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Acthar Gel is a naturally sourced complex mixture of adrenocorticotropic hormone analogs and other pituitary peptides. The Acthar Gel manufacturing process converts the initial porcine pituitary extract with low ACTH content into a mixture having modified porcine ACTH and other related peptide analogs solubilized in gelatin. A major component in the formulated complex mixture is N-25 deamidated porcine ACTH (1-39).
Acthar Gel is supplied as a sterile preparation in 16% gelatin to provide a prolonged release after intramuscular or subcutaneous injection. Acthar Gel also contains 0.5% phenol, not more than 0.1% cysteine (added), sodium hydroxide and/or acetic acid to adjust pH and water for injection.
Acthar Gel is indicated as monotherapy for the treatment of infantile spasms in infants and children under 2 years of age.
Acthar Gel is indicated for the treatment of acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis in adults. Controlled clinical trials have shown Acthar Gel to be effective in speeding the resolution of acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis. However, there is no evidence that it affects the ultimate outcome or natural history of the disease.
As adjunctive therapy for short-term administration (to tide the patient over an acute episode or exacerbation) in: Psoriatic arthritis; Rheumatoid arthritis, including juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (selected cases may require low-dose maintenance therapy); Ankylosing spondylitis.
During an exacerbation or as maintenance therapy in selected cases of: systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic dermatomyositis (polymyositis).
Severe erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
Serum sickness.
Severe acute and chronic allergic and inflammatory processes involving the eye and its adnexa such as: keratitis; iritis, iridocyclitis, diffuse posterior uveitis and choroiditis, optic neuritis, chorioretinitis; anterior segment inflammation.
Symptomatic sarcoidosis.
To induce a diuresis or a remission of proteinuria in the nephrotic syndrome without uremia of the idiopathic type or that due to lupus erythematosus.
Acthar Gel vial is intended for either intramuscular or subcutaneous injection.
Acthar Gel single-dose pre-filled SelfJect injector is for subcutaneous administration by adults (18 years of age and older) only. The single-dose pre-filled SelfJect injector should only be used to administer single doses of either 40 units or 80 units. For administration of doses other than 40 units or 80 units, use the Acthar Gel multi-dose vial.
In the treatment of infantile spasms, Acthar Gel must be administered intramuscularly using the Acthar gel vial. Do not use the Acthar Gel single-dose pre-filled SelfJect injector for the treatment of infantile spasms. The recommended regimen is a daily dose of 150 U/m2 (divided into twice daily intramuscular (IM) injections of 75 U/m2) administered over a 2-week period. Dosing with Acthar Gel should then be gradually tapered over a 2-week period to avoid adrenal insufficiency. The following is one suggested tapering schedule: 30 U/m2 in the morning for 3 days; 15 U/m2 in the morning for 3 days; 10 U/m2 in the morning for 3 days; and 10 U/m2 every other morning for 6-days.
Acthar Gel is typically dosed based on body surface area (BSA). For calculation of body surface area, use the following formula:
BSA (m2)= √ weight(kg) x height (cm) / 3600
The recommended dose is daily intramuscular or subcutaneous doses of 80 to 120 units for 2-3 weeks for acute exacerbations. Dosage should be individualized according to the medical condition of each patient. Frequency and dose of the drug should be determined by considering the severity of the disease and the initial response of the patient.
Although drug dependence does not occur, sudden withdrawal of Acthar Gel after prolonged use may lead to adrenal insufficiency or recurrent symptoms which make it difficult to stop the treatment. It may be necessary to taper the dose and increase the injection interval to gradually discontinue the medication.
Dosage should be individualized according to the disease under treatment and the general medical condition of each patient. Frequency and dose of the drug should be determined by considering severity of the disease and the initial response of the patient.
The usual dose of Acthar Gel is 40 to 80 units given intramuscularly or subcutaneously every 24 to 72 hours.
