Sandostatin (octreotide): Reviews and patient testimonials

Sandostatin 50, 100, 500 microgram/1 ml solution for injection/infusion

Symptomatic control and reduction of growth hormone (GH) and IGF-1 plasma levels in patients with acromegaly who are inadequately controlled by surgery or radiotherapy. Sandostatin is also indicated for acromegalic patients unfit or unwilling to undergo surgery, or in the interim period until radiotherapy becomes fully effective.

Relief of symptoms associated with functional gastro-entero-pancreatic (GEP) endocrine tumours, e.g. carcinoid tumours with features of the carcinoid syndrome.

Sandostatin is not an anti-tumour therapy and is not curative in these patients.

Prevention of complications following pancreatic surgery.

Emergency management to stop bleeding and to protect from re-bleeding owing to gastro-oesophageal varices in patients with cirrhosis. Sandostatin is to be used in association with specific treatment such as endoscopic sclerotherapy.

Treatment of TSH-secreting pituitary adenomas:

• when secretion has not normalised after surgery and/or radiotherapy;

• in patients in whom surgery is inappropriate;

• in irradiated patients, until radiotherapy is effective.