The drug octreotide (Sandostatin) used for acromegaly has which effect?

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Multiple Choice

The drug octreotide (Sandostatin) used for acromegaly has which effect?

Explanation:
Octreotide works by acting as a somatostatin analogue that directly suppresses growth hormone release from the pituitary tumor. By lowering growth hormone, it reduces the downstream IGF-1 effects that drive the tissue overgrowth and metabolic problems seen in acromegaly. This direct suppression of GH is why the drug is used to control the disease. It’s not accurate to say it immediately reverses all established changes, and dosing can be monthly with long-acting formulations rather than daily injections. It also does not increase insulin secretion; in fact, somatostatin analogues can decrease pancreatic hormone secretion, though glucose effects vary and monitoring is important.

Octreotide works by acting as a somatostatin analogue that directly suppresses growth hormone release from the pituitary tumor. By lowering growth hormone, it reduces the downstream IGF-1 effects that drive the tissue overgrowth and metabolic problems seen in acromegaly. This direct suppression of GH is why the drug is used to control the disease. It’s not accurate to say it immediately reverses all established changes, and dosing can be monthly with long-acting formulations rather than daily injections. It also does not increase insulin secretion; in fact, somatostatin analogues can decrease pancreatic hormone secretion, though glucose effects vary and monitoring is important.

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