Corticotropin

Brand Names

Acthar Gel, H.P., Acthar, Acthar Gel, H.P., ACTH Gel, ACTH-80, ACTH-40 HP

What is Corticotropin

Corticotropin is a man-made form of a hormone that occurs naturally in the body. It is used as part of a medical test to check the functioning of your adrenal glands. This medication is also effective for treating many different conditions such as allergic disorders, psoriasis and other skin conditions, eye conditions, arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, ulcerative colitis, breathing disorders, and many others.

Side effects of Corticotropin

There is a list of serious side effects caused by this medication:

• hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat;
• problems with your vision;
• swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath;
• severe depression, unusual thoughts or behavior, seizure (convulsions);
• bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood;
• pancreatitis (severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate);
• low potassium (confusion, uneven heart rate, extreme thirst, increased urination, leg discomfort, muscle weakness or limp feeling);
• dangerously high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, uneven heartbeats, seizure).

Less serious side effects may include:

• mood changes;
• acne, dry skin, thinning skin, bruising or discoloration;
• slow wound healing;
• increased sweating;
• headache, dizziness, spinning sensation;
• upset stomach;
• changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and waist).

Indication

It is used as part of a medical test to check the functioning of your adrenal glands. This medication is also effective for treating many different conditions such as allergic disorders, psoriasis and other skin conditions, eye conditions, arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, ulcerative colitis, breathing disorders, and many others.

Precautions

You should not use this medication if you have:

• adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease);
• scleroderma;
• a fungal infection anywhere in your body;
• herpes infection of the eyes;
• osteoporosis;
• past or present stomach ulcer;
• congestive heart failure;
• high blood pressure;
• recently had surgery;
• are allergic to pork proteins;
• liver disease (such as cirrhosis);
• kidney disease;
• a thyroid disorder;
• diabetes;
• a history of tuberculosis;
• a muscle disorder such as myasthenia gravis;
• glaucoma or cataracts;
• depression or mental illness;
• a stomach or intestinal disorder.

Dosage forms

The dose will be determined by your doctor.