Octreotide
Also known as: Sandostatin LAR · Octreotide acetate
Reviewed by the VetSheet Veterinary TeamUpdated Apr 5, 2026Evidence-based veterinary reference
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Dosing by species
🌎 NA — North America🌍 EU — Europe
Dogs
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Management of pancreatic endocrine tumours and acromegaly | 10-20 μg/animal or 10 μg/animal | SC | q8-12h or q8h | As directed | 🌍 EU |
- Management of pancreatic endocrine tumours and acromegaly: Dose is for the aqueous preparation. Dosages for the depot preparation are not known in animals.
Cats
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Management of pancreatic endocrine tumours and acromegaly | 10-20 μg/animal or 10 μg/animal | SC | q8-12h or q8h | As directed | 🌍 EU |
- Management of pancreatic endocrine tumours and acromegaly: Dose is for the aqueous preparation. Dosages for the depot preparation are not known in animals.
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Overview
Octreotide is a somatostatin analogue used primarily for the management of pancreatic endocrine tumours (e.g., insulinoma, gastrinoma) and acromegaly in veterinary medicine.
Clinical Warning: Research suggests that octreotide is not useful in most insulinomas. Tumours not expressing somatostatin receptors will not respond to therapy.
Clinical Pearl: While octreotide has been used for acromegaly, newer somatostatin analogues such as pasireotide hold more promise for treatment, though they are currently expensive.
Mechanism of action
Octreotide acts as a synthetic somatostatin analogue. It binds to somatostatin receptors (SSTRs) → inhibits the release of several hormones, including growth hormone (GH), insulin, glucagon, and gastrin, as well as reducing splanchnic blood flow and gastrointestinal motility.
Safety & warnings
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to octreotide
Adverse effects
- Anorexia
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Diarrhoea
- Steatorrhoea
- Hepatopathy
- Pain at injection sites
Precautions
Normal precautions should be observed when handling and administering.
Efficacy Note: Tumours must express somatostatin receptors for the drug to be effective. Lack of response is common in veterinary insulinoma cases.
Monitoring
- Blood glucose levels (especially when treating insulinoma)
- Clinical signs of gastrointestinal upset
- Liver enzymes (due to potential hepatopathy)
- Injection site reactions
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Rapidly absorbed following subcutaneous injection.
Distribution
No specific veterinary information available.
Metabolism
Hepatic metabolism.
Elimination
Excreted primarily via urine.
Overdose
No specific information available in the monograph. Overdose may exacerbate gastrointestinal disturbances and cause significant fluctuations in blood glucose levels. Treatment should be symptomatic and supportive.
Available products
Formulations
- Injectable solution: 50 μg/ml, 100 μg/ml, 200 μg/ml, 500 μg/ml
- Depot preparation (vials): 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg
Human-labeled
- Sandostatin (aqueous solution)
- Sandostatin LAR (depot preparation)
Regulatory status
Human authorized product used off-label in veterinary medicine under the cascade.
Human authorized product used off-label in veterinary medicine under the cascade.
No regulatory data for: 🇺🇸 US · 🇭🇰 HK · 🇹🇼 TW · 🇯🇵 JP · 🇰🇷 KR · 🇦🇺 AU
Storage & stability
Store according to manufacturer guidelines. Aqueous solutions typically require refrigeration (2-8°C) but can be kept at room temperature for short periods during use. Protect from light.
Client information
Octreotide is an injectable medication used to manage specific hormone-secreting tumors (like insulinomas) or conditions like acromegaly.
- Administration: Usually given by subcutaneous (under the skin) injection. Your veterinarian will show you how to administer this safely at home.
- Side Effects: May cause gastrointestinal upset, including loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or bloating. It can also sting at the injection site.
- Monitoring: Keep a close eye on your pet's symptoms and report any severe digestive issues or signs of pain to your vet.
- Expectations: Not all tumors respond to this medication. Your vet will monitor your pet to determine if the treatment is effective.
VetSheet drug reference is intended for licensed veterinary professionals as a clinical decision-support aid, not a substitute for professional judgement or the manufacturer’s current label.