Corticotropin (By injection)
kor-ti-koe-TROE-pin ree-POZ-i-tor-ee
Treats inflammation, infantile spasms (seizures), multiple sclerosis, arthritis, and many other medical conditions.
Drug classes
Antiemetic, Diagnostic Agent, Adrenocortical Function, Endocrine-Metabolic Agent, Immune Suppressant (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Repository corticotropin injection is used to treat infantile spasms (seizures) in babies and children younger than 2 years of age. It is also used to treat multiple sclerosis in adults.
This medicine is also used to treat joint disorders (e.g., psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis); autoimmune diseases (e.g., systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE, polymyositis); and certain conditions of the skin (e.g., erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome), eyes (e.g., keratitis, optic neuritis), and lungs (e.g., sarcoidosis). It is also used to treat certain allergies (e.g., serum sickness) and swelling (edema) of the body.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin or into one of your muscles.
A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
Missed dose: You must use this medicine on a fixed schedule. Call your doctor or pharmacist if you miss a dose.
If you store this medicine at home, keep it in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.
Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines can affect how corticotropin works. Tell your doctor if you are using a diuretic (water pill).
This medicine may interfere with vaccines. Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccines.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to corticotropin or pork proteins, or if you have adrenal gland problems, heart failure, a peptic ulcer, osteoporosis, scleroderma, or recent surgery.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, stomach problems (such as an ulcer), high blood pressure, thyroid disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, Cushing syndrome, myasthenia gravis, or glaucoma. Tell your doctor if you have any type of infection.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Mood or behavior changes Cataracts or glaucoma (with long-term use) Weak bones or osteoporosis (with long-term use) High blood pressure, fluid retention, changes in salt or potassium levels in your body Slow growth in children (with long-term use)This medicine could cause you to get infections more easily. Tell your doctor right away if you are exposed to chicken pox, measles, or another serious infection. Tell your doctor if you had a serious infection in the past, such as tuberculosis or herpes.
Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.
Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Depression, unusual thoughts, feelings, or behaviors, irritability, trouble sleeping
Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting
Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat, dizziness
Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches
Muscle pain or weakness
Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
Seizures
Severe stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation, red or black stools, vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds
Vision changes, eye pain, seeing halos around lights, headache
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Increased appetite
Round, puffy face
Weight gain around your neck, upper back, breasts, face, or waist
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Acthar, H.P. Acthar
There may be other brand names for this medicine.