Corticotropin is a hormone that is used to treat many different conditions such as multiple sclerosis, psoriatic or rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, lupus, severe allergic reactions, breathing disorders, and inflammatory conditions of the eyes.

Corticotropin is also used to treat infantile spasms in children younger than 2 years old.

Corticotropin can reduce the symptoms of many disorders, but it is not a cure for these conditions. Corticotropin is also not expected to slow the progress of any disease.

Corticotropin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not use corticotropin if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• a fungal infection anywhere in your body;
• herpes infection of the eyes;
• untreated or uncontrolled high blood pressure;
• scleroderma;
• osteoporosis;
• adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease);
• a past or present stomach ulcer;
• congestive heart failure;
• if you are allergic to pork proteins;
• if you have recently had surgery; or
• if you are scheduled to receive a vaccine.

Corticotropin can worsen an infection you already have, or reactivate an infection you recently had. Before using this medicine, tell your doctor about any illness or infection you have had within the past several weeks.

Corticotropin should not be used in a child younger than 2 who has an infection that was passed from the mother during pregnancy or childbirth.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• high blood pressure, heart problems;
• liver disease (such as cirrhosis);
• kidney disease;
• a thyroid disorder;
• diabetes;
• tuberculosis;
• a muscle disorder such as myasthenia gravis;
• glaucoma or cataracts;
• depression or mental illness;
• a stomach or intestinal disorder; or
• a condition for which you take a diuretic or "water pill."

Corticotropin may harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

You should not breastfeed while using corticotropin.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

Use Acthar Gel, H.P. (Injectable) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; nausea, feeling light-headed; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• fever, chills, sore throat, skin warmth or redness, or other signs of an infection;
• unusual changes in mood or behavior;
• blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights;
• a seizure;
• decreased or increased adrenal gland hormones--changes in weight or appetite, tiredness, muscle weakness, skin discoloration, thinning skin, increased body hair, menstrual changes, loss of appetite, stomach pain;
• high blood pressure--severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears;
• high blood sugar--increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor;
• low potassium level--leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, increased thirst or urination, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or limp feeling;
• signs of eye infection--swelling, redness, severe discomfort, crusting or drainage; or
• signs of stomach bleeding--bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

Be sure your family, caregivers, and close friends also know how to help you watch for these side effects.

Corticotropin can affect growth in children. Tell your doctor if your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medicine.

Common side effects may include:

• increased blood pressure;
• thinning skin, increased sweating;
• fluid retention (swelling in your hands or feet, puffiness in your face);
• mood changes, irritability;
• increased appetite; or
• weight gain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Do not receive a "live" vaccine while using corticotropin. The vaccine may not work as well and may not fully protect you from disease. Live vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), polio, rotavirus, typhoid, yellow fever, varicella (chickenpox), zoster (shingles), and nasal flu (influenza) vaccine.