Warnings for Cortrosyn
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
Precautions for Cortrosyn
Hypersensitivity to CORTROSYN Injection
CORTROSYN injection hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis have been reported. Monitor patients for hypersensitivity reactions and treat as needed.
Diagnostic Inaccuracies
Cortisol levels and subsequent diagnosis of adrenocortical insufficiency following CORTROSYN administration may be inaccurate if patients are on certain medications because of their effect on cortisol or cortisol binding globulin levels.
Glucocorticoids and spironolactone may result in falsely elevated cortisol levels. Stop these drugs on the day of CORTROSYN testing. Long-acting glucocorticoids may need to be stopped for a longer period before CORTROSYN testing [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Estrogen-containing drugs increase cortisol binding globulin levels which can increase plasma total cortisol levels. To obtain accurate plasma total cortisol levels, stop estrogen containing drugs four to six weeks before CORTROSYN testing to allow cortisol binding globulin levels to return to levels within the reference range [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) and Drug Interactions (7)]. Alternatively, concomitant measurement of cortisol binding globulin at the time of testing can be done; if cortisol binding globulin levels are elevated, plasma total cortisol levels are considered inaccurate.
Any condition that elevates or lowers cortisol binding globulin levels may increase or decrease plasma total cortisol levels, respectively. Cortisol binding globulin levels can be low in cirrhosis or nephrotic syndrome. Measure cortisol binding globulin levels as necessary to ensure accuracy of interpretation of plasma total cortisol levels.
Patient Counseling Information
Advise the patient and/or caregiver to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (PATIENT INFORMATION).
Hypersensitivity Reactions, Including Anaphylaxis Inform patients and/or caregivers of the early signs of hypersensitivity reactions including rash, hives, itching, facial swelling, tightness of the chest, and wheezing [see CONTRAINDICATIONS, WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS].
Drug Interference with CORTROSYN Testing Advise patients and/or caregivers to stop taking glucocorticoids and spironolactone on the day of CORTROSYN testing. However, for patients taking long-acting glucocorticoids, advise them to stop for longer periods before CORTROSYN testing. Advise patients to stop taking estrogen-containing drugs four to six weeks before CORTROSYN testing [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS, and DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Use in Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Risk Summary
Available data from case reports over decades of use with cosyntropin during pregnancy have not identified an increased risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Unidentified adrenal insufficiency can result in adverse maternal or fetal outcomes (see Clinical Considerations).
he background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk for major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively.
Clinical Considerations
Disease-associated Maternal and/or Embryo/fetal Risk
Unidentified adrenal insufficiency during pregnancy can result in maternal and/or fetal death; therefore, the diagnosis of suspected adrenal insufficiency during pregnancy should not be delayed.
Lactation
Risk Summary There are no data on the presence of cosyntropin in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for CORTROSYN and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from CORTROSYN or from the underlying maternal condition.
Pediatric Use
CORTROSYN is approved for use in pediatric patients [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].