MedicinePOMEssential

Octreotide

Octreotide is an injection that lowers growth hormone and controls symptoms from certain gut tumours.

Clinical information

Common uses

acromegaly (too much growth hormone)
diarrhoea and flushing from carcinoid tumours
watery diarrhoea from VIP-secreting tumours

Common side effects

gallbladder problems
slow heartbeat
diarrhoea or loose stools
feeling sick
stomach discomfort

Cautions

can cause gallstones — periodic monitoring
can raise or lower blood sugar
can slow the heart — caution with heart problems
thyroid levels may fall — periodic checks

Interactions

ciclosporin
insulin and diabetes tablets — doses may need adjusting
beta-blockers
bromocriptine
lutetium Lu 177 dotatate — stop octreotide 24 hours before

Pregnancy: limited data — only if prescribed

Reference information, not medical advice — always follow your doctor or pharmacist. Source: DailyMed, dailymed.nlm.nih.gov, octreotide (Sandostatin) label, setid 4e2c9856-1836-49f0-9472-4dbeeb408f39 (accessed 2026-08-16)

Approved brands & formulations9

Brand name	Dosage form	Strength	Importer	Category
Octreotide	Parenteral ( Injection )	0.05 mg /ml	—	POM
Octreotide	Parenteral ( Injection )	0.2 mg /ml	—	POM
Octreotide	Parenteral ( Injection )	1 mg/ ml	—	POM
Octreotide	Parenteral ( Injection )	0.5mg /ml	—	POM
Octreotide	Parenteral ( Injection )	0.1 mg / ml	—	POM
Octreotide	Parenteral ( Injection )	10mg	—	POM
Octreotide Acetate	Parenteral ( Injection- Suspension)	20mg	—	POM
Octreotide Acetate	Parenteral ( Injection- Suspension)	40mg	—	POM
Octreotide Acetate	Parenteral ( Injection- Suspension)	30mg	—	POM