Acthar Gel (Repository corticotropin injection) for Lupus

Overview
Acthar Gel is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat conditions including multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus. Acthar Gel is also referred to by its scientific name, repository corticotropin injection.

Acthar Gel is a type of hormone, an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) analogue. Acthar Gel is believed to work by stimulating the body to produce corticosteroid hormones, thereby controlling inflammation.

How do I take it?
Acthar Gel is usually administered as a subcutaneous or intramuscular injection.

Acthar Gel comes in the form of a multi-dose vial.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Acthar Gel lists common side effects including fluid retention, mood changes, weight gain, and increases in appetite, blood glucose level, and blood pressure.

Rare but serious side effects listed for Acthar Gel can include adrenal insufficiency, Cushing’s syndrome, gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation, neurological issues including severe depression or psychosis, eye disorders such as glaucoma or cataracts, and increased risk of infection.

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Acthar.com – Mallinckrodt