Side by side

1. 1.Activates somatostatin receptors SSTR2 and SSTR5 on pituitary and neuroendocrine tumour cells, suppressing hormone release.
2. 2.Inhibits secretion of growth hormone, gastrin, VIP, glucagon, insulin and serotonin.
3. 3.Reduces splanchnic blood flow, lowering portal pressure.
4. 4.Slows gut transit and reduces exocrine pancreatic and intestinal secretion.
5. 5.The depot formulation releases slowly from polymer microspheres over about four weeks.

• Acromegaly
• Carcinoid syndrome and other functioning neuroendocrine tumours
• VIPoma and glucagonoma
• Acute variceal bleeding as an adjunct
• Secretory diarrhoea and high-output stomas
• TSH-secreting pituitary adenoma

• Falls in growth hormone and IGF-1 in acromegaly, with biochemical control in roughly half of patients
• Rapid relief of flushing and diarrhoea in carcinoid syndrome
• Lower portal pressure during bleeding
• Gallstones and biliary sludge over months of use
• Slower progression of tumour markers, though not reliably tumour shrinkage

• Gallstones and biliary sludge
• Diarrhoea and steatorrhoea
• Abdominal pain and nausea
• Glucose swings, both hyperglycaemia and hypoglycaemia
• Bradycardia
• Injection-site pain
• Hypothyroidism with long-term use

Research context only - prescription medicine. Short-acting octreotide is typically 50 to 200 micrograms subcutaneously two to three times daily, with higher doses used in carcinoid crisis, while the long-acting depot is commonly 20 to 30 mg intramuscularly every four weeks after a short-acting run-in. Acromegaly endpoints are measured over months, and gallbladder ultrasound is routine during long-term use.

Research context only