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№ 059

Octreotide (Sandostatin)

Synthetic somatostatin analog. FDA-approved 1988 for acromegaly, carcinoid syndrome, and VIPomas. Suppresses GH and IGF-1 — the mechanistic opposite of Tesamorelin.

GH-axis
Evidence: Strong
Half-life
~1.5 hours (immediate-release); 30 days (LAR depot)
Route
Subcutaneous (IR) or intramuscular (LAR)
Cycle
Long-term in approved indications
Schedule
TID for IR; once monthly for LAR
In plain English

Octreotide is a synthetic copy of somatostatin — the hormone your body uses to *suppress* growth hormone. It's the opposite of Tesamorelin. Used clinically for acromegaly (too much GH disease), carcinoid tumors, and certain neuroendocrine cancers. FDA-approved since 1988.

Status & legality
Natty?
Considered natty

Suppresses GH/IGF-1 rather than enhancing performance. Federations don't address GH-suppressors.

FDA
Approved

Approved as Sandostatin (1988) for acromegaly, carcinoid syndrome, and VIPomas. Available in immediate-release sub-q and long-acting (LAR) IM depot.

Compounding
Approved drug

Available as an FDA-approved drug, not a compounded peptide.

WADA
Not listed
Prescribed

Yes — endocrinology and oncology providers prescribe for the approved indications.

Who it's for

  • →Acromegaly patients under endocrine care
  • →Carcinoid / neuroendocrine tumor patients
  • →Educational reference for somatostatin pathway

What to expect

  1. Week 1

    Acromegaly users: GH and IGF-1 markers begin dropping. Carcinoid users: flushing and diarrhea reduce.

  2. Week 4

    Hormone normalization in responders.

  3. Week 8

    Steady-state effect on tumor secretion in NET patients.

How it works (mechanism)

Synthetic analog of somatostatin. Binds somatostatin receptors (SSTR2, SSTR5 mainly) on pituitary somatotrophs to *suppress* GH release — the opposite of GHRH analogs. Also suppresses gut hormones, used in carcinoid and VIPoma management.

Dosing protocol

IR: 50-200 mcg sub-q TID. LAR: 10-30 mg IM every 4 weeks. Doses are condition-specific.

Stacks well with

Not stacked outside specialist contexts (paired sometimes with cabergoline in acromegaly)

Side effects

01GI (diarrhea, abdominal cramping, steatorrhea)
02Gallstones with chronic use
03Hyperglycemia (suppresses insulin)
04Bradycardia
05Vitamin B12 deficiency long-term

When NOT to use

  • ⚠Severe gallbladder disease
  • ⚠Pregnancy / nursing (limited data)

Bloodwork to monitor

  • • IGF-1 (target of therapy)
  • • Fasting glucose
  • • Vitamin B12 yearly
  • • Gallbladder ultrasound periodically

Common mistakes

  • • Treating it as a body-comp peptide (it's a hormone suppressor for medical indications)
  • • Skipping the gallbladder monitoring on long-term use
  • • Not anticipating the hyperglycemic effect

Drug & supplement interactions

  • ⚠Cyclosporine: octreotide reduces cyclosporine absorption — separate dosing
  • ⚠Insulin requirements may decrease (suppresses growth hormone counter-regulation)
  • ⚠Beta-blockers: additive bradycardia
  • ⚠Bromocriptine: reduces clearance — dose adjust

Educational only. User-specific dosing is between you and a qualified provider.

Frequently asked

What is Octreotide (Sandostatin)?+
Octreotide is a synthetic copy of somatostatin — the hormone your body uses to *suppress* growth hormone. It's the opposite of Tesamorelin. Used clinically for acromegaly (too much GH disease), carcinoid tumors, and certain neuroendocrine cancers. FDA-approved since 1988.
Is Octreotide (Sandostatin) FDA approved?+
Approved as Sandostatin (1988) for acromegaly, carcinoid syndrome, and VIPomas. Available in immediate-release sub-q and long-acting (LAR) IM depot.
Is Octreotide (Sandostatin) banned by WADA?+
Octreotide (Sandostatin) is not currently on the WADA prohibited list.
Are you still natty after taking Octreotide (Sandostatin)?+
Octreotide (Sandostatin) is generally considered natty-compatible. Suppresses GH/IGF-1 rather than enhancing performance. Federations don't address GH-suppressors.
Do doctors prescribe Octreotide (Sandostatin)?+
Yes — endocrinology and oncology providers prescribe for the approved indications.
What's the typical dose of Octreotide (Sandostatin)?+
IR: 50-200 mcg sub-q TID. LAR: 10-30 mg IM every 4 weeks. Doses are condition-specific.
What are the side effects of Octreotide (Sandostatin)?+
Common side effects include: GI (diarrhea, abdominal cramping, steatorrhea); Gallstones with chronic use; Hyperglycemia (suppresses insulin); Bradycardia. Less common effects and full safety details are on the entry page.
How long until Octreotide (Sandostatin) starts working?+
Acromegaly users: GH and IGF-1 markers begin dropping. Carcinoid users: flushing and diarrhea reduce.

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