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sandostatin

Pharmaranks rates Sandostatin 3.5/5 for recall safety — an independent score from its FDA recall history and its manufacturer's record. Sandostatin (Octreotide Acetate) is a somatostatin analog used to treat Acromegaly, Adenoma, Diarrhea, Pancreatic Neoplasms.

Octreotide Acetate · by Novartis

70/100Limited · 1 source

Based on 1 source · Recall-safety score from FDA recall history — this product's own recalls and its manufacturer's record. Not an efficacy or quality rating. methodology →

Rated against independent regulatory sources·Last updated August 18, 2026·How we rate
Verified againstopenFDANIH DailyMedRxClass

Key facts

Active ingredient
Octreotide Acetate
Form
Injectable
Strength
Octreotide Acetate EQ 0.05MG BASE/ML · Octreotide Acetate EQ 0.1MG BASE/ML · Octreotide Acetate EQ 0.2MG BASE/ML **Federal Register Determination That Product was not Discontinued or Withdrawn for Safety or Effectiveness reasons** · Octreotide Acetate EQ 0.5MG BASE/ML · Octreotide Acetate EQ 1MG BASE/ML **Federal Register Determination That Product was not Discontinued or Withdrawn for Safety or Effectiveness reasons**
Type
Prescription (Rx)
Brand or generic
Brand-name
Manufacturer
Novartis
What the pharmacy pays
~$5.34 per ml — not your price
FDA application
NDA019667

What is Sandostatin?

From the FDA label:Sandostatin Injection, a cyclic octapeptide prepared as a clear sterile solution of octreotide, acetate salt, in a buffered lactic acid solution for administration by deep subcutaneous or IV injection. Octreotide acetate, known chemically as L-Cysteinamide, D-phenylalanyl-L-cysteinyl-L-phenylalanyl-D-tryptophyl-L-lysyl-L-threonyl-N-[2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)propyl]-,cyclic (2 → 7)-disulfide; [R-(R*, R*)] acetate salt, is a long-acting octapeptide with pharmacologic actions mimicking those of the natural hormone somatostatin. Sandostatin Injection is available as sterile 1-mL ampuls in 3 strengths, containing 50 mcg, 100 mcg, or 500 mcg octreotide (as acetate). Each ampul also contains lactic acid, USP (3.4 mg), mannitol, USP (45 mg), sodium bicarbonate, USP (quantity sufficient to pH 4.2 ± 0.3), water for injection, USP (quantity sufficient to 1 mL). Lactic acid and sodium bicarbonate are added to provide a buffered solution, pH to 4.2 ± 0.3. The molecular weight of octreotide acetate is 1019.3 g/mol (free peptide, C 49 H 66 N 10 O 10 S 2 ) and its amino acid sequence is: octreotide acetate amino acid sequence

How to use

Sandostatin Injection may be administered subcutaneously or intravenously. ( 2.1 ) Acromegaly : Recommended initial Sandostatin dosage is 50 mcg three times daily during the initial 2 weeks of therapy. Maintenance dose 100 mcg to 500 mcg three times daily. ( 2.2 ) Carcinoid Tumors : Recommended dosage range of 100 mcg to 600 mcg daily in two to four divided doses during the initial 2 weeks of therapy. ( 2.3 ) VIPomas : Recommended dosage range of 200 mcg to 300 mcg daily in two to four divided doses during the initial 2 weeks of therapy. ( 2.4 ) 2.1 Dosage and Administration Overview Sandostatin Injection may be administered subcutaneously or intravenously. Pain with subcutaneous administration may be reduced by using the smallest volume that will deliver the desired dose. Sites should be rotated in a systematic manner. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. Do not use if particulates and/or discoloration are observed. Sandostatin Injection is not compatible in Total Parenteral Nutrition solutions because of the formation of a glycosyl octreotide conjugate which may decrease the efficacy of the product. Sandostatin Injection may be diluted in volumes of 50 mL to 200 mL and infused intravenously over 15 to 30 minutes or administered by intravenous (IV) push over 3 minutes. In emergency situations…

Side effects

The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Complete Atrioventricular Block [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] Cholelithiasis and Complications of Cholelithiasis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] Hyperglycemia and Hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] Thyroid Function Abnormalities [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] Steatorrhea and Malabsorption of Dietary Fats [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)] Changes in Vitamin B12 Levels [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)] Most common adverse reactions (incidence > 10%) in patients with acromegaly are gallbladder abnormalities, sinus bradycardia, diarrhea, loose stools, nausea, abdominal discomfort, hyperglycemia, and hypothyroidism. In other patients, most common adverse reactions (incidence > 10%) are gallbladder abnormalities. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation at 1-888-669-6682 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Gallbladder Abnormalities Gallbladder abnormalities, especially stones and/or biliary…