Although drug dependence does not occur, sudden withdrawal of Acthar Gel after prolonged use may lead to adrenal insufficiency or recurrent symptoms which make it difficult to stop the treatment. It may be necessary to taper the dose and increase the injection interval to gradually discontinue the medication.
Visually inspect the liquid for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. Acthar Gel must not be injected if the solution is cloudy or contains particulate matter.
Preparation
Administration
Injection available as:
Acthar Gel (repository corticotropin injection) is a clear light amber solution mobile at room temperature.
Acthar Gel (repository corticotropin injection) is a clear light amber solution mobile at room temperature. Acthar Gel is supplied in the following configurations:
| Strength | Package size | NDC number |
| 80 USP Units/mL | 5 mL multi-dose vial (1 count) | 63004-8710-1 |
| 40 USP Units/0.5 mL | single-dose pre-filled SelfJect injector (4 count) | 63004-8712-4 |
| 80 USP Units/mL | single-dose pre-filled SelfJect injector (4 count) | 63004-8711-4 |
Store Acthar Gel vial and Acthar Gel single-dose pre-filled SelfJect injector under refrigeration between 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) in the carton to protect from light.
After removing the single-dose pre-filled SelfJect injector from the refrigerator, it can be stored at room temperature between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) for up to 24 hours. Do not heat, freeze, or put the Acthar Gel single-dose pre-filled SelfJect injector into direct sunlight.
Dispense single-dose pre-filled SelfJect injectors in the original sealed carton with the enclosed Instructions for Use.
Manufactured for: Mallinckrodt ARD LLC Bridgewater, NJ 08807. Revised: Feb 2024.
The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling:
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
While the types of adverse reactions seen in infants and children under age 2 treated for infantile spasms are similar to those seen in older patients, their frequency and severity may be different due to the very young age of the infant, the underlying disorder, the duration of therapy and the dosage regimen. Below is a summary of adverse reactions specifically tabulated from source data derived from retrospective chart reviews and clinical trials in children under 2 years of age treated for infantile spasms. The number of patients in controlled trials at the recommended dose was too few to provide meaningful incidence rates or to permit a meaningful comparison to the control groups. The most common adverse reactions (5% or greater in the recommended twice daily dosing group) for the treatment of infantile spasms are increased risk of infections, convulsions, hypertension, irritability, and pyrexia.
TABLE: Incidence (%) of Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥2% of Infants and Children Under 2 Years of Age Treated with Acthar Gel
| Adverse Reactions | Recommended 75 U/m2 twice daily n=122, (%) |
150 U/m2 once daily n=37 (%) |
| Cardiac disorders | ||
| Cardiac Hypertrophy | 3 | 0 |
| Endocrine disorders | ||
| Cushingoid | 3 | 22 |
| Gastrointestinal disorders | ||
| Diarrhea | 3 | 14 |
| Vomiting | 3 | 5 |
| Constipation | 0 | 5 |
| General disorders and administration site conditions | ||
| Irritability | 7 | 19 |
| Pyrexia | 5 | 8 |
| Infections and infestations | ||
| Infection* | 20 | 46 |
| Investigations | ||
| Weight gain | 1 | 3 |
| Metabolism and nutrition disorders | ||
| Increased appetite | 0 | 5 |
| Decreased appetite | 3 | 3 |
| Nervous system disorders | ||
| Convulsion† | 12 | 3 |
| Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders | ||
| Nasal Congestion | 1 | 5 |
| Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders | ||
| Acne | 0 | 14 |
| Rash | 0 | 8 |
| Vascular disorders | ||
| Hypertension | 11 | 19 |
| * Specific infections that occurred at ≥ 2% were candidiasis, otitis media, pneumonia and upper respiratory tract infections. † In the treatment of infantile spasms, other types of seizures/convulsions may occur because some patients with infantile spasms progress to other forms of seizures (for example, Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome). Additionally, the spasms sometimes mask other seizures and once the spasms resolve after treatment, the other seizures may become visible. |
||
These adverse reactions may also be seen in adults and children over 2 years of age when treated for other purposes and with different doses and regimens.
