Lanreotide
An approved depot somatostatin analogue for acromegaly and neuroendocrine tumours. It suppresses growth hormone rather than raising it.
Growth Hormone
Octreotide
The original somatostatin analogue, approved since 1988 for acromegaly, carcinoid syndrome and VIPoma. Extensively characterised.
Overview
Octreotide is a shortened, stabilised version of somatostatin, the hormone that switches off growth hormone release. Natural somatostatin lasts under three minutes; octreotide lasts hours, and the depot version lasts weeks. Beyond growth hormone it suppresses a long list of gut hormones, which is why it controls the flushing and diarrhoea of carcinoid syndrome and the watery diarrhoea of VIPoma.
A synthetic cyclic octapeptide with high affinity for SSTR2, moderate for SSTR5, and little for SSTR1, 3 and 4. Inhibits GH, TSH, insulin, glucagon, gastrin, VIP, secretin and pancreatic polypeptide release. Available as an immediate-release subcutaneous formulation, a long-acting release (LAR) intramuscular microsphere depot given monthly, and an oral delayed-release capsule using a transient permeation enhancer. In acromegaly it normalises IGF-1 in a substantial minority to majority of patients depending on tumour SSTR2 expression.
Research areas
AcromegalyCarcinoid syndromeNeuroendocrine tumoursVariceal bleeding
Dosing reported in the literature
Every protocol below is reproduced from a published study or approved labelling, with its source named. These are records of what was studied — not recommendations, and not a suggestion that any of them is appropriate for any person.
| Protocol as reported | Source |
|---|---|
| 50 mcg subcutaneously two or three times daily initially, titrated to 100–500 mcg per dose | Approved product labelling |
| 20 mg intramuscularly every 4 weeks, adjusted between 10 and 30 mg on GH and IGF-1 response | Sandostatin LAR labelling |
Trial status
Approved since 1988 with an extensive published trial and real-world record.
Reported safety signals
- Cholelithiasis develops in a substantial proportion of long-term users; periodic gallbladder imaging is standard.
- Glucose dysregulation in both directions — suppression of insulin and glucagon means the net effect is unpredictable.
- Diarrhoea, steatorrhoea, abdominal cramping and injection-site pain are common.
- Can suppress TSH and cause hypothyroidism with chronic use; thyroid function monitoring is recommended.
Common questions
Why does octreotide cause gallstones?
It inhibits cholecystokinin release and reduces gallbladder contractility, so bile sits in the gallbladder longer and concentrates. It is common enough with chronic use that periodic ultrasound is part of routine monitoring.
Primary sources
Medical disclaimer
This page is for informational and research purposes only. Nothing here constitutes medical advice. The compounds discussed are research chemicals. Consult a qualified clinician before starting any protocol.
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