Acthar Gel Pre-filled SelfJect Injector

Generic name: corticotropin [ KOR-ti-koe-TROE-pin ]
Brand names: Acthar Gel, Acthar Gel Pre-filled SelfJect Injector, Purified Cortrophin Gel, Acthar Gel, H.P.
Drug class: Corticotropin

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Nov 19, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Acthar Gel Pre-filled SelfJect Injector?

Acthar Gel Pre-filled SelfJect Injector is a hormone that is used to treat many conditions such as psoriasis, Steven Johnson syndrome, psoriatic or rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, lupus, polymyositis, severe allergic reactions, symptomatic sarcoidosis, and inflammatory conditions of the eyes.

Acthar Gel Pre-filled SelfJect Injector is also used to treat acute episodes of multiple sclerosis in adults.

Acthar Gel Pre-filled SelfJect Injector is also used to treat infantile spasms in children younger than 2 years old.

Acthar Gel Pre-filled SelfJect Injector can reduce the symptoms of an illness, but it is not a cure for these conditions. This medicine is also not expected to slow the progress of any disease.

Acthar Gel Pre-filled SelfJect Injector may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Acthar Gel Pre-filled SelfJect Injector side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Acthar Gel Pre-filled SelfJect Injector may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• unusual changes in mood or behavior;

• blurred vision, eye pain or redness, seeing halos around lights;

• a seizure;

• sudden pain or trouble moving your hip, wrist, or back;

• high blood pressure--severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears;

• new or worsening signs of infection--fever, chills, sore throat, body aches, unusual tiredness, loss of appetite, bruising or bleeding;

• decreased or increased adrenal gland hormones--changes in weight or appetite, tiredness, muscle weakness, skin discoloration, thinning skin, increased body hair, menstrual changes, loss of appetite, stomach pain;

• new or worsening symptoms of high blood sugar--increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor;

• low blood potassium--leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, increased thirst or urination, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or limp feeling;

• fluid retention--shortness of breath (even while lying down), swelling, rapid weight gain (especially in your face and midsection);

• signs of eye infection--swelling, redness, severe discomfort, crusting or drainage; or

• stomach or intestinal problems--fever, severe stomach pain, change in bowel habits, bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

Acthar Gel Pre-filled SelfJect Injector can affect growth and appetite. Tell your doctor if you notice changes in weight or appetite, or if your child is not growing at a normal rate while using Acthar Gel Pre-filled SelfJect Injector.

Common side effects of Acthar Gel Pre-filled SelfJect Injector may include:

• pain, bruising, swelling, or irritation where the medicine was injected;

• high blood sugar levels, seizures (convulsions), increased blood pressure;

• swelling in your hands or feet, puffiness in your face;

• unusual changes in mood or behavior, irritability;

• tiredness, lack of energy, sleep problems (insomnia), dolor de cabeza; o

• fever, infections.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

You may get infections more easily. Call your doctor if you have any signs of infection (fever, cough, skin sores, painful urination).

Before taking this medicine

You should not be treated with Acthar Gel Pre-filled SelfJect Injector if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• infection caused by fungus;

• herpes infection of the eyes;

• untreated or uncontrolled high blood pressure;

• scleroderma;

• osteoporosis;

• problems with adrenal gland;

• a stomach ulcer;

• congestive heart failure;

• an allergy to pork products;

• recent surgery; or

• if you are scheduled to receive a live vaccine.

Acthar Gel Pre-filled SelfJect Injector should not be used in children under 2 years of age if they had certain infections passed from the mother during pregnancy or childbirth.

Acthar Gel Pre-filled SelfJect Injector may make it easier for you to get an infection or worsening an infection you already have. Tell your doctor about any illness or infection you had within the past several weeks.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• an active or recent infection (in you or a family member);

• high blood pressure, heart problems;

• a thyroid disorder;

• diabetes;

• seizure (convulsions);

• tuberculosis (or if you have close contact with someone who has tuberculosis);

• a nerve-muscle disorder, such as myasthenia gravis;

• a perforation (a hole or tear) in your esophagus, stomach, or intestines;

• diverticulitis;

• glaucoma or cataracts;

• mental illness or psychosis;

• a stomach or intestinal disorder, stomach bleeding;

• cirrhosis or other liver disease; or

• kidney disease.

Tell your doctor if you or a family member recently received a vaccine or are scheduled to receive a vaccine.

Acthar Gel Pre-filled SelfJect Injector may harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using Acthar Gel Pre-filled SelfJect Injector.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

How should I use Acthar Gel Pre-filled SelfJect Injector?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Your doctor will perform tests to make sure Acthar Gel Pre-filled SelfJect Injector is the right treatment for you.

Acthar Gel Pre-filled SelfJect Injector is injected into a muscle or under the skin. A healthcare provider may give you this injection or may teach you how to properly use this medicine by yourself.

Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it. Call your pharmacist if the medicine looks cloudy, has changed colors or has particles in it.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand all instructions.

Your dose needs may change during times of stress, serious illness, surgery or medical emergency. Do not change your dose, dosing schedule, or stop using Acthar Gel Pre-filled SelfJect Injector suddenly without your doctor's advice. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.

Dosing for certain indications is based on body surface area (height and weight) in children under 2 years old. Your child's dose may change if the child gains or loses weight or if they are still growing.

You may be given other medications to help prevent serious side effects or allergic reaction. Keep taking these medicines for as long as your doctor has prescribed.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

You may need frequent medical tests, and your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis.

Store this medicine in the refrigerator. Protect from light, heat and do not freeze. You may store a prefilled injector at room temperature for up to 24 hours. Do not warm the medicine with hot water, sunlight, or a microwave.

Take the prefilled injector out of the refrigerator and let it reach room temperature for 45 minutes before using. Do not leave the medicine out for longer than 24 hours.

Throw away a prefilled injector after one use, even if there is still medicine left inside. Do not reuse a needle or syringe. Place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container and dispose of it following state or local laws. Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Related/similar drugs

Benlysta, Otezla, Vumerity, Avonex, Betaseron, Briumvi, Extavia, Ocrevus, Rebif, Tecfidera

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using Acthar Gel Pre-filled SelfJect Injector?

Do not receive a "live" vaccine and also avoid being near someone who recently received a live vaccine or you could develop a serious infection. Live vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), rotavirus, typhoid, yellow fever, varicella (chickenpox), and zoster (shingles).

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

What other drugs will affect Acthar Gel Pre-filled SelfJect Injector?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• aspirin; or

• a diuretic or "water pill".

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect Acthar Gel Pre-filled SelfJect Injector, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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