Peptide Association

Insights

NewsBlog
Start free intake

DisclosurePeptide Association LLC is a for-profit company. We receive compensation from the clinical providers listed on this site. We are not an accrediting body, a licensing board, or a government-affiliated organization. See exactly how we make money.

All peptides

Gastrointestinal · FDA Approved

Octreotide (Sandostatin)

FDA-approved

How to ask your doctor
Written by Peptide Association Editorial TeamLast reviewed Editorial policy

01 · Overview

A synthetic eight-amino acid analog of somatostatin with a much longer duration of action than native somatostatin, whose very short half-life requires continuous infusion; octreotide has an elimination half-life of about 1.5 hours and can be given subcutaneously (PMID 7911441).

It binds somatostatin receptors (mainly SSTR2, with some SSTR5 activity) to inhibit secretion of growth hormone, insulin, glucagon, gastrin and other GI hormones, and it reduces splanchnic blood flow and exocrine pancreatic secretion (PMID 7911441).

02 · Research summary & key findings

FDA-approved (Sandostatin, 1988) for acromegaly and for diarrhea and flushing from carcinoid tumors and VIP-secreting tumors. A long-acting release (LAR) formulation allows monthly injections. In the PROMID trial in metastatic midgut neuroendocrine tumors, octreotide LAR lengthened median time to tumor progression from 6 to 14.3 months vs. placebo (hazard ratio 0.34, a 66% risk reduction), although survival data were not conclusive (Rinke et al., J Clin Oncol, 2009) (PMID 19704057). Its effects on splanchnic blood flow and GI secretion underlie off-label uses such as variceal bleeding and secretory diarrhea (PMID 7911441).

03 · Regulatory status

Octreotide (Sandostatin) has received FDA approval and is available for clinical use under appropriate medical supervision. Consult a qualified healthcare provider for prescribing information.

Octreotide (Sandostatin) is an FDA-approved medicine prescribed for the conditions on its label. It is not part of our intake, so we do not propose protocols for it. If you think it may be relevant to you, talk to your own doctor. How to ask your doctor.

04 · Administration routes

  • Subcutaneous injection
  • Intramuscular injection (LAR)
  • Intravenous

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. PMID 19704057
  2. [2]Somatostatin and somatostatin analogues: pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic effects Gut, 1994. PMID 7911441

Primary literature

Related peptides in Gastrointestinal

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational and research purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any peptide therapy. The Peptide Association does not endorse or recommend any specific treatment protocol. See our editorial policy for how this content is produced and reviewed. Clinicians: join the network.