Patient Stories | Acthar® Gel (repository corticotropin injection)

What is Acthar Gel?

Acthar Gel is a prescription medicine used for:

Treatment for flares or on a regular basis (maintenance) in people with dermatomyositis or polymyositis (DM-PM)
Treatment for flares or on a regular basis (maintenance) in people with systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus)
Add-on therapy for short-term administration (to tide patients over an acute episode or exacerbation) in: psoriatic arthritis (PsA); rheumatoid arthritis (RA), including juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (selected cases may require low-dose maintenance therapy); ankylosing spondylitis
Treatment for people with symptoms of sarcoidosis
Treatment of severe acute and chronic allergic and inflammatory conditions affecting different parts of the eye. This can include the front part of the eye such as the cornea and iris, or the back part of the eye such as the optic nerve and retina
Reduction of proteinuria in people with nephrotic syndrome of the idiopathic type (unknown origin) without uremia (accumulation of urea in the blood due to malfunctioning kidneys) or that due to lupus erythematosus (lupus)
Treatment for adults with acute relapses or flares of multiple sclerosis (MS). Studies have shown Acthar to be effective in speeding recovery from an MS relapse. However, there is no evidence that it affects the ultimate outcome or natural history of the disease
Treatment of infantile spasms in infants and children under 2 years of age

Acthar is injected beneath the skin or into the muscle.

IMPORTANT SAFETY
INFORMATION

DO NOT take Acthar until you have talked to your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:

Have been given or are about to receive a live or live attenuated vaccine
A skin condition called scleroderma
Bone density loss or osteoporosis
Any infections, including fungal, bacterial, or viral
Eye infections, such as ocular herpes simplex
Had recent surgery
Stomach ulcers or a history of stomach ulcers
Heart failure
Uncontrolled high blood pressure
Addison’s disease or Cushing’s syndrome
Allergies to pig-derived proteins
Suspected infections at birth (in infants under 2 years of age)

Tell your doctor about any other health problems that you have. Give your doctor a complete list of medicines you are taking, including all prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

What is the most important information I should know about
Acthar?

Never inject Acthar directly into a vein
Acthar is injected beneath the skin or into the muscle. Always inject Acthar with SelfJect beneath the skin
Follow your doctor’s instructions for injecting Acthar
Never stop treatment suddenly unless your doctor tells you to do so
Try not to miss any scheduled doctor’s appointments. It is important for the doctor to monitor you while taking Acthar
You may be more likely to get new infections. Also, old infections may become active. Tell your doctor if you see any signs of an infection. Contact your doctor at the first sign of an infection or fever. Signs of infection are fever, cough, vomiting, or diarrhea. Other signs may be flu or any open cuts or sores
When taking Acthar long-term, your adrenal gland may produce too much of a hormone called cortisol. This can result in symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome. This may cause increased upper body fat, a rounded “moon” face, bruising easily, or muscle weakness
Sometimes when you stop taking Acthar long-term, your body may not produce enough natural cortisol. This is called “adrenal insufficiency.” Your doctor may prescribe a steroid medicine to protect you until the adrenal gland recovers
You might develop high blood pressure, retain too much salt and water, or have low blood potassium levels. As a result of this, your doctor may recommend some changes to your diet, such as eating less salt or taking certain supplements
Vaccines may not work well when you are on Acthar. Talk to your doctor about which vaccines are safe to use when you are taking Acthar
Acthar may hide symptoms of other diseases. This can make it more difficult for your doctor to make a diagnosis if something else is going on
Stomach or intestinal problems. Acthar may increase the risk of bleeding and stomach ulcers. Tell your doctor if you have stomach pains, bloody vomit, bloody or black stools, excessive tiredness, increased thirst, difficulty breathing, or increased heart rate
Taking Acthar can make you feel irritable or depressed. You may also have mood swings or trouble sleeping. These effects are reversible once Acthar therapy is stopped
If you have other conditions, such as diabetes or muscle weakness, you may find they get worse
You might develop certain eye conditions, such as cataracts, glaucoma, or optic nerve damage
Your body may develop allergies to Acthar; these allergies may be severe. Signs of allergic reaction include:
- Skin rash and itching
- Swelling of the face, tongue, lips, or throat
- Trouble breathing
The effects of Acthar may be intensified if you have an underactive thyroid or cirrhosis of the liver
Long-term Acthar use can affect growth and physical development in children. This can be reversed when Acthar is no longer needed
Acthar may cause osteoporosis (weak bones)
Acthar might harm an unborn baby. Therefore, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant

What are the most common side effects of Acthar?

Commonly reported side effects of Acthar include:

Injection site reaction
Fatigue, physical weakness, and lack of energy
Fluid retention
Insomnia (difficulty sleeping)
Headache
High blood sugar

The most common side effects for the treatment of infantile spasms (IS) are:

Increased risk of infections
Convulsions
High blood pressure
Irritability
Fever

The above side effects may also be seen in adults and children over 2 years of age. Some children with IS progress to other forms of seizures; IS sometimes masks these seizures, which may become visible after treatment for IS has been completed.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Acthar.

Tell your doctor about any side effect that bothers you, or that does not go away. Call your doctor or pharmacist for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA. Call 1-800-FDA-1088 1-800-FDA-1088 or visit www.fda.gov/medwatch. You may also report side effects by calling 1-800-844-28301-800-844-2830.

Please see full Prescribing Information. If you've been prescribed SelfJect, please see the 40‑unit or 80‑unit Instructions for Use and the 40‑unit or 80‑unit Quick Reference Guide.

For parents and caregivers of children with infantile spasms, please see the Medication Guide.

What is Acthar Gel?

Acthar Gel is a prescription medicine used for:

Treatment for flares or on a regular basis (maintenance) in people with dermatomyositis or polymyositis (DM-PM)
Treatment for flares or on a regular basis (maintenance) in people with systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus)
Add-on therapy for short-term administration (to tide patients over an acute episode or exacerbation) in: psoriatic arthritis (PsA); rheumatoid arthritis (RA), including juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (selected cases may require low-dose maintenance therapy); ankylosing spondylitis
Treatment for people with symptoms of sarcoidosis
Treatment of severe acute and chronic allergic and inflammatory conditions affecting different parts of the eye. This can include the front part of the eye such as the cornea and iris, or the back part of the eye such as the optic nerve and retina
Reduction of proteinuria in people with nephrotic syndrome of the idiopathic type (unknown origin) without uremia (accumulation of urea in the blood due to malfunctioning kidneys) or that due to lupus erythematosus (lupus)
Treatment for adults with acute relapses or flares of multiple sclerosis (MS). Studies have shown Acthar to be effective in speeding recovery from an MS relapse. However, there is no evidence that it affects the ultimate outcome or natural history of the disease
Treatment of infantile spasms in infants and children under 2 years of age

Acthar is injected beneath the skin or into the muscle.

What is Acthar Gel?

Acthar Gel is a prescription medicine used for:

Treatment for flares or on a regular basis (maintenance) in people with dermatomyositis or polymyositis (DM-PM)
Treatment for flares or on a regular basis (maintenance) in people with systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus)
Add-on therapy for short-term administration (to tide patients over an acute episode or exacerbation) in: psoriatic arthritis (PsA); rheumatoid arthritis (RA), including juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (selected cases may require low-dose maintenance therapy); ankylosing spondylitis
Treatment for people with symptoms of sarcoidosis
Treatment of severe acute and chronic allergic and inflammatory conditions affecting different parts of the eye. This can include the front part of the eye such as the cornea and iris, or the back part of the eye such as the optic nerve and retina
Reduction of proteinuria in people with nephrotic syndrome of the idiopathic type (unknown origin) without uremia (accumulation of urea in the blood due to malfunctioning kidneys) or that due to lupus erythematosus (lupus)
Treatment for adults with acute relapses or flares of multiple sclerosis (MS). Studies have shown Acthar to be effective in speeding recovery from an MS relapse. However, there is no evidence that it affects the ultimate outcome or natural history of the disease
Treatment of infantile spasms in infants and children under 2 years of age

Acthar is injected beneath the skin or into the muscle.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

DO NOT take Acthar until you have talked to your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:

Have been given or are about to receive a live or live attenuated vaccine
A skin condition called scleroderma
Bone density loss or osteoporosis
Any infections, including fungal, bacterial, or viral
Eye infections, such as ocular herpes simplex
Had recent surgery
Stomach ulcers or a history of stomach ulcers
Heart failure
Uncontrolled high blood pressure
Addison’s disease or Cushing’s syndrome
Allergies to pig-derived proteins
Suspected infections at birth (in infants under 2 years of age)

Tell your doctor about any other health problems that you have. Give your doctor a complete list of medicines you are taking, including all prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

What is the most important information I should know about Acthar?

Never inject Acthar directly into a vein
Acthar is injected beneath the skin or into the muscle. Always inject Acthar with SelfJect beneath the skin
Follow your doctor’s instructions for injecting Acthar
Never stop treatment suddenly unless your doctor tells you to do so
Try not to miss any scheduled doctor’s appointments. It is important for the doctor to monitor you while taking Acthar
You may be more likely to get new infections. Also, old infections may become active. Tell your doctor if you see any signs of an infection. Contact your doctor at the first sign of an infection or fever. Signs of infection are fever, cough, vomiting, or diarrhea. Other signs may be flu or any open cuts or sores
When taking Acthar long-term, your adrenal gland may produce too much of a hormone called cortisol. This can result in symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome. This may cause increased upper body fat, a rounded “moon” face, bruising easily, or muscle weakness
Sometimes when you stop taking Acthar long-term, your body may not produce enough natural cortisol. This is called “adrenal insufficiency.” Your doctor may prescribe a steroid medicine to protect you until the adrenal gland recovers
You might develop high blood pressure, retain too much salt and water, or have low blood potassium levels. As a result of this, your doctor may recommend some changes to your diet, such as eating less salt or taking certain supplements
Vaccines may not work well when you are on Acthar. Talk to your doctor about which vaccines are safe to use when you are taking Acthar
Acthar may hide symptoms of other diseases. This can make it more difficult for your doctor to make a diagnosis if something else is going on
Stomach or intestinal problems. Acthar may increase the risk of bleeding and stomach ulcers. Tell your doctor if you have stomach pains, bloody vomit, bloody or black stools, excessive tiredness, increased thirst, difficulty breathing, or increased heart rate
Taking Acthar can make you feel irritable or depressed. You may also have mood swings or trouble sleeping. These effects are reversible once Acthar therapy is stopped
If you have other conditions, such as diabetes or muscle weakness, you may find they get worse
You might develop certain eye conditions, such as cataracts, glaucoma, or optic nerve damage
Your body may develop allergies to Acthar; these allergies may be severe. Signs of allergic reaction include:
- Skin rash and itching
- Swelling of the face, tongue, lips, or throat
- Trouble breathing
The effects of Acthar may be intensified if you have an underactive thyroid or cirrhosis of the liver
Long-term Acthar use can affect growth and physical development in children. This can be reversed when Acthar is no longer needed
Acthar may cause osteoporosis (weak bones)
Acthar might harm an unborn baby. Therefore, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant

What are the most common side effects of Acthar?

Commonly reported side effects of Acthar include:

Injection site reaction
Fatigue, physical weakness, and lack of energy
Fluid retention
Insomnia (difficulty sleeping)
Headache
High blood sugar

The most common side effects for the treatment of infantile spasms (IS) are:

Increased risk of infections
Convulsions
High blood pressure
Irritability
Fever

The above side effects may also be seen in adults and children over 2 years of age. Some children with IS progress to other forms of seizures; IS sometimes masks these seizures, which may become visible after treatment for IS has been completed.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Acthar.

Tell your doctor about any side effect that bothers you, or that does not go away. Call your doctor or pharmacist for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA. Call 1-800-FDA-1088 1-800-FDA-1088 or visit www.fda.gov/medwatch. You may also report side effects by calling 1-800-844-28301-800-844-2830.

Please see full Prescribing Information. If you've been prescribed SelfJect, please see the 40‑unit or 80‑unit Instructions for Use and the 40‑unit or 80‑unit Quick Reference Guide.

For parents and caregivers of children with infantile spasms, please see the Medication Guide.

What is Acthar Gel?

Acthar Gel is a prescription medicine used for:

Treatment for flares or on a regular basis (maintenance) in people with dermatomyositis or polymyositis (DM-PM)
Treatment for flares or on a regular basis (maintenance) in people with systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus)
Add-on therapy for short-term administration (to tide patients over an acute episode or exacerbation) in: psoriatic arthritis (PsA); rheumatoid arthritis (RA), including juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (selected cases may require low-dose maintenance therapy); ankylosing spondylitis
Treatment for people with symptoms of sarcoidosis
Treatment of severe acute and chronic allergic and inflammatory conditions affecting different parts of the eye. This can include the front part of the eye such as the cornea and iris, or the back part of the eye such as the optic nerve and retina
Reduction of proteinuria in people with nephrotic syndrome of the idiopathic type (unknown origin) without uremia (accumulation of urea in the blood due to malfunctioning kidneys) or that due to lupus erythematosus (lupus)
Treatment for adults with acute relapses or flares of multiple sclerosis (MS). Studies have shown Acthar to be effective in speeding recovery from an MS relapse. However, there is no evidence that it affects the ultimate outcome or natural history of the disease
Treatment of infantile spasms in infants and children under 2 years of age

Acthar is injected beneath the skin or into the muscle.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

DO NOT take Acthar until you have talked to your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:

Have been given or are about to receive a live or live attenuated vaccine
A skin condition called scleroderma
Bone density loss or osteoporosis
Any infections, including fungal, bacterial, or viral
Eye infections, such as ocular herpes simplex
Had recent surgery
Stomach ulcers or a history of stomach ulcers
Heart failure
Uncontrolled high blood pressure
Addison’s disease or Cushing’s syndrome
Allergies to pig-derived proteins
Suspected infections at birth (in infants under 2 years of age)

Tell your doctor about any other health problems that you have. Give your doctor a complete list of medicines you are taking, including all prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

What is the most important information I should know about Acthar?

Never inject Acthar directly into a vein
Acthar is injected beneath the skin or into the muscle. Always inject Acthar with SelfJect beneath the skin
Follow your doctor’s instructions for injecting Acthar
Never stop treatment suddenly unless your doctor tells you to do so
Try not to miss any scheduled doctor’s appointments. It is important for the doctor to monitor you while taking Acthar
You may be more likely to get new infections. Also, old infections may become active. Tell your doctor if you see any signs of an infection. Contact your doctor at the first sign of an infection or fever. Signs of infection are fever, cough, vomiting, or diarrhea. Other signs may be flu or any open cuts or sores
When taking Acthar long-term, your adrenal gland may produce too much of a hormone called cortisol. This can result in symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome. This may cause increased upper body fat, a rounded “moon” face, bruising easily, or muscle weakness
Sometimes when you stop taking Acthar long-term, your body may not produce enough natural cortisol. This is called “adrenal insufficiency.” Your doctor may prescribe a steroid medicine to protect you until the adrenal gland recovers
You might develop high blood pressure, retain too much salt and water, or have low blood potassium levels. As a result of this, your doctor may recommend some changes to your diet, such as eating less salt or taking certain supplements
Vaccines may not work well when you are on Acthar. Talk to your doctor about which vaccines are safe to use when you are taking Acthar
Acthar may hide symptoms of other diseases. This can make it more difficult for your doctor to make a diagnosis if something else is going on
Stomach or intestinal problems. Acthar may increase the risk of bleeding and stomach ulcers. Tell your doctor if you have stomach pains, bloody vomit, bloody or black stools, excessive tiredness, increased thirst, difficulty breathing, or increased heart rate
Taking Acthar can make you feel irritable or depressed. You may also have mood swings or trouble sleeping. These effects are reversible once Acthar therapy is stopped
If you have other conditions, such as diabetes or muscle weakness, you may find they get worse
You might develop certain eye conditions, such as cataracts, glaucoma, or optic nerve damage
Your body may develop allergies to Acthar; these allergies may be severe. Signs of allergic reaction include:
- Skin rash and itching
- Swelling of the face, tongue, lips, or throat
- Trouble breathing
The effects of Acthar may be intensified if you have an underactive thyroid or cirrhosis of the liver
Long-term Acthar use can affect growth and physical development in children. This can be reversed when Acthar is no longer needed
Acthar may cause osteoporosis (weak bones)
Acthar might harm an unborn baby. Therefore, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant

What are the most common side effects of Acthar?

Commonly reported side effects of Acthar include:

Injection site reaction
Fatigue, physical weakness, and lack of energy
Fluid retention
Insomnia (difficulty sleeping)
Headache
High blood sugar

The most common side effects for the treatment of infantile spasms (IS) are:

Increased risk of infections
Convulsions
High blood pressure
Irritability
Fever

The above side effects may also be seen in adults and children over 2 years of age. Some children with IS progress to other forms of seizures; IS sometimes masks these seizures, which may become visible after treatment for IS has been completed.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Acthar.

Tell your doctor about any side effect that bothers you, or that does not go away. Call your doctor or pharmacist for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA. Call 1-800-FDA-1088 1-800-FDA-1088 or visit www.fda.gov/medwatch. You may also report side effects by calling 1-800-844-28301-800-844-2830.

Please see full Prescribing Information. If you've been prescribed SelfJect, please see the 40‑unit or 80‑unit Instructions for Use and the 40‑unit or 80‑unit Quick Reference Guide.

For parents and caregivers of children with infantile spasms, please see the Medication Guide.

Back to top

Hear more about people’s experiences with Acthar Gel

Meet Gloria

Meet Cathy

Meet Kerry

Meet a patient with keratitis.

Meet Dianna

Meet Brenda

Meet Dennis

Meet Tottie

Meet Cynthia

Meet Don

Meet Mirna & Lucia

Meet Mirna & Lucia

Meet Bianca

Meet Kimberly

Meet John

Meet Rhonda

Meet Denise

Meet Gerolyn

Meet Bianca

Meet Jacqueline

Meet Julia

Meet Rebecca

Meet Leisly

Meet Matt

We’d love to hear from you.

Fill out the form below or call 1-877-323-5145. 1-877-323-5145.

Thanks for submitting your story!

What is Acthar Gel?

IMPORTANT SAFETYINFORMATION

What is the most important information I should know about Acthar?

What are the most common side effects of Acthar?

What is Acthar Gel?

What is Acthar Gel?

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

What is the most important information I should know about Acthar?

What are the most common side effects of Acthar?

What is Acthar Gel?

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

What is the most important information I should know about Acthar?

What are the most common side effects of Acthar?

IMPORTANT SAFETY
INFORMATION

What is the most important information I should know about
Acthar?