The following adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use of Acthar Gel.
Because adverse reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
Allergic responses have presented as dizziness, nausea, and anaphylaxis (anaphylactic shock, hypotension, respiratory compromise, urticaria, edema).
Necrotizing angitis (adults only), congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and palpitations.
Skin thinning (adults only), facial erythema, and increased sweating (adults only).
Decreased carbohydrate tolerance (infants only), hirsutism, and menstrual irregularities.
Pancreatitis (adults only), abdominal distention, and ulcerative esophagitis.
Injection site reaction and asthenic conditions (including fatigue, malaise, asthenia, and lethargy).
Abscess.
Blood glucose increased.
Hypokalemic alkalosis (infants only) and fluid retention (including peripheral swelling).
Muscle weakness and vertebral compression fractures (infants only).
Headache (adults only), vertigo (adults only), subdural hematoma, intracranial hemorrhage (adults only), and reversible brain shrinkage (usually secondary to hypertension) (infants only).
Insomnia.
Based on steroidogenic effects of Acthar Gel certain adverse events may be expected due to the pharmacological effects of corticosteroids. The adverse events that may occur but have not been reported for Acthar Gel are:
Impaired wound healing, petechiae and ecchymoses, and suppression of skin test reactions.
Negative nitrogen balance due to protein catabolism and alteration in glucose tolerance.
Loss of muscle mass and aseptic necrosis of femoral and humeral heads.
Increased intracranial pressure with papilledema, (pseudo-tumor cerebri) usually after treatment, and subdural effusion.
Exophthalmos.
Formal drug-drug interaction studies have not been performed.
Acthar Gel may accentuate the electrolyte loss associated with diuretic therapy.
Included as part of the "PRECAUTIONS" Section
The adverse effects of Acthar Gel are related primarily to its steroidogenic effects. Not all of the adverse events described below have been seen after treatment with Acthar Gel, but they might be expected to occur because they are steroidogenic effects [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Acthar Gel may increase the risks related to infections with any pathogen, including viral, bacterial, fungal, protozoan or helminthic infections. Patients with latent tuberculosis or tuberculin reactivity should be observed closely, and if therapy is prolonged, chemoprophylaxis should be instituted.
Treatment with Acthar Gel can cause hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression and Cushing’s syndrome. These conditions should be monitored especially with chronic use.
Suppression of the HPA may occur following prolonged therapy with the potential for adrenal insufficiency after withdrawal of the medication. Patients should be monitored for signs of insufficiency such as weakness, hyperpigmentation, weight loss, hypotension and abdominal pain.
The symptoms of adrenal insufficiency in infants treated for infantile spasms can be difficult to identify. The symptoms are non-specific and may include anorexia, fatigue, lethargy, weakness, excessive weight loss, hypotension and abdominal pain. It is critical that parents and caregivers be made aware of the possibility of adrenal insufficiency when discontinuing Acthar Gel and should be instructed to observe for, and be able to recognize, these symptoms [see PATIENT INFORMATION].
The recovery of the adrenal gland may take from days to months so patients should be protected from the stress (e.g., trauma or surgery) by the use of corticosteroids during the period of stress.
The adrenal insufficiency may be minimized by tapering of the dose when discontinuing treatment.
Signs or symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome may occur during therapy but generally resolve after therapy is stopped. Patients should be monitored for these signs and symptoms such as deposition of adipose tissue in characteristics sites (e.g., moon face, truncal obesity), cutaneous striae, easy bruisability, decreased bone mineralization, weight gain, muscle weakness, hyperglycemia, and hypertension.
Acthar Gel can cause elevation of blood pressure, salt and water retention, and increased excretion of potassium and calcium. Dietary salt restriction and potassium supplementation may be necessary. Caution should be used in the treatment of patients with hypertension or renal insufficiency. Acthar Gel is contraindicated in patients with congestive heart failure [see CONTRAINDICATIONS].
