Health Library

Corticotropin (By injection)

Corticotropin, Repository (kor-ti-koe-TROE-pin ree-POZ-i-tor-ee)

Treats infantile spasms (seizures), multiple sclerosis, arthritis, diseases and conditions related to inflammation (swelling), and many other medical conditions.

Brand Name(s):

Acthar Gel w/SelfJect

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. 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.
• You will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas. Do not inject into red, swollen, or painful skin areas, areas with tattoos, warts, scars, birthmarks, stretch marks, or within one inch of the knee or groin area.
• Prefilled SelfJect™ injector:
  • Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
  • Allow the prefilled SelfJect™ injector to warm to room temperature for 45 minutes and no more than 24 hours before using it. Do not warm using heat sources.
  • Do not use the injector if it is damaged or the bottom cap has come off.
  • Check the liquid in the injector. It should be clear light yellow or orange. Do not use this medicine if it is cloudy or if you see particles in it.
  • Pull the bottom cap off. Do not touch the gray needle guard. Do not recap.
  • Place the injector on clean skin at the injection site at a 90 degree angle. Do not pinch the skin. Slowly push the handle down to inject. Do not lift during the injection. You may hear a "click" sound. This means your injection has started.
  • The injection is complete when the colored body disappears. You may also hear a click. If you see the green or purple colored body and yellow band, this means you did not give the full dose. Call your doctor if this happens. Do not try to inject with this injector again or use another injector.
  • Remove the injector by lifting it straight up. If you see the yellow band, the needle guard is locked.
• Allow the vial to warm to room temperature before using it.
• Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.
• 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. You may store the prefilled SelfJect™ injector at room temperature for up to 24 hours.
• 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.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, stomach or bowel problems (including ulcer), heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid problems, diabetes, bone problems, Cushing syndrome, myasthenia gravis, glaucoma, Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, or a history of depression or mental illness.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Adrenal gland problems
  • Changes in mood or behavior
  • Cataracts or glaucoma (with long-term use)
  • Lower bone density, which may lead to osteoporosis (with long-term use)
  • High blood pressure
  • Stomach or bowel bleeding or perforation (tear or hole)
  • 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, including 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 do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

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
• Changes in skin color, dark freckles, cold feeling, weight loss
• 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, bone pain
• 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
• Unusual tiredness or weakness
• Vision changes, eye pain, seeing halos around lights, headache

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Acne
• Increased appetite
• Pain, itching, burning, or swelling where the shot is given
• 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

Last Updated: 9/6/2024