What Is Sandostatin? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Sandostatin is a brand name medication manufactured by Novartis. Its generic name is octreotide acetate — a synthetic version of a natural hormone called somatostatin that your body produces to regulate other hormones. It's used to treat several rare but serious conditions, and it's available in multiple formulations with different dosing schedules.

If you or someone you care for has just been prescribed Sandostatin, here is everything you need to know in plain language.

What Is Sandostatin Used For?

Sandostatin has three FDA-approved uses:

1. Acromegaly: A condition caused by excess growth hormone (GH), usually from a non-cancerous pituitary tumor. It causes the hands, feet, and facial features to enlarge, and can lead to arthritis, organ enlargement, and cardiovascular problems. Sandostatin suppresses GH production and reduces IGF-1 levels.
2. Carcinoid syndrome: A set of symptoms — severe flushing and diarrhea — caused by hormones secreted by metastatic carcinoid tumors. Sandostatin reduces hormone secretion from these tumors to control symptoms. It does not cure the cancer, but it significantly improves quality of life.
3. VIPomas: Rare tumors that secrete vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), causing profuse watery diarrhea severe enough to cause dangerous electrolyte imbalances. Sandostatin reduces VIP secretion to control symptoms.

Sandostatin is also widely used off-label for gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs), esophageal variceal bleeding, hepatorenal syndrome, dumping syndrome, refractory diarrhea, and carcinoid crisis prevention during surgery.

What Are the Different Forms of Sandostatin?

There are two main brand-name formulations:

• Sandostatin Injection (immediate-release): Given subcutaneously (under the skin) or intravenously. Available in 50 mcg/mL, 100 mcg/mL, and 500 mcg/mL single-dose ampuls. Typically administered 2–4 times daily. Often used at the start of treatment or as a bridge when the long-acting formulation is unavailable.
• Sandostatin LAR Depot (long-acting release): A microsphere formulation injected into the gluteal muscle every four weeks by a healthcare provider. Available in 10 mg, 20 mg, and 30 mg kits. Most patients transition to this once-monthly injection after tolerating the short-acting form for at least 2 weeks.

There is also

Mycapssa — an oral delayed-release capsule form of octreotide, approved only for acromegaly maintenance in patients who have already responded to injectable octreotide or lanreotide. It is the only non-injectable octreotide product.

What Is the Typical Dosage?

Dosing varies significantly by indication and formulation:

• Acromegaly (immediate-release): Start at 50 mcg SC three times daily; increase based on GH/IGF-1 levels up to 500 mcg three times daily.
• Acromegaly (LAR Depot): 20 mg IM every 4 weeks for 3 months, then adjusted to 10–40 mg based on response.
• Carcinoid tumors (immediate-release): 100–600 mcg/day SC in 2–4 divided doses initially. Some patients require up to 1,500 mcg/day.
• Carcinoid / VIPoma (LAR Depot): 20 mg IM every 4 weeks for 2 months; adjust to 10–30 mg every 4 weeks based on response.
• VIPomas (immediate-release): 200–300 mcg/day SC in 2–4 divided doses.

Is Sandostatin a Controlled Substance?

No. Sandostatin is not a controlled substance. It has no DEA schedule classification and no abuse potential. However, access is effectively controlled by insurance prior authorization requirements, specialty pharmacy dispensing requirements (for the LAR formulation), and the need for specialist prescriptions in most insurance plans.

Is There a Generic Sandostatin?

Yes. Generic octreotide has been available for the immediate-release injection for years. As of October 2024, the FDA approved Teva's generic octreotide acetate for injectable suspension — the first generic equivalent to Sandostatin LAR Depot. Viatris also received approval in 2025. Generic LAR costs $3,000–$5,500 per month versus $6,700–$8,500 for brand Sandostatin LAR.

Why Is Sandostatin Hard to Find in 2026?

Sandostatin LAR Depot has been in intermittent shortage since 2022 due to the complexity of its microsphere manufacturing technology and a historically limited number of manufacturers. Supply is improving in 2026 but remains inconsistent. For the full explanation, read our article on why Sandostatin is so hard to find. If you're having difficulty locating your prescription, medfinder can help find pharmacies near you with it in stock.