Administration of live or live attenuated vaccines is contraindicated in patients receiving immunosuppressive doses of Acthar Gel. Killed or inactivated vaccines may be administered; however, the response to such vaccines can not be predicted. Other immunization procedures should be undertaken with caution in patients who are receiving Acthar Gel, especially when high doses are administered, because of the possible hazards of neurological complications and lack of antibody response.
Acthar Gel often acts by masking symptoms of other diseases/disorders without altering the course of the other disease/disorder. Patients should be monitored carefully during and for a period following discontinuation of therapy for signs of infection, abnormal cardiac function, hypertension, hyperglycemia, change in body weight and fecal blood loss.
Acthar Gel can cause GI bleeding and gastric ulcer. There is also an increased risk for perforation in patients with certain gastrointestinal disorders. Signs of gastrointestinal perforation, such as peritoneal irritation, may be masked by the therapy. Use caution where there is the possibility of impending perforation, abscess or other pyogenic infections, diverticulitis, fresh intestinal anastomoses, and active or latent peptic ulcer.
Use of Acthar Gel may be associated with central nervous system effects ranging from euphoria, insomnia, irritability (especially in infants), mood swings, personality changes, and severe depression, to frank psychotic manifestations. Also, existing emotional instability or psychotic tendencies may be aggravated. These effects are reversible once Acthar Gel therapy is stopped.
Patients with a comorbid disease may have that disease worsened. Caution should be used when prescribing Acthar Gel in patients with diabetes and myasthenia gravis.
Prolonged use of Acthar Gel may produce posterior subcapsular cataracts, glaucoma with possible damage to the optic nerves and may enhance the establishment of secondary ocular infections due to fungi and viruses.
Acthar Gel is immunogenic. Limited available data suggest that a patient may develop antibodies to Acthar Gel after chronic administration and loss of endogenous ACTH and Acthar Gel activity. Prolonged administration of Acthar Gel may increase the risk of hypersensitivity reactions. Cases of anaphylaxis have been reported in the postmarketing setting. Use in patients with sensitivity to porcine protein is contraindicated, and the possibility of sensitivity should be considered during the course of treatment should symptoms arise.
There is an enhanced effect in patients with hypothyroidism and in those with cirrhosis of the liver.
Long-term use of Acthar Gel may have negative effects on growth and physical development in pediatric patients. Changes in appetite are seen with Acthar Gel therapy, with the effects becoming more frequent as the dose or treatment period increases. These effects are reversible once Acthar Gel therapy is stopped. Growth and physical development of pediatric patients on prolonged therapy should be carefully monitored.
Decrease in bone formation and an increase in bone resorption both through an effect on calcium regulation (i.e., decreasing absorption and increasing excretion) and inhibition of osteoblast function may occur. These, together with a decrease in the protein matrix of the bone (secondary to an increase in protein catabolism) and reduced sex hormone production, may lead to inhibition of bone growth in children and adolescents and to the development of osteoporosis at any age. Special consideration should be given to patients at increased risk of osteoporosis (i.e., postmenopausal women) before initiating therapy, and bone density should be monitored in patients on long term therapy.
Advise caretakers of patients with infantile spasms to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide [for infantile spasms]).
Advise caretakers or patients 18 years of age or older to read the FDA-approved INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE when administering Acthar Gel single-dose pre-filled SelfJect injector.
Patients should be instructed to take Acthar Gel only as prescribed. They should not stop treatment suddenly unless instructed by their healthcare provider to do so.
Patients, their caregivers and families should be advised as to the importance of the need for careful monitoring while on and during titration from Acthar Gel treatment and the importance of not missing scheduled doctor’s appointments.
