How to Find Sandostatin in Stock Near You (Tools + Tips)

If you've been trying to fill a Sandostatin prescription and can't find it in stock, you're not alone. Sandostatin — and its generic, octreotide — has been one of the most challenging specialty medications to locate consistently over the past several years. But there are proven strategies that can dramatically cut down the time and frustration involved in finding it.

This guide covers every tool and tip available to patients trying to find Sandostatin or octreotide in stock in 2026.

Why Is Finding Sandostatin So Difficult?

Before jumping into solutions, it helps to understand what you're dealing with. Sandostatin LAR Depot — the once-monthly injection most patients use for long-term management — is only available through specialty pharmacies. It requires cold-chain handling, specialized storage, and a more complex supply chain than typical medications. Your neighborhood CVS or Walgreens almost certainly doesn't stock it.

The immediate-release injectable octreotide (Sandostatin Injection) is easier to find since multiple manufacturers produce it, but availability still varies by pharmacy and region. If you want to understand the full picture of why this shortage exists, read our article on

If you want to understand the full picture of why this shortage exists, read our article on why Sandostatin is so hard to find.

Step 1: Use medfinder to Search Pharmacy Inventory

The fastest approach is to use medfinder. Tell us your medication, dosage, and location, and medfinder calls pharmacies near you to find out which ones can fill your Sandostatin prescription. You get the results texted to you — no calling pharmacy after pharmacy yourself.

This is especially valuable for Sandostatin LAR Depot because the specialty pharmacies that carry it are not always obvious, and stock changes frequently.

Step 2: Know the Exact Formulation You Need Before You Call

Sandostatin comes in multiple forms. Knowing exactly what you need will save you time:

• Sandostatin Injection (immediate-release): 50 mcg/mL, 100 mcg/mL, or 500 mcg/mL ampuls. Subcutaneous or IV. Given multiple times daily.
• Sandostatin LAR Depot: 10 mg, 20 mg, or 30 mg vial kits. Intramuscular gluteal injection every 4 weeks, administered by a healthcare provider.
• Generic octreotide LAR (Teva): FDA-approved October 2024. Bioequivalent to Sandostatin LAR Depot. Available in 10 mg, 20 mg, and 30 mg. Ask your prescriber if substitution is appropriate.

Step 3: Contact Specialty Pharmacies Directly

For Sandostatin LAR Depot, you must work through specialty pharmacies. These include:

CVS Specialty, Walgreens Specialty, Accredo, Optum Specialty Pharmacy, BioPlus, McKesson Specialty, and hospital-based specialty pharmacies. Call multiple pharmacies simultaneously — stock varies widely and changes quickly.

Step 4: Contact Novartis Patient Support

Novartis maintains a patient support line at 1-800-277-2254. They may be able to help locate dispensing pharmacies with Sandostatin LAR in stock, assist with prior authorization support, and connect you with patient assistance programs if cost is also a barrier.

Step 5: Ask Your Doctor to Search the FDA Drug Shortage Database

The FDA and ASHP (American Society of Health-System Pharmacists) maintain drug shortage databases. Your provider can look up the current status of octreotide and find information about which manufacturers are affected and when resolution is expected. This helps you and your care team make informed bridging decisions.

Step 6: Ask About a Bridge Prescription

If Sandostatin LAR is unavailable and you're running low, ask your doctor about bridging with immediate-release subcutaneous octreotide. Bridging with the immediate-release injection — administered 2–3 times daily at 100–200 mcg — is a well-established clinical approach while you wait for your LAR formulation to become available.

The immediate-release form is available from multiple manufacturers (Avet, Fresenius Kabi, Hikma, Sagent) and is significantly easier to find.

Step 7: Consider Alternative Medications With Your Doctor

If you cannot find octreotide in any formulation, lanreotide (Somatuline Depot) is the most widely prescribed alternative in the same drug class. It's manufactured by Ipsen on a separate supply chain. Read our full guide on alternatives to Sandostatin for more information.

Tips to Stay Ahead of Future Shortages

Don't wait until you're out of medication to start looking. Here are proactive strategies:

• Start searching for your next injection 3–4 weeks before you need it.
• Ask your specialty pharmacy to put you on an early fill as soon as your insurance allows.
• Establish a relationship with more than one specialty pharmacy so you have a backup.
• Keep your prescriber informed so they can prepare a bridge prescription if needed.
• Keep at least one vial of immediate-release octreotide on hand for symptom breakthrough, as approved by your doctor.

Bottom Line

Finding Sandostatin in stock requires persistence and the right tools. The most efficient approach is to let medfinder do the calling for you, then stay one step ahead by searching early, keeping backup options ready, and staying in close contact with your care team.