Drug Detail:Corticotropin (Corticotropin [ kor-ti-koe-troe-pin ])
Drug Class: Corticotropin
Usual Adult Dose for Multiple Sclerosis
80 to 120 units daily IM or subcutaneously for 2 to 3 weeks
Comments:
- Frequency and dose should be individualized based on severity of disease and response of patient.
- Clinical trials have shown this drug to be effective in speeding the resolution of acute exacerbations; however, there is no evidence that it affects the ultimate outcome or natural history of the disease.
Use: For the treatment of acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis.
Usual Adult Dose for Ankylosing Spondylitis
Therapy should be individualized based on disease and general medical condition; frequency and dose should be determined by disease severity and initial response:
Range: 40 to 80 units IM or subcutaneously every 24 to 72 hours
Comments:
- Sudden withdrawal after prolonged use may lead to adrenal insufficiency or recurrent symptoms which make it difficult to stop treatment; taper dose and increase dose interval to gradually discontinue therapy.
Uses: For the treatment of:
- Rheumatic Disorders include: As adjunctive therapy for short-term administration in ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) including juvenile RA; selected cases may a require low-dose maintenance therapy
- Collagen Diseases: During an exacerbation or as maintenance therapy in selected cases of systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic dermatomyositis (polymyositis)
- Dermatologic Diseases: Severe erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Allergic States: Serum sickness
- Ophthalmic Diseases: 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
Edematous State: 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
Usual Adult Dose for Polymyositis/Dermatomyositis
Therapy should be individualized based on disease and general medical condition; frequency and dose should be determined by disease severity and initial response:
Range: 40 to 80 units IM or subcutaneously every 24 to 72 hours
Comments:
- Sudden withdrawal after prolonged use may lead to adrenal insufficiency or recurrent symptoms which make it difficult to stop treatment; taper dose and increase dose interval to gradually discontinue therapy.
Uses: For the treatment of:
- Rheumatic Disorders include: As adjunctive therapy for short-term administration in ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) including juvenile RA; selected cases may a require low-dose maintenance therapy
- Collagen Diseases: During an exacerbation or as maintenance therapy in selected cases of systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic dermatomyositis (polymyositis)
- Dermatologic Diseases: Severe erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Allergic States: Serum sickness
- Ophthalmic Diseases: 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
Edematous State: 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
Usual Adult Dose for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Therapy should be individualized based on disease and general medical condition; frequency and dose should be determined by disease severity and initial response:
Range: 40 to 80 units IM or subcutaneously every 24 to 72 hours
Comments:
- Sudden withdrawal after prolonged use may lead to adrenal insufficiency or recurrent symptoms which make it difficult to stop treatment; taper dose and increase dose interval to gradually discontinue therapy.
Uses: For the treatment of:
- Rheumatic Disorders include: As adjunctive therapy for short-term administration in ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) including juvenile RA; selected cases may a require low-dose maintenance therapy
- Collagen Diseases: During an exacerbation or as maintenance therapy in selected cases of systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic dermatomyositis (polymyositis)
- Dermatologic Diseases: Severe erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Allergic States: Serum sickness
- Ophthalmic Diseases: 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
Edematous State: 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
Usual Adult Dose for Sarcoidosis
Therapy should be individualized based on disease and general medical condition; frequency and dose should be determined by disease severity and initial response:
Range: 40 to 80 units IM or subcutaneously every 24 to 72 hours
Comments:
- Sudden withdrawal after prolonged use may lead to adrenal insufficiency or recurrent symptoms which make it difficult to stop treatment; taper dose and increase dose interval to gradually discontinue therapy.
Uses: For the treatment of:
- Rheumatic Disorders include: As adjunctive therapy for short-term administration in ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) including juvenile RA; selected cases may a require low-dose maintenance therapy
- Collagen Diseases: During an exacerbation or as maintenance therapy in selected cases of systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic dermatomyositis (polymyositis)
- Dermatologic Diseases: Severe erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Allergic States: Serum sickness
- Ophthalmic Diseases: 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
Edematous State: 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
Usual Adult Dose for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Therapy should be individualized based on disease and general medical condition; frequency and dose should be determined by disease severity and initial response:
Range: 40 to 80 units IM or subcutaneously every 24 to 72 hours
Comments:
- Sudden withdrawal after prolonged use may lead to adrenal insufficiency or recurrent symptoms which make it difficult to stop treatment; taper dose and increase dose interval to gradually discontinue therapy.
