What Are The Uses Of Somatostatin?

Somatostatin is a peptide hormone that regulates endocrine system and nerve transmission. It is also known as growth hormone-inhibiting hormone. It is used in the treatment of following conditions:

• Acromegaly (disorder of pituitary gland)
• Carcinoid tumors (slow-growing cancerous tumor)
• Bleeding oesophageal varices (abnormal veins in the lower part of the esophagus)
• Tumors secreting vasoactive intestinal peptide
• Glucagonomas (a rare type of tumor in pancreas)
• Various pituitary adenomas

What Are The Side Effects Of Somatostatin?

Some common side effects that may occur after taking somatostatin are:

• Abdominal pain, increased glucose levels in blood
• Diarrhoea, headache, flatulence
• Constipation, gallstones
• Injection site reactions such as pain/swelling/irritation

Please consult a physician if the symptoms are persistent.

What Are The Contraindications Of Somatostatin?

Please inform your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:

• Hypersensitivity towards the drug somatostatin or any other allergies.
• Cancer, breathing problems, eye problems
• Pregnancy, breastfeeding
• Diabetic retinopathy