How does Sandostatin® LAR® differ from subcutaneous Sandostatin®?
The long-acting repeatable (LAR®) formulation of octreotide (Sandostatin® LAR®) consists of octreotide acetate incorporated into microspheres of a biodegradable polymer. It is administered as a single intramuscular injection into the gluteal muscle every 4 weeks. Drug release is governed by the slow degradation of the microspheres in the muscle, but once present in the systemic circulation Sandostatin® LAR® appears to maintain the pharmacological characteristics of subcutaneous Sandostatin®.29 Sandostatin® LAR® is indicated for long-term maintenance therapy in patients with acromegaly for whom medical treatment is appropriate and who have been shown to respond to and tolerate subcutaneous Sandostatin®.
