Octreotide: what the research shows
A long-lasting copy of a natural “brake” hormone, used to control some hormone disorders and tumors.
Also known as Sandostatin, Mycapssa
At a glance
Approved for acromegaly (a growth hormone disorder) and for symptoms of some hormone-producing tumors. A capsule form, Mycapssa, is approved in the US for acromegaly.
What is Octreotide?
Octreotide is an eight-amino-acid version of somatostatin, a hormone that switches off the release of many other hormones.
How does Octreotide work?
It blocks excess growth hormone in acromegaly and calms the floods of hormones from some gut tumors, easing symptoms such as severe diarrhea and flushing.
What does the research show?
- Natural somatostatin lasts only minutes in the blood. Octreotide lasts hours, and long-acting injections last a month.
- A capsule form now allows some people with acromegaly to take it by mouth (2022 review).
Known risks and side effects
- Stomach upset and gallstones are among the common side effects.
Is Octreotide approved?
A medicines regulator, such as the FDA in the US or the EMA in Europe, has approved it for specific uses.
Approved for acromegaly (a growth hormone disorder) and for symptoms of some hormone-producing tumors. A capsule form, Mycapssa, is approved in the US for acromegaly.
From the community
Watch: Octreotide and related science
Start with the compound discussion, then use the background lesson to understand its biology. Each card explains its connection. Recordings may predate later findings or regulatory changes.
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Treating hyperinsulinism with medicine
Clinicians discuss diazoxide and octreotide in childhood hyperinsulinism. This is a specific clinical setting, not every use of octreotide.
Specialist hospital education
Discusses the compound
Discusses octreotide in childhood hyperinsulinism. This specialist clinical example does not cover all the drug’s indications.
khanacademymedicine
The hypothalamus and pituitary gland
How the hypothalamus and pituitary coordinate hormone release, including growth and reproductive hormones.
Khan Academy · endocrine physiology
Related biology
Background on hypothalamus and pituitary signalling for understanding Octreotide. It does not demonstrate benefits of this compound or formulation.
National Institute of Mental Health
What is clinical research?
Why studies in people are needed and what clinical research is designed to establish.
NIMH · US National Institutes of Health
Research skills
Helps you judge the study design or uncertainty in Octreotide research; it is not a trial of the compound.
Sources and references
- Pharmacology of Octreotide: Clinical Implications for Anesthesiologists and Associated RisksBorna et al. · Anesthesiology Clinics · 2017
- Oral Octreotide: A Review of Recent Clinical Trials and Practical RecommendationsYuen et al. · Endocrine Practice · 2022
VETUD Learn explains published research in plain language. It is general information, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor before starting, stopping or changing any treatment.
In the research shop
Check the catalog for related laboratory research materials. These products are separate from the approved medicines and clinical trial formulations discussed here.
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