Repository Corticotropin
Drug Name(s): Purified Cortrophin Gel, Acthar Gel
Class: Hormones
Repository corticotropin injection is used to treat psoriatic and rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, juvenile arthritis and other conditions as a short-term, add-on therapy when the disease is not well controlled by other medications. It triggers your body to make hormones that control inflammation.
Purified Cortrophin Gel may be used to treat certain other conditions, including gout and lupus.
Acthar Gel is used to treat some cases of multiple sclerosis.
Dosage
Form(s): injection; Dosages vary by patient. For Purified Cortrophin Gel, patient must first be tested for responsiveness.
Special Instructions
Patients must be evaluated for appropriate dosage before starting. Keep vials refrigerated. Warm by rolling between hands before injecting; do not heat in microwave or stove. Inject as instructed by health care professional. Do not stop abruptly; dosage must be reduced gradually. Women who are or may become pregnant must let their doctor know before starting this medication. Talk to your doctor before receiving vaccines.
Potential Side Effects
Injection site reaction; muscle weakness; osteoporosis; hypertension; headache; glaucoma; allergic response to proteins; weight gain
Be Aware
Taking this medication too often or for too long may cause irreversible adverse effects. Do not take if you have had recent surgery or have scleroderma, osteoporosis, congestive heart failure, hypertension, adrenocortical insufficiency or adrenocortical hyperfunction. This medication may mask signs of chronic disease or infection, including infection of the eyes; cause glaucoma or other eye damage; elevate blood pressure and water retention.