Uses: For the treatment of:
- Rheumatic Disorders include: As adjunctive therapy for short-term administration in ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) including juvenile RA; selected cases may a require low-dose maintenance therapy
- Collagen Diseases: During an exacerbation or as maintenance therapy in selected cases of systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic dermatomyositis (polymyositis)
- Dermatologic Diseases: Severe erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Allergic States: Serum sickness
- Ophthalmic Diseases: 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
Edematous State: 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
Usual Adult Dose for Uveitis
Therapy should be individualized based on disease and general medical condition; frequency and dose should be determined by disease severity and initial response:
Range: 40 to 80 units IM or subcutaneously every 24 to 72 hours
Comments:
- Sudden withdrawal after prolonged use may lead to adrenal insufficiency or recurrent symptoms which make it difficult to stop treatment; taper dose and increase dose interval to gradually discontinue therapy.
Uses: For the treatment of:
- Rheumatic Disorders include: As adjunctive therapy for short-term administration in ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) including juvenile RA; selected cases may a require low-dose maintenance therapy
- Collagen Diseases: During an exacerbation or as maintenance therapy in selected cases of systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic dermatomyositis (polymyositis)
- Dermatologic Diseases: Severe erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Allergic States: Serum sickness
- Ophthalmic Diseases: 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
Edematous State: 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
Usual Adult Dose for Iritis
Therapy should be individualized based on disease and general medical condition; frequency and dose should be determined by disease severity and initial response:
Range: 40 to 80 units IM or subcutaneously every 24 to 72 hours
Comments:
- Sudden withdrawal after prolonged use may lead to adrenal insufficiency or recurrent symptoms which make it difficult to stop treatment; taper dose and increase dose interval to gradually discontinue therapy.
Uses: For the treatment of:
- Rheumatic Disorders include: As adjunctive therapy for short-term administration in ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) including juvenile RA; selected cases may a require low-dose maintenance therapy
- Collagen Diseases: During an exacerbation or as maintenance therapy in selected cases of systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic dermatomyositis (polymyositis)
- Dermatologic Diseases: Severe erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Allergic States: Serum sickness
- Ophthalmic Diseases: 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
Edematous State: 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
Usual Adult Dose for Optic Neuritis
Therapy should be individualized based on disease and general medical condition; frequency and dose should be determined by disease severity and initial response:
Range: 40 to 80 units IM or subcutaneously every 24 to 72 hours
Comments:
- Sudden withdrawal after prolonged use may lead to adrenal insufficiency or recurrent symptoms which make it difficult to stop treatment; taper dose and increase dose interval to gradually discontinue therapy.
Uses: For the treatment of:
- Rheumatic Disorders include: As adjunctive therapy for short-term administration in ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) including juvenile RA; selected cases may a require low-dose maintenance therapy
- Collagen Diseases: During an exacerbation or as maintenance therapy in selected cases of systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic dermatomyositis (polymyositis)
- Dermatologic Diseases: Severe erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Allergic States: Serum sickness
- Ophthalmic Diseases: 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
Edematous State: 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
Usual Adult Dose for Keratitis
Therapy should be individualized based on disease and general medical condition; frequency and dose should be determined by disease severity and initial response:
Range: 40 to 80 units IM or subcutaneously every 24 to 72 hours
Comments:
- Sudden withdrawal after prolonged use may lead to adrenal insufficiency or recurrent symptoms which make it difficult to stop treatment; taper dose and increase dose interval to gradually discontinue therapy.
