Secretin

• Overview
• Uses
• Side Effects
• Precautions
• Dosing

Secretin is a hormone produced by the digestive tract. It is used as a medicine. Some secretin products are taken from pigs. Others are made in the laboratory.

Secretin is used to treat autism. Two dosage forms are available. Secretin is either placed under the tongue or given by IV (intravenously).

Secretin is also given by IV for pervasive developmental disorder (PDD), pancreatitis and other pancreas problems, overactive parathyroid gland, duodenal ulcers, bleeding in the stomach and intestines, and heart failure. It is also given by IV for preventing stress ulcers and for diagnosing a rare digestive tract condition called Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

How does it work?

Secretin is a hormone that is produced by the digestive tract. It stimulates the release of bicarbonate and water from the pancreas to aid digestion.

Likely Ineffective for...

• Autism and pervasive developmental disorder (PDD). The use of secretin for autism is controversial. Some people have reported they have seen an improvement in stomach and intestinal function, social and behavioral abilities, and language skills after single intravenous doses of secretin. But most of the evidence shows that secretin, both lab-made and derived from pigs, doesn't improve autism or pervasive developmental disorder when given in single or repeated doses.

Insufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for...

• Stress ulcers in severe trauma or disease. Developing evidence suggests that secretin might help prevent stress ulcers.
• Pancreatitis. There is some evidence that secretin might help symptoms of ongoing pancreatitis.
• Intestinal ulcers.
• Digestive tract bleeding.
• Heart failure.
• Other conditions.

Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate (detailed description of each of the ratings).

Secretin is available as a prescription product that is used intravenously. Intravenous products are safe when used appropriately. Common side effects of secretin include flushing of the face, neck, and chest immediately after a dose. Less common side effects are vomiting, diarrhea, fainting, blood clot, fever, and rapid heartbeat. Some people can have allergic reactions including hives, redness of the skin, and a life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).

There isn't enough information to know whether the under-the-tongue dosage form of secretin is safe to use.

The appropriate dose of secretin depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for secretin. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.