How Acromegaly Medications Work

Acromegaly is a disorder caused by an overproduction of growth hormone (GH) due to a pituitary adenoma. The goal of treatment is to reduce GH levels and alleviate symptoms.

Treatment Options

• Surgery: The gold standard for treating acromegaly, surgery involves removing the pituitary tumor that is producing excess GH. This option is most effective when the tumor is small and localized.

• Somatostatin analogs: These medications mimic the action of somatostatin, a hormone that inhibits the release of GH from the pituitary gland. Examples include octreotide and lanreotide.

• Dopamine agonists: These medications stimulate dopamine receptors in the pituitary gland, which can decrease GH production. An example is cabergoline.

• GH receptor antagonists: These medications block the action of GH at its receptor site, reducing its effects on the body. An example is pegvisomant.

How Medications Work

Somatostatin analogs and dopamine agonists work by inhibiting or reducing GH production in the pituitary gland. GH receptor antagonists block the action of GH at its receptor site, preventing it from causing symptoms. These medications can be used alone or in combination with surgery to achieve optimal results.