Uses: For the treatment of:
- Rheumatic Disorders include: As adjunctive therapy for short-term administration in ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) including juvenile RA; selected cases may a require low-dose maintenance therapy
- Collagen Diseases: During an exacerbation or as maintenance therapy in selected cases of systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic dermatomyositis (polymyositis)
- Dermatologic Diseases: Severe erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Allergic States: Serum sickness
- Ophthalmic Diseases: 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
Edematous State: 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
Usual Adult Dose for Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
Therapy should be individualized based on disease and general medical condition; frequency and dose should be determined by disease severity and initial response:
Range: 40 to 80 units IM or subcutaneously every 24 to 72 hours
Comments:
- Sudden withdrawal after prolonged use may lead to adrenal insufficiency or recurrent symptoms which make it difficult to stop treatment; taper dose and increase dose interval to gradually discontinue therapy.
Uses: For the treatment of:
- Rheumatic Disorders include: As adjunctive therapy for short-term administration in ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) including juvenile RA; selected cases may a require low-dose maintenance therapy
- Collagen Diseases: During an exacerbation or as maintenance therapy in selected cases of systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic dermatomyositis (polymyositis)
- Dermatologic Diseases: Severe erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Allergic States: Serum sickness
- Ophthalmic Diseases: 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
Edematous State: 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
Usual Adult Dose for Psoriatic Arthritis
Therapy should be individualized based on disease and general medical condition; frequency and dose should be determined by disease severity and initial response:
Range: 40 to 80 units IM or subcutaneously every 24 to 72 hours
Comments:
- Sudden withdrawal after prolonged use may lead to adrenal insufficiency or recurrent symptoms which make it difficult to stop treatment; taper dose and increase dose interval to gradually discontinue therapy.
Uses: For the treatment of:
- Rheumatic Disorders include: As adjunctive therapy for short-term administration in ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) including juvenile RA; selected cases may a require low-dose maintenance therapy
- Collagen Diseases: During an exacerbation or as maintenance therapy in selected cases of systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic dermatomyositis (polymyositis)
- Dermatologic Diseases: Severe erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Allergic States: Serum sickness
- Ophthalmic Diseases: 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
Edematous State: 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
Usual Adult Dose for Iridocyclitis
Therapy should be individualized based on disease and general medical condition; frequency and dose should be determined by disease severity and initial response:
Range: 40 to 80 units IM or subcutaneously every 24 to 72 hours
Comments:
- Sudden withdrawal after prolonged use may lead to adrenal insufficiency or recurrent symptoms which make it difficult to stop treatment; taper dose and increase dose interval to gradually discontinue therapy.
Uses: For the treatment of:
- Rheumatic Disorders include: As adjunctive therapy for short-term administration in ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) including juvenile RA; selected cases may a require low-dose maintenance therapy
- Collagen Diseases: During an exacerbation or as maintenance therapy in selected cases of systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic dermatomyositis (polymyositis)
- Dermatologic Diseases: Severe erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Allergic States: Serum sickness
- Ophthalmic Diseases: 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
Edematous State: 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
Usual Adult Dose for Chorioretinitis
Therapy should be individualized based on disease and general medical condition; frequency and dose should be determined by disease severity and initial response:
Range: 40 to 80 units IM or subcutaneously every 24 to 72 hours
Comments:
- Sudden withdrawal after prolonged use may lead to adrenal insufficiency or recurrent symptoms which make it difficult to stop treatment; taper dose and increase dose interval to gradually discontinue therapy.
Uses: For the treatment of:
- Rheumatic Disorders include: As adjunctive therapy for short-term administration in ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) including juvenile RA; selected cases may a require low-dose maintenance therapy
- Collagen Diseases: During an exacerbation or as maintenance therapy in selected cases of systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic dermatomyositis (polymyositis)
- Dermatologic Diseases: Severe erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Allergic States: Serum sickness
- Ophthalmic Diseases: 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
Edematous State: 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
Usual Adult Dose for Choroiditis
Therapy should be individualized based on disease and general medical condition; frequency and dose should be determined by disease severity and initial response:
Range: 40 to 80 units IM or subcutaneously every 24 to 72 hours
Comments:
- Sudden withdrawal after prolonged use may lead to adrenal insufficiency or recurrent symptoms which make it difficult to stop treatment; taper dose and increase dose interval to gradually discontinue therapy.
