Sandostatin (octreotide) is a brand-name drug prescribed for conditions including acromegaly in adults. Sandostatin comes as an injection. The dosage can vary depending on what condition you are using the drug to help treat.

Sandostatin is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat the following in adults:

  • acromegaly, when treatments such as surgery, radiation, and bromocriptine have not worked or cannot be used
  • severe diarrhea and flushing caused by carcinoid tumors (a rare type of slow growing cancer) that spread throughout the body
  • watery diarrhea caused by vasoactive intestinal peptide tumors (tumors of the pancreas)

Sandostatin belongs to a drug class called somatostatin analogs. Sandostatin is available in a generic version.

Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Sandostatin, including its strengths and how to use the medication. For a comprehensive look at Sandostatin, see this article.

Note: This article describes typical dosages for Sandostatin provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When using Sandostatin, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.

Below is information about Sandostatin’s forms, strengths, and dosages.

Sandostatin forms

Sandostatin comes in two forms:

You’ll either receive your injection at your doctor’s office or give yourself an injection at home.

Sandostatin comes as a liquid in an ampule. Sandostatin LAR Depot is as a powder that you mix with liquid to form a solution before injecting it.

Sandostatin strengths

Sandostatin comes in three strengths:

  • 50 micrograms per milliliter (mcg/mL)
  • 100 mcg/mL
  • 500 mcg/mL

Sandostatin LAR Depot comes in three strengths:

  • 10 milligrams (mg) per 6 mL
  • 20 mg/ 6 mL
  • 30 mg/ 6 mL

Typical dosages

Typically, your doctor will start by prescribing you a low dosage. Then they will adjust it over time to reach the amount that’s right for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly prescribed or recommended in adults. However, be sure to use the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs. In some cases, doctors may adjust your dosage from those shown below.

Dosage for acromegaly

Doctors may prescribe Sandostatin to treat acromegaly.

If your doctor prescribes Sandostatin for acromegaly, your starting dose will likely be 50 mcg. Typically, you’ll inject this three times per day.

After checking your growth hormone (GH) level or insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) level, your doctor may recommend increasing your dosage to 100 mcg, which you receive three times per day. This is the typical recommended dosage of Sandostatin for people with acromegaly.

If this dose isn’t working for you, your doctor may recommend another dose increase, up to 500 mcg, which you receive three times per day to treat acromegaly. This is the maximum recommended dose of Sandostatin.

Switching from Sandostatin to Sandostatin LAR Depot

After 2 weeks, your doctor may recommend switching to Sandostatin LAR Depot. Typically, you’ll receive Sandostatin LAR Depot 20 mg intramuscularly once every 4 weeks for 3 months.

After 3 months, your doctor may recommend increasing your dosage based on your growth hormone level.

For more information about your specific dosage, talk with your doctor.

Dosage for severe diarrhea and flushing due to carcinoid tumors

Doctors also prescribe Sandostatin to treat severe diarrhea and flushing due to carcinoid tumors. In this case, the recommended starting dose ranges from 100 mcg to 600 mcg per day. You’ll divide this amount into 2-4 subcutaneous injections per day during the first 2 weeks of treatment.

Your doctor will monitor you during treatment and may recommend increasing your dose if needed.

Switching from Sandostatin to Sandostatin LAR Depot

After 2 weeks, your doctor may recommend switching to Sandostatin LAR Depot. Typically, you’ll receive Sandostatin LAR Depot 20 mg intramuscularly once every 4 weeks for 2 months.

After 2 months, your doctor may recommend changing your dose based on your symptoms. The typical dosage range of Sandostatin LAR Depot is 10 mg to 30 mg given once every 4 weeks.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about your dosage.

Dosage for watery diarrhea due to vasoactive intestinal peptide tumors

Sandostatin is also prescribed to help treat watery diarrhea due to vasoactive intestinal peptide tumors. In this case, the recommended dose of Sandostatin is 200 mcg to 300 mcg per day. You’ll divide this total amount into 2-4 subcutaneous injections per day during the first 2 weeks of treatment.

The typical total daily dose of Sandostatin ranges from 150 mcg to 750 mcg.

Switching from Sandostatin to Sandostatin LAR Depot

After 2 weeks, your doctor may recommend switching to Sandostatin LAR Depot. Typically, you’ll receive Sandostatin LAR Depot 20 mg intramuscularly once every 4 weeks for 2 months.

After 2 months, your doctor may recommend changing your dose based on your symptoms. The typical dosage range of Sandostatin LAR Depot is 10 mg to 30 mg given once every 4 weeks.

How to use Sandostatin

Below you will find instructions on how to use the different forms of Sandostatin.

Sandostatin

Sandostatin comes as a solution in an ampule. You may receive it as:

  • a subcutaneous injection (an injection just under the skin)
  • an IV injection (an injection into a vein)
  • an IV infusion (an injection into a vein over a certain period of time)

Typically, a healthcare professional will give you your first dose. Then, they’ll show you or a caregiver how to give a subcutaneous injection of Sandostatin. Make sure to follow your doctor’s directions.

You’ll store Sandostatin ampules in the refrigerator. Depending on your condition, you may use Sandostatin 2-4 times per day. Keep track of your dosing times and try to follow the same schedule each day. You can try setting a reminder on your phone. When it’s time for your injection, remove the number of ampules needed for your dose from the refrigerator and allow them to come to room temperature. To prevent irritation, choose a different injection site each time.

Sandostatin may cause pain when injected subcutaneously. Sometimes, your doctor may recommend that you receive Sandostatin as an IV injection or IV infusion. You will typically receive this type of injection at their office.

Sandostatin LAR Depot

If your doctor prescribes Sandostatin LAR Depot for you, you’ll receive this intramuscular injection from a healthcare provider at their office or in your home.

If you have questions about how to use Sandostatin, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Long-term treatment

Sandostatin is meant to be used as a short-term treatment (for 2 weeks). If you and your doctor determine that Sandostatin is safe and effective for you, they’ll likely switch you to Sandostatin LAR Depot.

Sandostatin LAR Depot is used as a long-term treatment.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about how long you can expect to take Sandostatin.

ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS

Some pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.

It’s important that you don’t use more Sandostatin than your doctor prescribes. For some medications, using more than the recommended amount may lead to harmful effects or overdose.

Effects of an overdose

Overdose effects of Sandostatin can include:

If you use more than the recommended amount of Sandostatin

Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve used too much Sandostatin. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.