Sandostatin Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

If you take Sandostatin or generic octreotide, you've likely experienced the frustration of a shortage firsthand — or heard about supply problems from your care team. The octreotide supply situation has been one of the most persistent specialty medication challenges of the past five years.

Here is the most current information available about the Sandostatin shortage in 2026, where things stand, and what you should be doing right now.

Current Status: Sandostatin Shortage in 2026

As of 2026, octreotide supply is improving but remains inconsistent across formulations and geographies. The situation breaks down like this:

• Immediate-release octreotide injection: Relatively more available from multiple manufacturers including Avet, Fresenius Kabi, Hikma, and Sagent (intermittently). This form is generally easier to find.
• Sandostatin LAR Depot (Novartis brand): Generally available but subject to periodic allocation constraints. Availability varies by region and specialty pharmacy.
• Teva generic octreotide LAR: FDA-approved October 2024. Has experienced its own supply constraints including backorder of the 20 mg kit through late 2025. Production is expected to stabilize through 2026, which should improve overall supply.

A Timeline of the Sandostatin / Octreotide Shortage

Understanding how we got here helps patients know what they're dealing with:

1. 2020–2021: Initial supply disruptions reported for generic immediate-release octreotide injection. Sun Pharma discontinued the Bynfezia Pen subcutaneous delivery device.
2. 2022–2023: Sandostatin LAR Depot (Novartis) experienced intermittent availability issues. Demand for octreotide increased as neuroendocrine tumor diagnoses rose.
3. October 2024: FDA approved Teva's generic octreotide acetate for injectable suspension — the first generic competitor to Sandostatin LAR Depot. This was a significant milestone, though not an immediate fix.
4. 2025: Teva's generic LAR 20 mg kit experienced backorder through late 2025. Sagent reported manufacturing delays for immediate-release injection. Novartis LAR generally available but on allocation.
5. 2026 (current): Supply improving overall. Viatris received FDA approval for their generic Sandostatin LAR formulation in 2025, adding a third manufacturer to the LAR space. However, inconsistency by region and formulation persists.

Why Is Sandostatin LAR So Prone to Shortages?

The fundamental challenge is manufacturing complexity. Sandostatin LAR Depot uses a microsphere technology — the drug is encapsulated in tiny biodegradable polymer spheres that slowly release octreotide over four weeks. This process:

• Requires highly specialized manufacturing equipment found in very few facilities worldwide.
• Demands rigorous quality controls — any deviation can halt an entire production batch.
• Cannot be rapidly transferred to alternative manufacturing sites during disruptions.
• When problems occur, resolution takes months — not days.

What Patients Should Do Right Now

1. Search for available stock: Use medfinder to find pharmacies near you that have Sandostatin or octreotide in stock. medfinder contacts pharmacies on your behalf and texts you the results.
2. Contact your specialty pharmacy early: Start looking for your next monthly injection 3–4 weeks before you need it, not at the last minute.
3. Ask your doctor about a bridge prescription: Immediate-release octreotide at 100–200 mcg SC 2–3 times daily is a well-established bridging strategy when LAR is unavailable.
4. Discuss alternative medications: Lanreotide (Somatuline Depot) is the most clinically appropriate alternative with an independent supply chain. Ask your endocrinologist if a temporary or permanent switch makes sense.
5. Contact Novartis Patient Support: Call 1-800-277-2254. They may be able to locate dispensing pharmacies with stock or provide access to emergency supply through their patient assistance programs.

Will the Sandostatin Shortage End?

The overall trajectory is positive. With Teva's generic LAR stabilizing and Viatris entering the market, the number of LAR manufacturers is growing. Each new manufacturer reduces the risk that any single supply disruption will create a nationwide shortage. However, given the fundamental manufacturing complexity of microsphere formulations, some level of supply vulnerability will persist for several more years.

For the most practical steps to locate your medication today, read our guide on how to find Sandostatin in stock near you.