Uses: For the treatment of:
- Rheumatic Disorders include: As adjunctive therapy for short-term administration in ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) including juvenile RA; selected cases may a require low-dose maintenance therapy
- Collagen Diseases: During an exacerbation or as maintenance therapy in selected cases of systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic dermatomyositis (polymyositis)
- Dermatologic Diseases: Severe erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Allergic States: Serum sickness
- Ophthalmic Diseases: 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
Edematous State: 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
Usual Adult Dose for Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
Therapy should be individualized based on disease and general medical condition; frequency and dose should be determined by disease severity and initial response:
Range: 40 to 80 units IM or subcutaneously every 24 to 72 hours
Comments:
- Sudden withdrawal after prolonged use may lead to adrenal insufficiency or recurrent symptoms which make it difficult to stop treatment; taper dose and increase dose interval to gradually discontinue therapy.
Uses: For the treatment of:
- Rheumatic Disorders include: As adjunctive therapy for short-term administration in ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) including juvenile RA; selected cases may a require low-dose maintenance therapy
- Collagen Diseases: During an exacerbation or as maintenance therapy in selected cases of systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic dermatomyositis (polymyositis)
- Dermatologic Diseases: Severe erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Allergic States: Serum sickness
- Ophthalmic Diseases: 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
Edematous State: 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
Usual Adult Dose for Serum Sickness
Therapy should be individualized based on disease and general medical condition; frequency and dose should be determined by disease severity and initial response:
Range: 40 to 80 units IM or subcutaneously every 24 to 72 hours
Comments:
- Sudden withdrawal after prolonged use may lead to adrenal insufficiency or recurrent symptoms which make it difficult to stop treatment; taper dose and increase dose interval to gradually discontinue therapy.
Uses: For the treatment of:
- Rheumatic Disorders include: As adjunctive therapy for short-term administration in ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) including juvenile RA; selected cases may a require low-dose maintenance therapy
- Collagen Diseases: During an exacerbation or as maintenance therapy in selected cases of systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic dermatomyositis (polymyositis)
- Dermatologic Diseases: Severe erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Allergic States: Serum sickness
- Ophthalmic Diseases: 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
Edematous State: 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
Usual Adult Dose for Erythema Multiforme
Therapy should be individualized based on disease and general medical condition; frequency and dose should be determined by disease severity and initial response:
Range: 40 to 80 units IM or subcutaneously every 24 to 72 hours
Comments:
- Sudden withdrawal after prolonged use may lead to adrenal insufficiency or recurrent symptoms which make it difficult to stop treatment; taper dose and increase dose interval to gradually discontinue therapy.
Uses: For the treatment of:
- Rheumatic Disorders include: As adjunctive therapy for short-term administration in ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) including juvenile RA; selected cases may a require low-dose maintenance therapy
- Collagen Diseases: During an exacerbation or as maintenance therapy in selected cases of systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic dermatomyositis (polymyositis)
- Dermatologic Diseases: Severe erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Allergic States: Serum sickness
- Ophthalmic Diseases: 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
Edematous State: 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
Usual Pediatric Dose for West Syndrome
Under 2 years of age:
75 units/m2 IM twice a day for 2 weeks, then gradually taper over a 2-week period to avoid adrenal insufficiency
Suggested Taper:
First 3 days: 30 units/m2 IM once a day in the morning
Next 3 days: 15 units/m2 IM once a day in the morning
Next 3 days: 10 unit/m2 IM once a day in the morning
Last 6 days: 10 units/m2 IM every other day in the morning
Use: As monotherapy for the treatment of infantile spasms in infants and children under 2 years of age.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Ankylosing Spondylitis
Therapy should be individualized based on disease and general medical condition; frequency and dose should be determined by disease severity and initial response:
Over 2 years:
Range: 40 to 80 units IM or subcutaneously every 24 to 72 hours
Comments:
- Sudden withdrawal after prolonged use may lead to adrenal insufficiency or recurrent symptoms which make it difficult to stop treatment; taper dose and increase dose interval to gradually discontinue therapy.