Advise patients, their caregivers, and families to contact their healthcare provider if the patient develops an infection or fever. Inform patients and caregivers that a fever may not necessarily be present during infection and to try to limit contact with other people with infections to minimize the risk of infection while taking Acthar Gel [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider if they develop signs or symptoms of Cushing’s Syndrome, such as fat increases in the face (moon face) or trunk area, cutaneous striae, easy bruisability, weight gain, muscle weakness, hyperglycemia, and hypertension [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Inform patients that adrenal insufficiency can occur upon withdrawal of Acthar Gel. Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider if they develop weakness, hyperpigmentation, weight loss, hypotension, or abdominal pain. Advise caregivers of patients with infantile spasms that symptoms of adrenal insufficiency may be difficult to identify and that additional symptoms may include anorexia, fatigue, or lethargy [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise patients, their caregivers and families to contact their healthcare provider if the patient experiences an increase in blood pressure or water retention [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Advise patients and caregivers of patients to not to be vaccinated with live or live attenuated vaccines during treatment with Acthar Gel. Additionally, other immunization procedures in patients or in family members who will be in contact with the patient should be undertaken with caution while the patient is taking Acthar Gel [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Inform patients, their caregivers, and families that Acthar Gel may mask symptoms of other diseases/disorders without altering the course of the other disease/disorder. Monitor the patient carefully during and for a period following discontinuation of therapy and inform their healthcare provider if signs of infection, abnormal cardiac function, hypertension, hyperglycemia, change in body weight, or fecal blood loss occur [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise patients, their caregivers and families to contact their healthcare provider if the patient or the caregiver notices blood or a change in color of the patient’s stool [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS ].
Inform patients, their caregivers and families that signs of irritability, sleep disturbances, mood swings, personality changes, or severe depression may occur. These effects are reversible once Acthar Gel therapy is stopped [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Advise patients, their caregivers and families that changes in appetite, most often leading to weight gain, are seen with Acthar Gel therapy, becoming more frequent as the dose or treatment period increases. These effects are reversible once Acthar Gel therapy is stopped [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Advise patients, their caregivers and families that prolonged use of Acthar Gel may inhibit skeletal growth in children and adolescents and may cause osteoporosis and decreased bone density at any age. If prolonged use is necessary, Acthar Gel should be given intermittently along with careful observation [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Inform caregivers that, in the treatment of infantile spasms, other types of seizures may occur because some patients with infantile spasms progress to other forms of seizures (for example, Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome). Additionally, the spasms sometimes mask other seizures and once the spasms resolve after treatment with Acthar Gel, the other seizures may become visible. Advise parents and caregivers to inform the patient’s healthcare provider of any new onset of seizures so that appropriate management can then be instituted [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus [see Use In Specific Populations].
Adequate studies of the carcinogenic potential of Acthar Gel have not been conducted.
The genotoxic potential of Acthar Gel has not been adequately evaluated.
The potential effects of Acthar Gel on fertility have not been adequately assessed in animals.
Based on Acthar Gel’s pharmacological effect of stimulating an endogenous steroid response [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY], Acthar Gel may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. The published literature on systemic corticosteroid use during pregnancy, which may be relevant, suggests potential concerns. Intrauterine growth restriction, decreased birth weight, and preterm birth have been reported with maternal use of corticosteroids; however, the underlying maternal condition may also contribute to these risks. Hypoadrenalism has also been reported in infants after high-dose and/or long-term use of corticosteroids during pregnancy (see Clinical Considerations). The potential adverse developmental effects of Acthar Gel have not been adequately assessed in animals.
The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population(s) is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defects, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively.
Fetal-Neonatal Adverse Reactions
Hypoadrenalism has been reported in infants born to mothers treated with systemic corticosteroids during pregnancy. Infants born to mothers treated with Acthar Gel should be carefully observed for signs of hypoadrenalism, such as poor feeding, irritability, weakness, and vomiting, and managed accordingly [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
There are no available data on the presence of corticotropin in either human or animal milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or on milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for Acthar Gel and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from Acthar Gel or from the underlying maternal condition.
Acthar Gel is indicated as monotherapy for the treatment of infantile spasms in infants and children less than 2 years of age. Both serious and other adverse reactions can occur in this population [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and ADVERSE REACTIONS].