Warnings

Important safety information

Cardiac Function Abnormalities : Increased risk for higher degree of atrioventricular blocks. Consider cardiac monitoring in patients receiving Sandostatin Injection intravenously. Bradycardia, arrhythmias, or conduction abnormalities may occur. Use with caution in at-risk patients. Dosage adjustment of cardiac medications may be necessary. ( 5.1 ) Cholelithiasis and Complications of Cholelithiasis : Monitor periodically. Discontinue if complications of cholelithiasis are suspected. ( 5.2 ) Glucose Metabolism : Hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia may occur. Glucose monitoring is recommended and anti-diabetic treatment may need adjustment. ( 5.3 ) Thyroid Function : Hypothyroidism may occur. Monitor thyroid levels periodically. ( 5.4 ) Steatorrhea and Malabsorption of Dietary Fats : New onset steatorrhea, stool discoloration, loose stools, abdominal bloating, and weight loss may occur. If new occurrence or worsening of these symptoms are reported, evaluate for potential pancreatic exocrine insufficiency. ( 5.5 ) 5.1 Cardiac Function Abnormalities Complete Atrioventricular Block Patients who receive Sandostatin Injection intravenously may be at increased risk for higher degree atrioventricular blocks. In postmarketing reports, complete atrioventricular block was reported in patients receiving IV Sandostatin Injection during surgical procedures. In the majority of patients, Sandostatin Injection was given at higher than recommended doses and/or as a continuous IV infusion. The safety of continuous IV infusion has not been established in patients receiving Sandostatin Injection for the approved indications. Consider cardiac monitoring in patients receiving Sandostatin Injection intravenously. Other Cardiac Conduction Abnormalities Other cardiac conduction abnormalities have occurred during treatment with Sandostatin Injection. In acromegalic patients, bradycardia (< 50 bpm) developed in 25%; conduction abnormalities occurred in 10% and arrhythmias occurred in 9% of patients during Sandostatin Injection therapy [see Adverse Reactions (6)] . Other electrocardiogram (ECG) changes observed included QT prolongation, axis shifts, early repolarization, low voltage, R/S transition, and early R-wave progression. These ECG changes are not uncommon in acromegalic patients. Dose adjustments in drugs, such as beta-blockers that have bradycardia effects may be necessary. In one acromegalic patient with severe congestive heart failure (CHF), initiation of Sandostatin Injection therapy resulted in worsening of CHF with improvement when drug was discontinued. Confirmation of a drug effect was obtained with a positive rechallenge. 5.2 Cholelithiasis and Complications of Cholelithiasis Sandostatin Injection may inhibit gallbladder contractility and decrease bile secretion, which may lead to gallbladder abnormalities or sludge. Acute cholecystitis, ascending cholangitis, biliary obstruction, cholestatic hepatitis, or pancreatitis have been reported with Sandostatin Injection therapy. In clinical trials (primarily patients with acromegaly or psoriasis), the incidence of biliary tract abnormalities was 63% (27% gallstones, 24% sludge without stones, 12% biliary duct dilatation). The incidence of stones or sludge in patients who received Sandostatin Injection for 12 months or longer was 52%. Less than 2% of patients treated with Sandostatin Injection for 1 month or less developed gallstones. One patient developed ascending cholangitis during Sandostatin Injection therapy and died. If complications of cholelithiasis are suspected, discontinue Sandostatin Injection and treat appropriately. 5.3 Hyperglycemia and Hypoglycemia Sandostatin Injection alters the balance between the counter-regulatory hormones, insulin, glucagon and GH, which may result in hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. The hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia which occurs during Sandostatin Injection therapy is usually mild but may result in overt diabetes mellitus or necessitate dose changes in insulin or other anti-diabetic agents. Hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia occurred on Sandostatin Injection in 3% and 16% of acromegalic patients, respectively [see Adverse Reactions (6)] . Severe hyperglycemia, subsequent pneumonia, and death following initiation of Sandostatin Injection therapy was reported in one patient with no history of hyperglycemia. Monitor glucose levels during Sandostatin Injection therapy. Adjust dosing of insulin or other anti-diabetic therapy accordingly. 5.4 Thyroid Function Abnormalities Octreotide suppresses secretion of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), which may result in hypothyroidism. Baseline and periodic assessment of thyroid function (TSH, total, and/or free T 4 ) is recommended during chronic therapy [see Adverse Reactions (6)] . 5.5 Steatorrhea and Malabsorption of Dietary Fats New onset steatorrhea, stool discoloration and loose stools have been reported in patients receiving somatostatin analogs, including Sandostatin. Somatostatin analogs reversibly inhibit secretion of pancreatic enzymes and bile acids, which may result in malabsorption of dietary fats and subsequent symptoms of steatorrhea, loose stools, abdominal bloating, and weight loss. If new occurrence or worsening of these symptoms are reported in patients receiving Sandostatin, evaluate patients for potential pancreatic exocrine insufficiency and manage accordingly. 5.6 Changes in Vitamin B12 Levels Depressed vitamin B 12 levels and abnormal Schilling’s tests have been observed in some patients receiving Sandostatin Injection therapy, and monitoring of vitamin B 12 levels is recommended during Sandostatin Injection therapy.