Uses: For the treatment of:
- Rheumatic Disorders include: As adjunctive therapy for short-term administration in ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) including juvenile RA; selected cases may a require low-dose maintenance therapy
- Collagen Diseases: During an exacerbation or as maintenance therapy in selected cases of systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic dermatomyositis (polymyositis)
- Dermatologic Diseases: Severe erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Allergic States: Serum sickness
- Ophthalmic Diseases: 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
Edematous State: 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
Usual Pediatric Dose for Polymyositis/Dermatomyositis
Therapy should be individualized based on disease and general medical condition; frequency and dose should be determined by disease severity and initial response:
Over 2 years:
Range: 40 to 80 units IM or subcutaneously every 24 to 72 hours
Comments:
- Sudden withdrawal after prolonged use may lead to adrenal insufficiency or recurrent symptoms which make it difficult to stop treatment; taper dose and increase dose interval to gradually discontinue therapy.
Uses: For the treatment of:
- Rheumatic Disorders include: As adjunctive therapy for short-term administration in ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) including juvenile RA; selected cases may a require low-dose maintenance therapy
- Collagen Diseases: During an exacerbation or as maintenance therapy in selected cases of systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic dermatomyositis (polymyositis)
- Dermatologic Diseases: Severe erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Allergic States: Serum sickness
- Ophthalmic Diseases: 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
Edematous State: 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
Usual Pediatric Dose for Sarcoidosis
Therapy should be individualized based on disease and general medical condition; frequency and dose should be determined by disease severity and initial response:
Over 2 years:
Range: 40 to 80 units IM or subcutaneously every 24 to 72 hours
Comments:
- Sudden withdrawal after prolonged use may lead to adrenal insufficiency or recurrent symptoms which make it difficult to stop treatment; taper dose and increase dose interval to gradually discontinue therapy.
Uses: For the treatment of:
- Rheumatic Disorders include: As adjunctive therapy for short-term administration in ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) including juvenile RA; selected cases may a require low-dose maintenance therapy
- Collagen Diseases: During an exacerbation or as maintenance therapy in selected cases of systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic dermatomyositis (polymyositis)
- Dermatologic Diseases: Severe erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Allergic States: Serum sickness
- Ophthalmic Diseases: 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
Edematous State: 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
Usual Pediatric Dose for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Therapy should be individualized based on disease and general medical condition; frequency and dose should be determined by disease severity and initial response:
Over 2 years:
Range: 40 to 80 units IM or subcutaneously every 24 to 72 hours
Comments:
- Sudden withdrawal after prolonged use may lead to adrenal insufficiency or recurrent symptoms which make it difficult to stop treatment; taper dose and increase dose interval to gradually discontinue therapy.
Uses: For the treatment of:
- Rheumatic Disorders include: As adjunctive therapy for short-term administration in ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) including juvenile RA; selected cases may a require low-dose maintenance therapy
- Collagen Diseases: During an exacerbation or as maintenance therapy in selected cases of systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic dermatomyositis (polymyositis)
- Dermatologic Diseases: Severe erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Allergic States: Serum sickness
- Ophthalmic Diseases: 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
Edematous State: 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
Usual Pediatric Dose for Uveitis
Therapy should be individualized based on disease and general medical condition; frequency and dose should be determined by disease severity and initial response:
Over 2 years:
Range: 40 to 80 units IM or subcutaneously every 24 to 72 hours
Comments:
- Sudden withdrawal after prolonged use may lead to adrenal insufficiency or recurrent symptoms which make it difficult to stop treatment; taper dose and increase dose interval to gradually discontinue therapy.
