Acromegaly
Octreotide can also be used in the treatment of acromegaly, a disorder of excessive growth hormone (GH). Octreotide, being a somatostatin analog, inhibits the release of GH from the pituitary gland through a process normally involved in negative feedback. In June 2020, Mycapssa (octreotide) was approved for medical use in the United States with an indication for the long-term maintenance treatment in acromegaly patients who have responded to and tolerated treatment with octreotide or lanreotide. Mycapssa is the first and only oral somatostatin analog (SSA) approved by the FDA. Gastrointestinal fistulae
Octreotide helps in management of the fistula by reducing gastrointestinal secretions and inhibiting gastrointestinal motility, thus controlling and reducing its output. The value in healing intestinal fistulas is yet to be proven and routine use is limited because of the side effects. Hypoglycemia
Octreotide is also used in the treatment of refractory hypoglycemia in neonates and sulphonylurea-induced hypoglycemia in adults. It is useful in overdose management of sulfonylurea type antidiabetic medications, when recurrent or refractory to parenteral dextrose. Mechanism of action is the suppression of insulin secretion. Gastrointestinal secretions
Octreotide is used in the palliative care setting to reduce gastrointestinal secretions, with the intention of alleviating vomiting associated with bowel obstruction. Contraindications
Octreotide has not been adequately studied for the treatment of children as well as pregnant and lactating women. The drug is given to these groups only if a risk-benefit analysis is positive.
"Questions and Answers about Spinal Stenosis". US National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. 11 April 2017.