The efficacy of Acthar Gel for the treatment of infantile spasms in infants and children less than 2 years of age was evaluated in a randomized, single blinded (video EEG interpreter blinded) clinical trial and an additional active control supportive trial [see Clinical Studies]. A responding patient was defined as having both complete cessation of spasms and elimination of hypsarrhythmia.
Safety in the pediatric population for infantile spasms was evaluated by retrospective chart reviews and data from non-sponsor conducted clinical trials [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. While the types of adverse reactions seen in infants and children under 2 years of age treated for infantile spasms are similar to those seen in older patients, their frequency and severity may be different due to the very young age of the infant, the underlying disorder, the duration of therapy and the dosage regimen. Effects on growth are of particular concern [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. Serious adverse reactions observed in adults may also occur in children [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
No Information Provided
Acthar Gel is contraindicated:
The mechanism of action of Acthar Gel in the treatment of infantile spasms is unknown.
Acthar Gel and endogenous ACTH stimulate the adrenal cortex to secrete cortisol, corticosterone, aldosterone, and a number of weakly androgenic substances. Prolonged administration of large doses of Acthar Gel induces hyperplasia and hypertrophy of the adrenal cortex and continuous high output of cortisol, corticosterone and weak androgens. The release of endogenous ACTH is under the influence of the nervous system via the regulatory hormone released from the hypothalamus and by a negative corticosteroid feedback mechanism. Elevated plasma cortisol suppresses ACTH release.
Acthar Gel is also reported to bind to melanocortin receptors.
The trophic effects of endogenous ACTH and Acthar Gel on the adrenal cortex are not well understood beyond the fact that they appear to be mediated by cyclic AMP.
ACTH rapidly disappears from the circulation following its intravenous administration; in people, the plasma half-life is about 15 minutes. The pharmacokinetics of Acthar Gel have not been adequately characterized.
The maximal effects of a trophic hormone on a target organ are achieved when optimal amounts of hormone are acting continuously. Thus, a fixed dose of Acthar Gel will demonstrate a linear increase in adrenocortical secretion with increasing duration for the infusion.
The effectiveness of Acthar Gel as a treatment for infantile spasms was demonstrated in a single blinded (video EEG interpreter blinded) clinical trial in which patients were randomized to receive either a 2-week course of treatment with Acthar Gel (75 U/m2 intramuscular twice daily) or prednisone (1 mg/kg by mouth twice daily). The primary outcome was a comparison of the number of patients in each group who were treatment responders, defined as a patient having complete suppression of both clinical spasms and hypsarrhythmia on a full sleep cycle video EEG performed 2 weeks following treatment initiation, rated by an investigator blinded to treatment. Thirteen of 15 patients (86.7%) responded to Acthar Gel as compared to 4 of 14 patients (28.6%) given prednisone (p<0.002). The 2-week treatment was followed by a 2-week period of taper. Nonresponders to the prednisone treatment were eligible to receive Acthar Gel treatment. Seven of 8 patients (87.5%) responded to Acthar Gel after not responding to prednisone. Similarly, the 2 nonresponder patients from the Acthar Gel treatment were eligible to receive treatment with prednisone. One of the 2 patients (50%) responded to the prednisone treatment after not responding to Acthar Gel.
A supportive single-blind, randomized clinical trial comparing high-dose, long-duration treatment (150 U/m2 once daily for 3 weeks, n=30) of Acthar Gel with low-dose, short-duration treatment (20 U once daily for 2 weeks, n=29) for the treatment of infantile spasms was also evaluated in infants and children less than 2 years of age. Nonresponders (defined as in the previously described study) in the low-dose group received a dose escalation at 2 weeks to 30 U once daily. Nominal statistical superiority of the high dose treatment, as compared to the low dose treatment, was observed for cessation of spasms but not for the resolution of hypsarrhythmia.
