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 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.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
- allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- black, tarry stools
- changes in vision
- change in the amount of urine
- confusion
- fever, sore throat, or other signs of infection
- hallucinations
- increased thirst
- irregular heartbeat
- mental depression, mood swings
- menstrual problems
- muscle cramps
- nausea, vomiting
- pain in hips, back, ribs, arms, shoulders, or legs
- rounding out of face
- skin problems, acne, thin and shiny skin
- stomach pain
- swelling of feet or lower legs
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- unusually weak or tired
- weight gain
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- increased appetite
- nervousness, restlessness, or difficulty sleeping
- stomach upset
- unusual increased growth of hair on the face or body
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
In a diagnostic procedure, this does not apply.
For other treatments, if you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
- diuretics
- ritodrine
- vaccines
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
Who should NOT use this medication?
- Scleroderma.
- Osteoporosis.
- Systemic fungal infections.
- Ocular herpes simplex. (See Ocular Effects under Cautions.)
- Recent surgery.
- History of or current peptic ulcer.
- CHF.
- Hypertension.
- Conditions accompanied by primary adrenocortical insufficiency or adrenocortical hyperfunction.
- Known hypersensitivity to proteins of porcine origin.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your doctor for regular check ups. Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
If you are taking this medicine for a long time, carry an identification card with your name, address, the type and dose of your medicine, and your doctor's name and address.
Stay away from people who are sick. Tell your doctor or health care professional if you are exposed to anyone with measles or chickenpox, or if you develop sores or blisters that do not heal properly.
Do not receive any vaccinations as you may get a strong reaction. Avoid people who have recently taken oral polio vaccine.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your doctor or health care professional that you have received this medicine within the last twelve months.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- adrenal gland disease
- heart failure
- high blood pressure
- infection of fungus, herpes
- 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
Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.
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