Octrelis-100 contains Octreotide, which is a synthetic version of a natural hormone in the body called somatostatin. It has several very specialized uses. In emergency medicine, it is often used to stop severe bleeding from “esophageal varices” (swollen veins in the food pipe) usually seen in patients with liver cirrhosis. It works by narrowing the blood vessels in the gut and reducing the blood flow to the liver, which helps stop the bleeding.

Additionally, Octrelis is used to treat certain types of tumors that produce too many hormones, as well as severe diarrhea associated with specific medical conditions. It can also be used to treat acromegaly (a condition where the body produces too much growth hormone). The “100” refers to the 100mcg (microgram) strength. It is usually injected under the skin (subcutaneously) or into a vein. Side effects can include gallstones, nausea, or changes in blood sugar levels, so patients are monitored carefully by specialists.