Peptide library / Hormones & metabolism / Octreotide
Octreotide
An eight amino acid analog of somatostatin used for acromegaly and neuroendocrine tumors.
Effects studied or claimed
What it is used or promoted for, and where each effect has actually been seen
- AcromegalyFDA approved
- Carcinoid tumor symptomsFDA approved
- Severe diarrhea from certain tumorsFDA approved
How it is thought to work
Octreotide mimics somatostatin, a natural off switch for growth hormone and many gut hormones, but lasts hours instead of minutes.
What the evidence shows
Introduced in the 1980s, it reliably lowers growth hormone and IGF-1 in most people with acromegaly. An oral version, Mycapssa, was approved in 2020.
Safety and unknowns
Gallstones, nausea and abnormal blood sugar are common with long-term use.
Regulatory status
FDA-approved as Sandostatin in 1988.
Regulatory status changes quickly. This entry was last reviewed on 27 October 2026. Confirm current status with the FDA before relying on it.
More in Hormones & metabolism
Pasireotide
FDA-approvedA multi-receptor somatostatin analog for Cushing disease and acromegaly.
Pegvisomant
FDA-approvedA growth hormone receptor blocker for acromegaly.
NAD+
Wellness and performanceA coenzyme involved in cellular energy, not strictly a peptide, sold as drips and injections.
General information, not medical advice. Do not buy or inject unregulated peptides.