Acthar® Gel
(AK-thar jel)
(repository corticotropin injection)
This Medication Guide provides information only about the use of Acthar Gel for the treatment of Infantile Spasms. If your doctor prescribes Acthar Gel for you or your child for any other reason, talk to your doctor for information about how this medicine is used to treat your medical condition.
Read this Medication Guide before your child receives Acthar Gel and each time you refill your child's prescription. There may be new information. This Medication Guide does not take the place of talking with your doctor about your child's medical condition or treatment.
What is the most important information I should know about Acthar Gel?
Acthar Gel can cause serious side effects including:
1. Increased risk of infections.
Acthar Gel is a medicine that can affect your child's immune system. When your child is taking Acthar Gel, it can lower the ability of your child's immune system to fight infections.
Acthar Gel may:
Before starting Acthar Gel, tell your doctor if your child has:
While taking Acthar Gel, your child should:
2. Effects on the adrenal gland after stopping Acthar Gel.
When your child stops taking Acthar Gel, his or her body may not produce enough of a hormone called cortisol on its own (adrenal insufficiency). Your child may need to take steroid medicine to protect the body until the adrenal gland recovers and is working well again, especially to protect the body if they have surgery or trauma. Do not stop giving your child injections of Acthar Gel without talking to your doctor first.
Your doctor will tell you when and how to slowly stop giving the injections to avoid serious side effects.
While slowly stopping your child's injections of Acthar Gel or after you stop giving the injections, call your doctor right away if your child has any of the following:
3. Effects on the adrenal gland while taking Acthar Gel.
When your child is taking Acthar Gel, his or her adrenal gland may produce too much cortisol. This can cause symptoms of Cushing's syndrome. Cushing's syndrome is more common in children who take Acthar Gel for a long time.
Symptoms of Cushing's syndrome include:
While receiving treatment with Acthar Gel other side effects can happen that are like side effects that happen due to treatment with steroid medicines. The risk of getting side effects may increase the longer your child is treated with Acthar Gel. Side effects may include:
4. Your child should not receive certain vaccines during treatment with Acthar Gel.
Your child may receive killed or inactivated vaccines while receiving Acthar Gel. Before your child receives any vaccines, talk to your doctor about which vaccines are safe for your child. Certain vaccines could cause your child to have serious side effects, or the vaccine may not be effective.
5. Hiding (masking) symptoms of other conditions or diseases.
It may be more difficult for your doctor to diagnose other conditions or diseases in your child during treatment with Acthar Gel. During treatment and after treatment ends, tell your doctor if your child has:
6. Stomach and intestinal problems. Acthar Gel may cause bleeding of the stomach or intestine.
Your child has an increased risk for bleeding from the stomach or having a stomach ulcer. Tell your doctor if your child has any pain in the stomach area (abdominal pain), vomits blood, or has bloody or black stools.
7. Changes in mood and behavior.
During treatment with Acthar Gel your child may be irritable, have rapid changes in his or her mood, be depressed, have other changes in his or her behavior, or have trouble sleeping.
Tell your doctor if your child has any of the side effects or symptoms listed above.
What is Acthar Gel?
Acthar Gel is a prescription medicine that is used to treat infantile spasms in infants and children under 2 years of age.
What should I tell my doctor before my child takes Acthar Gel?
Before your child takes Acthar Gel, read the section above "What is the most important information I should know about Acthar Gel?" and tell your doctor if your child has:
Tell your doctor about all the medicines your child takes, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. Do not start giving a new medicine to your child without first speaking to your doctor.
How should I give Acthar Gel to my child?
Acthar Gel is given as an injection into the muscle. Do not inject it under the skin, into a vein, or give it to your child by mouth.
Keep all of your child's follow-up appointments with your doctor
Infantile Spasms sometimes hides (masks) other seizures your child or infant may have. Once treated with Acthar Gel, the Infantile Spasms symptoms may disappear. This may allow the other seizures to become visible for the first time. Tell your child's doctor right away if you see a change in your child's seizures/spasms.
