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Pasireotide

Published: July 26, 2026Updated: July 26, 2026

Pasireotide is an injectable somatostatin analogue used primarily to treat Cushing's disease when surgery is not an option or has been unsuccessful. It works by binding to somatostatin receptors to reduce excess hormone production, particularly cortisol, helping to control the symptoms associated with this condition.

Quick summary

Pasireotide is a somatostatin analogue injection that treats Cushing's disease by reducing cortisol production through binding to somatostatin receptors.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed July 26, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

ATC
H01CB05
RxNorm
1364105
Generic
Pasireotide
Class
atc-h01
Brands
Signifor
Availability
rx
Lactation
unknown
Routes
—
Forms
injection
Regions
US, EU, CN, JP
Monitoring
—

This page is for informational purposes only.

Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.

Dosage and administration

adult (standard)tablet
Usual dose
500mg twice daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
every 12 hours
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
pediatric (standard)tablet
Usual dose
250mg twice daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
every 12 hours
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
geriatric (standard)tablet
Usual dose
400mg daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
once daily
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard

Overdose information

Important overdose information
Toxic dose: No specific toxic single dose established; doses significantly exceeding therapeutic range (0.6-1.8 mg daily) may cause increased adverse effects
Chronic overdose: Prolonged use at higher than recommended doses may lead to cumulative toxicity including gallbladder abnormalities, liver enzyme elevations, and hyperglycemia
Immediate actions
Discontinue medication, monitor vital signs, establish IV access, gastric decontamination if ingestion within 1-2 hours
Antidote
No specific antidote available(Supportive care is primary treatment; effectiveness depends on timely intervention and symptom management)
Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

Special Populations

12 groups
✗

pregnancy

first trimester
unsafe
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid if possible

Key Recommendations

avoid use during pregnancy unless potential benefits justify potential risks to the fetus

Monitor

regular fetal monitoring and ultrasound assessments

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

✗

pregnancy

second trimester
unsafe
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid if possible

Key Recommendations

continue treatment only if clearly needed with careful risk-benefit assessment

Monitor

fetal growth monitoring and regular prenatal care

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

✗

pregnancy

third trimester
unsafe
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid if possible

Key Recommendations

discontinue treatment if pregnancy occurs unless benefits outweigh risks

Monitor

fetal monitoring and assessment of fetal well-being

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

?

lactation

breastfeeding
unknown
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

not applicable

Key Recommendations

breastfeeding is not recommended during pasireotide treatment due to unknown excretion in breast milk

Monitor

monitor infant for any adverse effects if breastfeeding continues

⚠

geriatric

elderly 65 and older
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

no specific dose adjustment required

Key Recommendations

use with caution and monitor for adverse effects; start at lower end of dosing range

Monitor

regular monitoring of liver function and electrolytes

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

✗

pediatric_age

pediatric under 18
unsafe
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

not recommended

Key Recommendations

pasireotide is not recommended for use in pediatric patients; safety and efficacy not established in patients under 18 years of age

Monitor

not applicable

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

✓

renal_impairment

mild renal impairment
safe
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

no dose adjustment required

Key Recommendations

no dose adjustment needed for mild renal impairment

Monitor

standard monitoring

⚠

renal_impairment

moderate renal impairment
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

no specific adjustment required

Key Recommendations

use with caution; monitor renal function regularly

Monitor

regular monitoring of renal function and electrolytes

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

renal_impairment

severe renal impairment
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

use with caution

Key Recommendations

use pasireotide with caution in severe renal impairment; no specific dose adjustment established

Monitor

frequent monitoring of renal function and potential drug accumulation

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

✓

hepatic_impairment

mild hepatic impairment
safe
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

no dose adjustment required

Key Recommendations

no dose adjustment needed for mild hepatic impairment

Monitor

standard monitoring

⚠

hepatic_impairment

moderate hepatic impairment
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

dose reduction recommended

Key Recommendations

reduce starting dose in patients with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B)

Monitor

regular monitoring of liver function and drug exposure

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

✗

hepatic_impairment

severe hepatic impairment
unsafe
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

not recommended

Key Recommendations

pasireotide is not recommended for use in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C)

Monitor

not applicable

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

Statistics and clinical data

drug_classWHO
2023

Drug class

Value:Somatostatin analog

Drug class information for Pasireotide

prescribingFDA
2023

FDA approval year (Cushing's disease)

Value:2012

FDA approval for Cushing's disease

usageMedical guidelines
2023

Common uses

Value:Cushing's disease, acromegaly

Primary therapeutic indications

administrationFDA
2023

Route of administration

Value:Subcutaneous injection

Method of drug administration

Treatment of Cushing's disease (endogenous hypercortisolism) in adult patients for whom surgery is not an option or has not been curative. It may also be used for acromegaly in certain patients.

Pasireotide is a cyclohexapeptide somatostatin analogue that binds to somatostatin receptors (SSTR 1-5), mimicking the natural hormone somatostatin to inhibit excessive hormone secretion, particularly reducing cortisol production from the pituitary gland.

Administered by subcutaneous injection, typically twice daily. Common side effects include hyperglycemia, diarrhea, nausea, and gallbladder abnormalities. Regular monitoring of blood glucose, liver function, and cortisol levels is recommended. May cause QT prolongation in some patients.

Contraindications

Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.

Do not use (1)

ABSOLUTEhypersensitivity

Known allergy to this medication or its components

Use caution (1)

RELATIVEpregnancy

Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment

Official drug label

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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy