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Corticotropin

This page provides concise information about the drug corticotropin, including its indications, dosage and administration, mechanism of action, related brands with strength, warnings, and common side effects.

Background and Date of Approval

Corticotropin is a synthetic corticotropin (an analogue of adrenocorticotropic hormone) that received initial approval for medical use in 1952.

Mechanism of Action of Corticotropin

Corticotropin Injection is comparable to human adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). It facilitates the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone and stimulates the release of glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and androgens by binding to MC2R receptors.

AVAILABLE BRANDS

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Acton Prolongatum 5ML Injection
Ferring Pharmaceuticals ₹2,141.26

Uses of Corticotropin

Corticotropin Injection is formulated for the treatment of infantile spasms in children under the age of 2. Infantile spasms are a rare condition marked by seizures and hypsarrhythmia. Corticotropin is indicated for the treatment of acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis, inflammatory eye conditions, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus. Additionally, it is recommended for detecting adrenal insufficiency and pituitary-adrenal axis disorders.

Corticotropin Drug administaration and Dosage available

Corticotropin is provided in a multi-dose vial for injection at a concentration of 60IU/ml. This injection is designed for administration through subcutaneous and intramuscular routes exclusively, with the dosage adjusted based on body weight and the specific disease condition.

Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of Corticotropin

Warnings

Corticotropin Injection is not recommended for individuals with active and latent tuberculosis, herpes, or other ongoing infections, as well as those with diabetes, Cushing’s syndrome, osteoporosis, scleroderma, heart failure, uncontrolled hypertension, and a sensitivity to pork proteins. If you experience symptoms such as breathlessness, weakness, severe rash, or swelling of the arms or legs, or any other anaphylactic reactions, contact your doctor promptly. Throughout the course of Corticotropin injection treatment, your doctor may periodically monitor essential parameters like blood count, blood sugar, thyroid function, serum cortisol, and others to prevent potential complications. Inform your doctor of your medical history, including any past experiences with diabetes, heart problems, osteoporosis, hypothyroidism, peptic ulcer, cancer, obesity, or acute illnesses.

Precautions

The impact of Corticotropin Injection on fertility, pregnancy, and breastfeeding is not known. Inform your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to have a baby before initiating treatment with Corticotropin Injection.

Side Effects

Common side effects that may occur during treatment with Corticotropin Injection include injection site reactions, swelling, high blood pressure, elevated blood glucose levels, eye problems, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, weight gain, infections, bone issues, and electrolyte imbalance. If you encounter anaphylactic or allergic reactions after receiving this injection, promptly inform your doctor.

Word Of Advice

If you encounter dizziness, fatigue, or any visual disturbances, it is advisable to refrain from driving or operating machinery. Ensure proper nutrition and maintain sufficient fluid intake.

Frequently Asked Question

It is not recommended to take Corticotropin Injection at times of critical illness and surgeries as the chances of complications will be high. Inform your healthcare provider before receiving Corticotropin Injection if you have undergone or about to undergo any surgery.
Prolonged use of Corticotropin Injection leads to long-term side effects such as Cushing’s syndrome, adrenal suppression, immune system suppression, electrolyte imbalances and psychiatric disturbances.
Tell your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any reactions like puffiness of face, weakness, menstrual changes, skin problems and mood changes.
Store Corticotropin Injection in a refrigerator without freezing, away from the reach of children.
Corticotropin Injection is injected into your skin subcutaneously or into your muscle. Take this medicine only under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.
Avoid consuming carbonated beverages, fruit juices and alcohol while on treatment with Corticotropin.
Corticotropin is not recommended for people with active infection, acute critical illness, heart failure, diabetes, hypersensitivity, hypothyroidism, uncontrolled hypertension, scleroderma.

References

  1. Duchowny MS, Chopra I, Niewoehner J, Wan GJ, Devine B, A systematic literature review and indirect treatment comparison of efficacy of repository corticotropin injection versus synthetic adrenocorticotropic hormone for infantile spasms, JHEOR, 2021, 8(1), 1-9, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7839629/pdf/jheor_2021_8_1_18727.pdf
  2. Bernard P. Schimmer, John W. Funder, Goodman & Gilman’s Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Adrenocorticotropic Hormone, Adrenal Steroids, and the Adrenal Cortex, 2018, 13th Edition, 845-861.
  3. KD Tripathi, Anterior Pituitary Hormones, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, 8th Edition, 2019, 257-266.
  4. Tran KA, Harrod C, Bourdette DN, Cohen DM, Deodhar AA, Hartung DM. Characterization of the Clinical Evidence Supporting Repository Corticotropin Injection for FDA-Approved Indications: A Scoping Review. JAMA Intern Med. 2022, 182(2), 206–217 https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/article-abstract/2787088

Disclaimer

The drug information on this page is different from medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you can receive this treatment.