Repository Corticotropin

FDA Drug Information • Also known as: Acthar, Purified Cortrophin Gel

Brand Names: Acthar, Purified Cortrophin Gel
Drug Class: Adrenocorticotropic Hormone [EPC]
Route: SUBCUTANEOUS
Dosage Form: INJECTION
Product Type: HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG

Description

DESCRIPTION Purified Cortrophin Gel is a porcine derived purified corticotropin (ACTH) in a sterile solution of gelatin. It is made up of a complex mixture of ACTH, ACTH related peptides and other porcine pituitary derived peptides. The drug product is a sterile preparation containing 80 USP units per mL and it contains 0.5% phenol (as preservative), 15.0% gelatin (for prolonged activity), water for injection, and the pH is adjusted with hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide. Purified Cortrophin Gel contains the porcine derived ACTH (1-39) with the following amino acid sequence: Structure

What Is Repository Corticotropin Used For?

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Purified Cortrophin Gel is indicated in the following disorders: 1. Rheumatic disorders: As adjunctive therapy for short-term administration (to tide the patient over an acute episode or exacerbation) in: Psoriatic arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis, including juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (selected cases may require low-dose maintenance therapy). Ankylosing spondylitis. Acute gouty arthritis. 2. Collagen diseases: During an exacerbation or as maintenance therapy in selected cases of: Systemic lupus erythematosus. Systemic dermatomyositis (polymyositis). 3. Dermatologic diseases: Severe erythema multiforme (Stevens-Johnson syndrome). Severe psoriasis. 4. Allergic states: Atopic dermatitis Serum sickness. 5. Ophthalmic diseases: Severe acute and chronic allergic and inflammatory processes involving the eye and its adnexa such as: Allergic conjunctivitis. Keratitis. Iritis and iridocyclitis. Diffuse posterior uveitis and choroiditis. Optic neuritis. Chorioretinitis. Anterior segment inflammation. 6. Respiratory diseases: Symptomatic sarcoidosis. 7. Edematous states: 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. 8. Nervous system: Acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis.

Dosage and Administration

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Standard tests for verification of adrenal responsiveness to corticotropin may utilize as much as 80 units as a single injection or one or more injections of a lesser dosage. Verification tests should be performed prior to treatment with corticotropins. The test should utilize the route(s) of administration proposed for treatment. Following verification dosage should be individualized according to the disease under treatment and the general medical condition of each patient. Frequency and dose of the drug should be determined by considering severity of the disease, plasma and urine corticosteroid levels and the initial response of the patient. Only gradual change in dosage schedules should be attempted, after full drug effects have become apparent. This product may be administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly with the vial and subcutaneously with the prefilled syringe. In the treatment of acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis daily subcutaneous or intramuscular doses of 80-120 units for 2-3 weeks. The chronic administration of more than 40 units daily may be associated with uncontrollable adverse effects. When reduction in dosage is indicated this should be accomplished gradually by either reducing the amount of each injection, or administering injections at longer intervals, or by a combination of both of the above. During reduction of dosage, careful consideration should be given to the disease being treated, the general medical condition of the patient and the duration over which corticotropin was administered. Important Administration Instructions

Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration whenever solution and container permit. Purified Cortrophin Gel is a clear, light amber liquid gel at room temperature. Do not use if the solution is discolored or cloudy or the solution contains particulate matter.

Purified Cortrophin Gel will be a solid gel when refrigerated and needs to be warmed to a liquid gel before administration. o For Purified Cortrophin Gel vials warm by rolling between your hands for a few minutes. o For Purified Cortrophin Gel prefilled syringes remove the carton from the refrigerator and leave at room temperature for 45 minutes.

The recommended injection sites include abdomen, upper thigh, or upper arm. Do not inject within 2 inches of navel. Information for Patients Advise patients and/or caregivers to read the FDA-approved patient information (Instructions for Use).

Side Effects (Adverse Reactions)

ADVERSE REACTIONS Fluid and Electrolyte Disturbances Sodium retention. Hypokalemic alkalosis. Fluid retention. Calcium loss. Potassium loss. Musculoskeletal Muscle weakness. Loss of muscle mass. Steroid myopathy. Osteoporosis. Vertebral compression fractures. Aseptic necrosis of femoral and humeral heads. Pathologic fracture of long bones. Gastrointestinal Peptic ulcer with possible perforation and hemorrhage. Abdominal distention. Ulcerative esophagitis. Pancreatitis. Dermatologic Injection site reactions. Impaired wound healing. Increased sweating. Thin fragile skin. Suppression of skin test reactions. Petechiae and ecchymoses. Acne. Hyperpigmentation. Facial erythema. Cardiovascular Hypertension. Congestive heart failure. Necrotizing angiitis. Neurological Convulsions. Increased intracranial pressure with papilledema (pseudo-tumor cerebri), usually after treatment. Headache. Vertigo. Endocrine Menstrual irregularities. Development of Cushingoid state. Suppression of growth in children. Secondary adrenocortical and pituitary insufficiency, particularly in times of stress, as in trauma, surgery or illness. Decreased carbohydrate tolerance. Manifestations of latent diabetes mellitus. Increased requirements for insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents in diabetics. Hirsutism. Ophthalmic Posterior subcapsular cataracts. Increased intraocular pressure. Glaucoma with possible damage to optic nerve. Exophthalmos. Metabolic Negative nitrogen balance due to protein catabolism. Allergic reactions Allergic reactions manifesting as dizziness, nausea and vomiting, skin reactions, anaphylaxis (anaphylactic shock, urticaria, respiratory compromise, edema), especially in patients with allergic responses to proteins. Miscellaneous Weight gain. Abscess. Development of antibodies and loss of stimulatory effect. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. at 1-800-308-6755 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Warnings and Precautions

