Corticotropin Injection

What is this medication?

CORTICOTROPIN (kor ti koh TROH pen) treats many inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis (MS). It works by slowing down an overactive immune system. This decreases inflammation. It may also be used to treat infantile spasms, a type of seizure that occurs in infants.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Acthar Gel, CORTROPHIN, H.P. Acthar

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Cushing syndrome
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Infection, especially a viral infection, such as chickenpox, cold sores, herpes
• Kidney disease
• Mental health conditions
• Myasthenia gravis
• Osteoporosis, weak bones
• Recent or upcoming vaccine
• Recent surgery
• Seizures
• Stomach ulcer, other stomach or intestine problems
• Thyroid disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to corticotropin, corticosteroids, pork proteins, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is injected under the skin or into a muscle. You will be taught how to prepare and give it. Take it as directed on the prescription label. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or care team to get one.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

This medication comes with INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE. Ask your pharmacist for directions on how to use this medication. Read the information carefully. Talk to your pharmacist or care team if you have questions.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as infants for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

This medication may interact with the following:

• Diuretics
• Vaccines

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

If you are taking this medication for a long time, carry an identification card with your name, address, the type and dose of your medication, and your care team's name and address.

This medication may increase your risk of getting an infection. Call your care team for advice if you get a fever, chills, sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick. If you have not had the measles or chickenpox vaccines, tell your care team right away if you are around someone with these viruses.

This medication can decrease the response to a vaccine. If you need to get vaccinated, tell your care team that you are taking this medication.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your care team that you have received this medication within the last 12 months.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Cushing syndrome—increased fat around the midsection, upper back, neck, or face, pink or purple stretch marks on the skin, thinning, fragile skin that easily bruises, unexpected hair growth
• High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)—increased thirst or amount of urine, unusual weakness or fatigue, blurry vision
• Increase in blood pressure
• Infection—fever, chills, cough, sore throat, wounds that don't heal, pain or trouble when passing urine, general feeling of discomfort or being unwell
• Low adrenal gland function—nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness
• Low potassium level—muscle pain or cramps, unusual weakness or fatigue, fast or irregular heartbeat, constipation
• Mood and behavior changes - anxiety, nervousness, irritability and restlessness, confusion, hallucinations, feeling distrust or suspicion of others
• Peptic ulcer—burning stomach pain, loss of appetite, bloating, burping, heartburn, nausea, vomiting
• Stomach bleeding—bloody or black, tar-like stools, vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds
• Sudden eye pain or change in vision such as blurry vision, seeing halos around lights, vision loss

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Acne
• Increase in appetite
• Loss of appetite
• Weight gain

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Protect from light. Keep this medication in the original carton until you are ready to take it. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date. After removing the prefilled injector from the refrigerator, it can be stored at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F) for up to 24 hours. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight and heat.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, ask your pharmacist or care team how to get rid of this medication safely.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.