Uses: For the treatment of:
- Rheumatic Disorders include: As adjunctive therapy for short-term administration in ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) including juvenile RA; selected cases may a require low-dose maintenance therapy
- Collagen Diseases: During an exacerbation or as maintenance therapy in selected cases of systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic dermatomyositis (polymyositis)
- Dermatologic Diseases: Severe erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Allergic States: Serum sickness
- Ophthalmic Diseases: 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
Edematous State: 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
Usual Pediatric Dose for Iritis
Therapy should be individualized based on disease and general medical condition; frequency and dose should be determined by disease severity and initial response:
Over 2 years:
Range: 40 to 80 units IM or subcutaneously every 24 to 72 hours
Comments:
- Sudden withdrawal after prolonged use may lead to adrenal insufficiency or recurrent symptoms which make it difficult to stop treatment; taper dose and increase dose interval to gradually discontinue therapy.
Uses: For the treatment of:
- Rheumatic Disorders include: As adjunctive therapy for short-term administration in ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) including juvenile RA; selected cases may a require low-dose maintenance therapy
- Collagen Diseases: During an exacerbation or as maintenance therapy in selected cases of systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic dermatomyositis (polymyositis)
- Dermatologic Diseases: Severe erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Allergic States: Serum sickness
- Ophthalmic Diseases: 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
Edematous State: 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
Usual Pediatric Dose for Optic Neuritis
Therapy should be individualized based on disease and general medical condition; frequency and dose should be determined by disease severity and initial response:
Over 2 years:
Range: 40 to 80 units IM or subcutaneously every 24 to 72 hours
Comments:
- Sudden withdrawal after prolonged use may lead to adrenal insufficiency or recurrent symptoms which make it difficult to stop treatment; taper dose and increase dose interval to gradually discontinue therapy.
Uses: For the treatment of:
- Rheumatic Disorders include: As adjunctive therapy for short-term administration in ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) including juvenile RA; selected cases may a require low-dose maintenance therapy
- Collagen Diseases: During an exacerbation or as maintenance therapy in selected cases of systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic dermatomyositis (polymyositis)
- Dermatologic Diseases: Severe erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Allergic States: Serum sickness
- Ophthalmic Diseases: 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
Edematous State: 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
Usual Pediatric Dose for Keratitis
Therapy should be individualized based on disease and general medical condition; frequency and dose should be determined by disease severity and initial response:
Over 2 years:
Range: 40 to 80 units IM or subcutaneously every 24 to 72 hours
Comments:
- Sudden withdrawal after prolonged use may lead to adrenal insufficiency or recurrent symptoms which make it difficult to stop treatment; taper dose and increase dose interval to gradually discontinue therapy.
Uses: For the treatment of:
- Rheumatic Disorders include: As adjunctive therapy for short-term administration in ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) including juvenile RA; selected cases may a require low-dose maintenance therapy
- Collagen Diseases: During an exacerbation or as maintenance therapy in selected cases of systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic dermatomyositis (polymyositis)
- Dermatologic Diseases: Severe erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Allergic States: Serum sickness
- Ophthalmic Diseases: 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
Edematous State: 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
Usual Pediatric Dose for Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
Therapy should be individualized based on disease and general medical condition; frequency and dose should be determined by disease severity and initial response:
Over 2 years:
Range: 40 to 80 units IM or subcutaneously every 24 to 72 hours
Comments:
- Sudden withdrawal after prolonged use may lead to adrenal insufficiency or recurrent symptoms which make it difficult to stop treatment; taper dose and increase dose interval to gradually discontinue therapy.
Uses: For the treatment of:
- Rheumatic Disorders include: As adjunctive therapy for short-term administration in ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) including juvenile RA; selected cases may a require low-dose maintenance therapy
- Collagen Diseases: During an exacerbation or as maintenance therapy in selected cases of systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic dermatomyositis (polymyositis)
- Dermatologic Diseases: Severe erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Allergic States: Serum sickness
- Ophthalmic Diseases: 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
Edematous State: 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
Usual Pediatric Dose for Psoriatic Arthritis
Therapy should be individualized based on disease and general medical condition; frequency and dose should be determined by disease severity and initial response:
Over 2 years:
Range: 40 to 80 units IM or subcutaneously every 24 to 72 hours
Comments:
- Sudden withdrawal after prolonged use may lead to adrenal insufficiency or recurrent symptoms which make it difficult to stop treatment; taper dose and increase dose interval to gradually discontinue therapy.
