This page gives basic information you need to begin understanding acromegaly, including:
What is acromegaly?
The name "acromegaly" comes from the Greek words for extremities and enlargement. Acromegaly is a rare disease that causes gradual changes, often over many years. Acromegaly is a condition that results from too much growth hormone being released into the body. Unlike the flu or a common cold, you will not notice symptoms immediately. Acromegaly usually affects middle-aged adults and is considered a chronic disease. Because the symptoms of acromegaly develop slowly over time, the diagnosis can often be delayed, sometimes for up to a decade.1,2
What causes acromegaly?
Acromegaly is generally caused by a noncancerous growth called a tumor or an adenoma located on the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is a pea-sized structure located in the front of the brain, behind the eyes (see figure below). It is also commonly referred to as the master gland of the body. The pituitary gland secretes many hormones, such as growth hormone (GH), that control growth, metabolism, and reproductive activity. In acromegaly, the pituitary tumor secretes a high level of GH, causing the enlargement of many body parts, such as the hands and feet. Because of where it is located, this tumor can also cause headaches with pressure behind the eyes.1,3-5
Important hormones that are affected by a pituitary tumor include:
- GH1,3
- GH is made in the pituitary gland (see figure below)
- In a person with acromegaly, too much GH is released into the body
- Overproduction of GH causes changes in physical appearance and body function1,3
- Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1)1,3,6
- Levels of IGF-1 (made mostly in the liver) rise when GH levels rise
- Many signs and symptoms of acromegaly are caused when both GH and IGF-1 are elevated together
Sandostatin® LAR Depot (octreotide acetate for injectable suspension) is indicated for long-term maintenance therapy in acromegalic patients who have had an inadequate response to surgery and/or radiotherapy, or for whom surgery and/or radiotherapy is not an option. The goal of treatment in acromegaly is to reduce GH and IGF-1 levels to normal.
Important Safety Information:
As with immediate release Sandostatin® Injection, the most frequently reported drug-related adverse events were biliary disorders (52%), gastrointestinal disorders (7% to 36%), and injection-site pain (2% to 11%). Hypoglycemia (2%), hyperglycemia (15%), and hypothyroidism (2%) have been reported. While not measured in acromegalic patients receiving Sandostatin® LAR Depot, ECG changes have been reported in patients receiving immediate release Sandostatin® Injection; the degree to which these abnormalities are related to octreotide acetate is not clear, as many acromegalics have cardiovascular disease. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