Who should not take Sandostatin

Sensitivity to this drug or any of its components. Sensitivity to this drug or any of its components. ( 4 )

Overdose — what happens if you take too much

A limited number of accidental overdoses of Sandostatin Injection in adults have been reported. In adults, the doses ranged from 2,400 to 6,000 mcg/day administered by continuous infusion (100 to 250 mcg/hour) or subcutaneously (1,500 mcg 3 times a day). Adverse events in some patients included arrhythmia, complete atrioventricular block, hypotension, cardiac arrest, brain hypoxia, pancreatitis, hepatitis steatosis, hepatomegaly, lactic acidosis, flushing, diarrhea, lethargy, weakness, and weight loss. If overdose occurs, symptomatic management is indicated. Up-to-date information about the treatment of overdose can often be obtained from the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.

Interactions

The following drugs require monitoring and possible dose adjustment when used with Sandostatin Injection : Cyclosporine, insulin, oral hypoglycemic agents, beta-blockers, and bromocriptine. ( 7 ) Lutetium Lu 177 Dotatate Injection : Discontinue Sandostatin Injection at least 24 hours prior to each lutetium Lu 177 dotatate dose. ( 7.6 ) 7.1 Cyclosporine Octreotide has been associated with alterations in nutrient absorption, so it may have an effect on absorption of orally administered drugs. Concomitant administration of Sandostatin Injection with cyclosporine may decrease blood levels of cyclosporine and result in transplant rejection. 7.2 Insulin and Oral Hypoglycemic Drugs Octreotide inhibits the secretion of insulin and glucagon. Therefore, blood glucose levels should be monitored when Sandostatin Injection treatment is initiated or when the dose is altered and anti-diabetic treatment should be adjusted accordingly. 7.3 Bromocriptine Concomitant administration of octreotide and bromocriptine increases the availability of bromocriptine. 7.4 Other Concomitant Drug Therapy Concomitant administration of bradycardia-inducing drugs (e.g., beta-blockers) may have an additive effect on the reduction of heart rate associated with octreotide. Dose adjustments of concomitant medication may be necessary. Octreotide has been associated with alterations in nutrient absorption, so it may have an effect on absorption of orally administered drugs. 7.5 Drug Metabolism Interactions Limited published data indicate that somatostatin analogs might decrease the metabolic clearance of compounds known to be metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes, which may be due to the suppression of GH. Since it cannot be excluded that octreotide may have this effect, other drugs mainly metabolized by CYP3A4 and which have a low therapeutic index (e.g., quinidine, terfenadine) should therefore be used with caution. 7.6 Lutetium Lu 177 Dotatate Injection Octreotide competitively binds to somatostatin receptors and may interfere with the efficacy of lutetium Lu 177 dotatate. Discontinue Sandostatin Injection at least 24 hours prior to each lutetium Lu 177 dotatate dose.

Drug class

May treat (source: NIH RxClass)

See how Sandostatin ranks — best-rated somatostatin analog for:

Dosage forms

Injectable

The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.

Ways to save

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Frequently asked questions

What does Sandostatin treat?
Sandostatin (Octreotide Acetate) may be used to treat acromegaly, adenoma, diarrhea, pancreatic neoplasms, pituitary neoplasms, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.
How is Sandostatin rated?
pharmaranks gives Sandostatin a composite score of 3.5 out of 5, currently based on 1 weighted source (FDA regulatory recall-safety data weighted highest). See our methodology at /how-we-rate.
How much does Sandostatin cost?
Nobody can tell you what you will pay — your price is set by your insurer's formulary, your deductible and the pharmacy's markup, and none of those are published. What IS published is what the pharmacy paid to acquire it: about $5.34 per ml, per the CMS NADAC survey. Treat that as the floor, not the quote — ask the pharmacist for the cash price as well as your copay, because for cheap generics the cash price often wins.
Is there a coupon or discount for Sandostatin?
pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Sandostatin. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
Who makes Sandostatin?
Sandostatin is marketed by Novartis. You can see Novartis's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
Is Sandostatin a brand-name or generic drug?
Sandostatin is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Octreotide Acetate.
Is Sandostatin available over the counter?
No. Sandostatin is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
What forms does Sandostatin come in?
Sandostatin is currently marketed as injectable, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
What class of drug is Sandostatin?
Sandostatin is classified as somatostatin analog, per the FDA's Established Pharmacologic Class.
Is Sandostatin FDA-registered?
Sandostatin is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA019667. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
Has Sandostatin been recalled by the FDA?
Sandostatin has no FDA recalls recorded under its own application in the openFDA enforcement database. Its recall-safety score reflects its manufacturer's overall recall record. This is general reference, not medical advice — check the FDA recall database for the latest alerts.
Is Sandostatin safe?
There's no single safe-or-not verdict. pharmaranks gives Sandostatin a recall-safety score of 70/100, based on its FDA recall history (no recalls under its own FDA application) — not an efficacy or side-effect rating. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings before use, and always consult a licensed professional.
What are the side effects of Sandostatin?
Sandostatin's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Complete Atrioventricular Block [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] Cholelithiasis and Complications of Cholelithiasis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] Hyperglycemia and Hypoglycemia [see Warnings an… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.

Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.

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sandostatin

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