Octreotide vs TB-500
Overview
Octreotide is primarily a hormonal peptide, while TB-500 is used for healing & recovery.
This page compares Octreotide and TB-500 across their primary use, typical dosing, reported benefits and side effects, and U.S. regulatory status. For the full monograph on either compound — mechanism of action, clinical research, and references — follow the article links.
Side-by-side comparison
| Octreotide | TB-500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Hormonal | Healing & Recovery |
| Regulatory status (US) | FDA approved | Compounding (Rx) — Apr 2026 |
| Typical dosage | 20–30 mg (LAR formulation, IM every 4 weeks); 100–600 mcg/day in divided doses (immediate-release SC) | 2-5 mg |
| Frequency | Every 4 weeks (LAR); two to four times daily (immediate-release) | weekly |
| Reported benefits | Reduction of growth hormone and IGF-1 in acromegaly, suppression of carcinoid flushing and diarrhea, control of VIPoma-associated watery diarrhea, antiproliferative effect on low-grade neuroendocrine tumors, reduction of urinary 5-HIAA biomarkers | Tissue repair, improved flexibility, reduced inflammation, enhanced recovery, hair growth stimulation |
| Reported side effects | Gallstones and biliary sludge, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal discomfort, sinus bradycardia, hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, hypothyroidism, steatorrhea, injection-site pain | Minimal side effects. Rare: headache, nausea, injection site reactions |
Key differences
Primary use. Octreotide is categorised under Hormonal, while TB-500 falls under Healing & Recovery. Their differing categories mean they are usually chosen for different goals rather than as direct substitutes.
Regulatory status. Octreotide: FDA-approved. TB-500: not FDA-approved; compounding permitted with a prescription as of April 2026.
Dosing. Octreotide is typically dosed at 20–30 mg (LAR formulation, IM every 4 weeks); 100–600 mcg/day in divided doses (immediate-release SC) (Every 4 weeks (LAR); two to four times daily (immediate-release)). TB-500 is typically dosed at 2-5 mg (weekly).
Can you stack them?
Some protocols combine peptides, but stacking Octreotide and TB-500 has not been validated for safety or efficacy in controlled trials. Combining compounds can change their effects and risks. Nothing here is medical advice — consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting or combining any protocol.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between Octreotide and TB-500?
- Octreotide is primarily a hormonal peptide, while TB-500 is used for healing & recovery. Octreotide is FDA-approved for one or more indications, whereas TB-500 is not FDA-approved; compounding permitted with a prescription (as of April 2026).
- What is Octreotide used for?
- FDA-approved somatostatin analog for acromegaly, carcinoid syndrome, and VIPomas since 1988.
- What is TB-500 used for?
- Tissue repair, flexibility, inflammation.
- Can you take Octreotide and TB-500 together?
- Some users combine peptides within a single protocol, but stacking Octreotide and TB-500 has not been established as safe or effective in controlled trials. Neither this comparison nor PeptideSciences101 is medical advice — consult a qualified healthcare provider before combining any compounds.
- Is Octreotide or TB-500 FDA-approved?
- Octreotide is FDA-approved for one or more indications. TB-500 is not FDA-approved; compounding permitted with a prescription (as of April 2026).
Read the full articles
- Octreotide — full monograph: mechanism, research, dosing & references
- TB-500 — full monograph: mechanism, research, dosing & references