WARNINGS Chronic administration of corticotropin may lead to adverse effects which are not reversible. This product should not be administered for treatment until adrenal responsiveness has been verified with the route of administration which will be utilized during treatment, intramuscularly or subcutaneously. A rise in urinary and plasma corticosteroid values provides direct evidence of a stimulatory effect. Although the action of corticotropin is similar to that of exogenous adrenocortical steroids the quantity of adrenocorticoid may be variable. In patients who receive prolonged corticotropin therapy the additional use of rapidly acting corticosteroids before, during and after an unusual stressful situation is indicated. Masking Symptoms of Other Diseases Corticotropin may only suppress symptoms and signs of chronic disease without altering the natural course of the disease. Immunogenicity Potential Purified Cortrophin Gel is immunogenic. Limited available data suggest that a patient may develop antibodies to Purified Cortrophin Gel after chronic administration and loss of endogenous ACTH and Purified Cortrophin Gel activity. Prolonged administration of Purified Cortrophin Gel may increase the risk of hypersensitivity reactions. Cases of anaphylaxis following administration have also been reported in the postmarketing setting. Sensitivity to porcine protein should be considered before starting therapy and during the course of treatment should symptoms arise. Ophthalmic Effects Prolonged use of corticotropin may produce posterior subcapsular cataracts and glaucoma with possible damage to the optic nerves. Infections Corticotropin may mask some signs of infection, and new infections including those of the eye due to fungi or viruses may appear during its use. There may be decreased resistance and inability to localize infection when corticotropin is used. Elevated Blood Pressure, Salt and Water Retention, and Hypokalemia Corticotropin can cause elevation of blood pressure, salt and water retention, and increased excretion of potassium. Dietary salt restriction and potassium supplementation may be necessary. Corticotropin increases calcium excretion. Vaccination While on corticotropin therapy, patients should not be vaccinated against smallpox. Other immunization procedures should be undertaken with caution in patients who are receiving corticotropin, especially when high doses are administered because of the possible hazards of neurological complications and lack of antibody response.

Drug Interactions

Drug Interactions Aspirin should be used cautiously in conjunction with corticotropin in hypoprothrombinemia.

Contraindications

CONTRAINDICATIONS Purified Cortrophin Gel is contraindicated for intravenous administration. Purified Cortrophin Gel is contraindicated in patients with scleroderma, osteoporosis, systemic fungal infections, ocular herpes simplex, recent surgery, history of or the presence of a peptic ulcer, congestive heart failure, hypertension, or sensitivity to proteins derived from porcine sources. Purified Cortrophin Gel is contraindicated in patients with primary adrenocortical insufficiency or adrenocortical hyperfunction.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Pregnancy Since fetal abnormalities have been observed in experimental animals, use of this drug in pregnancy, nursing mothers, or women of childbearing potential requires that the potential benefits of the drug be weighed against the potential hazards to the mother and embryo or fetus. Infants born of mothers who have received substantial doses of corticotropin during pregnancy should be carefully observed for signs of hypoadrenalism.

How Supplied

HOW SUPPLIED/ STORAGE AND HANDLING Purified Cortrophin Gel is a clear, light amber liquid gel at room temperature. It is supplied sterile in:

Multiple-dose vials for intramuscular or subcutaneous use Package Size Total Volume NDC 1 mL multiple-dose vial 80 USP units/mL 62559-860-11 5 mL multiple-dose vial 400 USP units/5 mL 62559-860-15

Single-dose prefilled syringes for subcutaneous use only Package Size Total Volume NDC 0.5 mL single-dose prefilled syringe 40 USP units/0.5 mL 62559-861-35 1 mL single-dose prefilled syringe 80 USP units/mL 62559-861-11

About This Information

This drug information is sourced from FDA-approved labeling via the openFDA database. It is intended for educational and reference purposes only. This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making decisions about medication. Drug information may be updated by the FDA; check with your pharmacist for the most current information.

What are side effects?

Side effects are unwanted reactions that can occur when taking a medication. They range from mild (headache, nausea) to severe (allergic reactions, organ damage). Not everyone experiences side effects, and severity varies. Report any concerning side effects to your doctor.

What are drug interactions?

Drug interactions occur when a medication is affected by another drug, food, or supplement. Interactions can make medications less effective or cause dangerous side effects. Always tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you take.