What are the possible side effects of Acthar Gel?
Acthar Gel can cause serious side effects.
The most common side effects of Acthar Gel for patients with infantile spasms include:
These are not all the possible side effects of Acthar Gel. Tell your doctor if your child has any side effect that bothers them or does not go away. For more information, ask your child's doctor or pharmacist.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
How should I store Acthar Gel?
Throw away any vials after the expiration date printed on the label.
Keep Acthar Gel and all other medicines out of the reach of children
General information About Acthar Gel
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. Do not use Acthar Gel for a condition for which it has not been prescribed. Do not give Acthar Gel to other people, even if they have the same symptoms. It may harm them.
This Medication Guide summarizes the most important information about Acthar Gel. If you would like more information, talk with your child's doctor. You can ask your child's doctor or pharmacist for information about Acthar Gel that is written for healthcare professionals. For more information, go to www.acthar.com or call 1-800-844-2830.
What are the ingredients in Acthar Gel?
Active ingredient: Corticotropin Inactive ingredients: gelatin, phenol, cysteine, sodium hydroxide and/or acetic acid to adjust pH, and water for injection
This Medication Guide has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
ACTHAR® GEL
[AK-thar jel]
(repository corticotropin injection) for subcutaneous use only
Single-Dose Pre-filled SelfJect™ Injector
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Green Body Injector: 40 USP Units/0.5 mL of Acthar Gel
Step 1: Read These Instructions
Important Information
The parts of the Acthar Gel single-dose pre-filled SelfJect injector are shown below:
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Storing Your Injector
Step 2: Prepare to Use the Acthar Gel single-dose pre-filled SelfJect injector
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Do not use if the expiration date has passed.
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Do not heat the injector.
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The Bottom Cap should remain on the injector until you give the injection.
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Step 3: Choose and Clean the Injection Site
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Step 4: Inspect and Uncap
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Do not recap the injector as this may damage the needle.
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Step 5: Inject
Do not pinch the skin.
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Do not lift the injector during the injection. If you do, the injector will lock out and you will not get the full dose of medicine.
You may hear a “click” when the injection begins.
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Before you lift the injector up, check to make sure that no part of the Green Colored Body remains visible. If you see color, continue pushing down on the Handle until the Green Colored Body disappears completely.
Step 6: Lift
If the Yellow Band is visible, it means that the Needle Guard is locked. You cannot use the injector again.
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If you see the Green Colored Body and the Yellow Band at the same time, then you did not give the full dose.
Do not try to inject with this injector again. Do not use another injector. Contact your healthcare provider.
Step 7: Throw Away (Dispose of) your Used Acthar Gel single-dose pre-filled SelfJect injector
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INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
ACTHAR® GEL
[AK-thar jel](repository corticotropin injection)for subcutaneous use only
Single-Dose Pre-filled SelfJect™ Injector
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Purple Body Injector: 80 USP Units/mL of Acthar Gel
Step 1: Read These Instructions
Important Information
The parts of the Acthar Gel single-dose pre-filled SelfJect injector are shown below:
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Storing Your Injector
Step 2: Prepare to Use the Acthar Gel single-dose pre-filled SelfJect injector
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Do not use if the expiration date has passed.
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Do not heat the injector.
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Step 3: Choose and Clean the Injection Site
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Step 4: Inspect and Uncap
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Step 5: Inject
Do not pinch the skin.
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Do not lift the injector during the injection. If you do, the injector will lock out and you will not get the full dose of medicine.
You may hear a “click” when the injection begins.
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Step 6: Lift
If the Yellow Band is visible, it means that the Needle Guard is locked. You cannot use the injector again.
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If you see the Purple Colored Body and the Yellow Band at the same time, then you did not give the full dose.
Do not try to inject with this injector again. Do not use another injector. Contact your healthcare provider.
Step 7: Throw Away (Dispose of) your Used Acthar Gel single-dose pre-filled SelfJect injector
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This Instructions for Use has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
