prescription of this drug for a condition other than which it is approved may wish to discuss this issue with their physician.

What is the mechanism of action? Octreotide is classified as a somatostatin analogue. Somatostatin is a hormone that is naturally produced in the body by the hypothalamus gland. Somatostatin is responsible for reducing or preventing the production or secretion of many hormones in the body, including hormones responsible for diarrhea or flushing.  Octreotide mimics natural somatostatin to control the overproduction of certain hormones and to control symptoms such as diarrhea or flushing in patients with a carcinoid tumor or VIP.

How is octreotide given (administered)? Octreotide may be administered as an injection under the skin (subcutaneous), or as an injection into a muscle (intramuscular) and the dose depends on several factors, including the condition being treated, the particular regimen being used, and the overall health of the patient. The depot formulation that is administered intramuscularly remains active for longer in the body, requiring fewer injections, usually monthly.  Some patients who are treated with subcutaneous octreotide may be able to administer the injections at home.

How are patients monitored? Patients will usually have scheduled meetings and physical exams with their healthcare provider while they are being treated with octreotide.  Patients will be monitored for gallstones, or abnormalities of the gallbladder. Patients who experience pain following a meal, particularly a meal that is high in fat, should contact their healthcare provider. Levels of hormones and endocrine function may also be monitored from blood tests.

What are the common (occur in 30% or more of patients) side effects of treatment with octreotide?

• Abdominal pain
• Gallstones
• Abnormalities of gallbladder
• Nausea
• Pain at site of injection
• Slow heart rate


• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Flatulence
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Abnormalities in blood sugar levels

What are the rare (occur in less tha 10% of patients) side effects of treatment with octreotide?

• Respiratory infection
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Back pain
• Chest pain
• Joint pain
• Shortness of breath



• Maintain adequate rest and nutrition.
• The subcutaneous injections should be administered in a different site each day as repeated injections in the same area can cause irritation.


• Patients who are diabetic should monitor blood sugar carefully. Octreotide may change blood sugar levels and you may need to change your dose. Check with your physician.

When should patients notify their physician?

• Pain following a meal
• Persistent or extreme nausea or vomiting
• Fever
• Changes in heart rate or rhythm
• Severe headache
• Severe abdominal pain
• Persistent cough
• Signs of low blood sugar (chills, cold sweats, headache,  dizziness, lightheadedness)
• Rash, hives, itching
• Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing

What is a package insert?

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