Acth Gel

Acth Gel is a highly purified preparation of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in a gel that is designed to provide extended release of the ACTH following injection. ACTH stimulates the adrenal cortex gland to secrete cortisol, corticosterone, and aldosterone. ACTH is a first-line treatment for infantile spasms, but it is also used in Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, Landau-Kleffner syndrome, and electrical status epilepticus in sleep. Improvement in seizure control can be seen even in the most difficult-to-control epilepsy after treatment with ACTH.

What is this medicine?

CORTICOTROPIN (kawr ti koh TROH pin) is a hormone that occurs naturally in the body. It is used as a diagnostic aid to test the adrenal glands. It is used in children less than 2 years old to treat infantile spasms. It is also used to treat problems of the eyes, joints, lungs, nervous system, skin, thyroid, and others.

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

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): H.P. Acthar

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

• adrenal gland disease
• heart failure
• high blood pressure
• infection;
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• osteoporosis
• peptic ulcer
• recent surgery
• scleroderma
• thyroid disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to corticotropin, corticosteroids, pork proteins, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

In a diagnostic procedure, this medicine is for injection into a vein. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

For other treatments, this medicine is for injection into a muscle or under the skin. You will be taught how to prepare and give this medicine. Use exactly as directed. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

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 healthcare provider to get one.