Octreotide

Octreotide is a synthetic octapeptide analogue of the natural hormone somatostatin. It mimics the natural hormone’s ability to inhibit the release of certain other hormones. Octreotide has a much longer half-life than somatostatin and is used in the treatment of various medical conditions:

• Acromegaly: Octreotide is used to reduce growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels in patients with acromegaly, a condition caused by an excess of GH.
• Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs): Octreotide is used to control symptoms like diarrhea and flushing in patients with NETs. It can also help reduce the size of the tumor in some cases.
• Carcinoid Tumors: Octreotide helps manage symptoms of carcinoid syndrome (such as flushing, diarrhea) in patients with carcinoid tumors.
• Variceal Bleeding: Octreotide reduces portal and splanchnic blood flow, thereby helping to manage bleeding esophageal varices in patients with cirrhosis.
• VIPomas: Octreotide is used to manage watery diarrhea caused by vasoactive intestinal peptide-secreting tumors (VIPomas).
• Insulinomas: Octreotide can help manage hypoglycemia in patients with insulinomas by inhibiting insulin secretion.
• Glucagonomas: Octreotide helps manage hyperglycemia in patients with glucagonomas by inhibiting glucagon secretion.
• Dumping Syndrome: Octreotide is used to manage symptoms of dumping syndrome, a condition where food moves too quickly from the stomach to the small intestine.
• Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors: Octreotide is used to relieve symptoms such as diarrhea and flushing in patients with gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.
• Diarrhea in Chemotherapy: Octreotide is used to manage diarrhea induced by chemotherapy.

Common side effects of octreotide include gallstones, glucose metabolism disturbances, gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain), and injection site reactions. Regular monitoring is necessary to assess treatment response and monitor for potential side effects.

Please Note: This is a general overview of the uses of octreotide and is not exhaustive. Consulting a healthcare provider for detailed information and personalized treatment options is essential.