Uses: For the treatment of:
- Rheumatic Disorders include: As adjunctive therapy for short-term administration in ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) including juvenile RA; selected cases may a require low-dose maintenance therapy
- Collagen Diseases: During an exacerbation or as maintenance therapy in selected cases of systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic dermatomyositis (polymyositis)
- Dermatologic Diseases: Severe erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Allergic States: Serum sickness
- Ophthalmic Diseases: 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
Edematous State: 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
Usual Pediatric Dose for Iridocyclitis
Therapy should be individualized based on disease and general medical condition; frequency and dose should be determined by disease severity and initial response:
Over 2 years:
Range: 40 to 80 units IM or subcutaneously every 24 to 72 hours
Comments:
- Sudden withdrawal after prolonged use may lead to adrenal insufficiency or recurrent symptoms which make it difficult to stop treatment; taper dose and increase dose interval to gradually discontinue therapy.
Uses: For the treatment of:
- Rheumatic Disorders include: As adjunctive therapy for short-term administration in ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) including juvenile RA; selected cases may a require low-dose maintenance therapy
- Collagen Diseases: During an exacerbation or as maintenance therapy in selected cases of systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic dermatomyositis (polymyositis)
- Dermatologic Diseases: Severe erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Allergic States: Serum sickness
- Ophthalmic Diseases: 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
Edematous State: 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
Usual Pediatric Dose for Chorioretinitis
Therapy should be individualized based on disease and general medical condition; frequency and dose should be determined by disease severity and initial response:
Over 2 years:
Range: 40 to 80 units IM or subcutaneously every 24 to 72 hours
Comments:
- Sudden withdrawal after prolonged use may lead to adrenal insufficiency or recurrent symptoms which make it difficult to stop treatment; taper dose and increase dose interval to gradually discontinue therapy.
Uses: For the treatment of:
- Rheumatic Disorders include: As adjunctive therapy for short-term administration in ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) including juvenile RA; selected cases may a require low-dose maintenance therapy
- Collagen Diseases: During an exacerbation or as maintenance therapy in selected cases of systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic dermatomyositis (polymyositis)
- Dermatologic Diseases: Severe erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Allergic States: Serum sickness
- Ophthalmic Diseases: 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
Edematous State: 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
Usual Pediatric Dose for Choroiditis
Therapy should be individualized based on disease and general medical condition; frequency and dose should be determined by disease severity and initial response:
Over 2 years:
Range: 40 to 80 units IM or subcutaneously every 24 to 72 hours
Comments:
- Sudden withdrawal after prolonged use may lead to adrenal insufficiency or recurrent symptoms which make it difficult to stop treatment; taper dose and increase dose interval to gradually discontinue therapy.
Uses: For the treatment of:
- Rheumatic Disorders include: As adjunctive therapy for short-term administration in ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) including juvenile RA; selected cases may a require low-dose maintenance therapy
- Collagen Diseases: During an exacerbation or as maintenance therapy in selected cases of systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic dermatomyositis (polymyositis)
- Dermatologic Diseases: Severe erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Allergic States: Serum sickness
- Ophthalmic Diseases: 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
Edematous State: 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
Usual Pediatric Dose for Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
Therapy should be individualized based on disease and general medical condition; frequency and dose should be determined by disease severity and initial response:
Over 2 years:
Range: 40 to 80 units IM or subcutaneously every 24 to 72 hours
Comments:
- Sudden withdrawal after prolonged use may lead to adrenal insufficiency or recurrent symptoms which make it difficult to stop treatment; taper dose and increase dose interval to gradually discontinue therapy.
Uses: For the treatment of:
- Rheumatic Disorders include: As adjunctive therapy for short-term administration in ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) including juvenile RA; selected cases may a require low-dose maintenance therapy
- Collagen Diseases: During an exacerbation or as maintenance therapy in selected cases of systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic dermatomyositis (polymyositis)
- Dermatologic Diseases: Severe erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Allergic States: Serum sickness
- Ophthalmic Diseases: 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
Edematous State: 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
Usual Pediatric Dose for Serum Sickness
Therapy should be individualized based on disease and general medical condition; frequency and dose should be determined by disease severity and initial response:
Over 2 years:
Range: 40 to 80 units IM or subcutaneously every 24 to 72 hours
Comments:
- Sudden withdrawal after prolonged use may lead to adrenal insufficiency or recurrent symptoms which make it difficult to stop treatment; taper dose and increase dose interval to gradually discontinue therapy.
Uses: For the treatment of:
- Rheumatic Disorders include: As adjunctive therapy for short-term administration in ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) including juvenile RA; selected cases may a require low-dose maintenance therapy
- Collagen Diseases: During an exacerbation or as maintenance therapy in selected cases of systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic dermatomyositis (polymyositis)
- Dermatologic Diseases: Severe erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Allergic States: Serum sickness
- Ophthalmic Diseases: 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
Edematous State: 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
Usual Pediatric Dose for Erythema Multiforme
Therapy should be individualized based on disease and general medical condition; frequency and dose should be determined by disease severity and initial response:
Over 2 years:
Range: 40 to 80 units IM or subcutaneously every 24 to 72 hours
Comments:
- Sudden withdrawal after prolonged use may lead to adrenal insufficiency or recurrent symptoms which make it difficult to stop treatment; taper dose and increase dose interval to gradually discontinue therapy.
Uses: For the treatment of:
- Rheumatic Disorders include: As adjunctive therapy for short-term administration in ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) including juvenile RA; selected cases may a require low-dose maintenance therapy
- Collagen Diseases: During an exacerbation or as maintenance therapy in selected cases of systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic dermatomyositis (polymyositis)
- Dermatologic Diseases: Severe erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Allergic States: Serum sickness
- Ophthalmic Diseases: 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
Edematous State: 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
Renal Dose Adjustments
Data not available.
Liver Dose Adjustments
Data not available.
Dose Adjustments
Sudden withdrawal after prolonged use may lead to adrenal insufficiency or recurrent symptoms:
- For patients receiving this drug for a prolonged period of time: Gradual withdrawal by tapering dose or increasing injection interval is recommended
Precautions
CONTRAINDICATIONS:
- Intravenous administration
- Suspected congenital infections in infants
- Administration of live or live attenuated vaccines in patients receiving immunosuppressive doses
- Patients with scleroderma; osteoporosis; systemic fungal infections; ocular herpes simplex; recent surgery; history of, or the presence of a peptic ulcer; congestive heart failure; uncontrolled hypertension; primary adrenocortical insufficiency; adrenocortical hyperfunction
- Hypersensitivity to proteins of porcine origin
Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.
Dialysis
Data not available.
Other Comments
Administration advice:
IV administration is contraindicated
Under 2 years of age: IM only
Over 2 years of age: IM or subcutaneously
Storage requirements:
- Store refrigerated 2C to 8C (36F to 46F)
Reconstitution/preparation techniques:
- Drug should be at room temperature prior to use; do not overpressurize vial prior to withdrawing drug
General:
- If prolonged therapy is needed, this drug should be given intermittently with careful observation.
Monitoring:
- Monitor growth and development in pediatric patients
- Monitor bone density in post-menopausal women
- Monitor closely for signs of infection, abnormal cardiac function, hypertension, hyperglycemia, weight changes, and fecal blood loss, during and for a period following discontinuation
Patient advice:
- Patients/caregivers should be instructed to read the approved patient labeling (Medication Guide available for Infantile Spasm use).
- Patients/caregivers should understand the importance of reporting infection or fever to their healthcare provider; they should try to minimize their risk of infection while on therapy.
- Patient/caregivers should be instructed not to abruptly discontinue therapy without first talking with their healthcare provider.
- Patients/caregivers should be advised to contact their healthcare provider if they experience high blood pressure, blood in stool, irritability, sleep disturbances, or weight gain,
- Patients/caregivers should be advised to contact their healthcare provider if they experience weakness, fatigue, weight loss, hypotension, after treatment has stopped, especially if they are under stress or have recently experienced trauma.
- Patients/caregivers should be advised to speak with their healthcare provider about receiving vaccines during treatment
