What is Acthar gel, h.p.?
Acthar gel, h.p., is a hormone utilized to treat a variety of diseases, including psoriatic arthritis, multiple sclerosis, ankylosing spondylitis, and lupus. It also treats extremely severe allergies, breathing problems, and inflammation conditions that affect the eyes. Acthar gel, h.p., can also be used to treat children's spasms in children under two years of age. Acthar gel, h.p., may help reduce symptoms of a variety of disorders. However, it's not a solution to these ailments. It is not intended to stop the progression of any illness. Acthar gel, h.p., can also be utilized for reasons not mentioned in the guidelines for this medication.
Warnings
Do not take Acthar gel, h.p. If you suffer from an infection with fungi or eye herpes infection, high blood pressure that is not controlled, osteoporosis, scleroderma adrenal dysfunction (Addison's disease), a previous or current stomach ulcer, congestive heart failure, recently had surgery, are sensitive to pork proteins or are scheduled to get a vaccination.
Before you Take this Drug
It is not recommended to use Acthar gel, h.p., if you're allergic to it or you are suffering from
- An infection caused by fungal organisms anywhere on your body
- Eyes with herpes infections;
- Untreated, uncontrolled, or ineffective high blood pressure, untreated or not controlled
- Scleroderma;
- Osteoporosis;
- Adrenal deficiency (Addison's illness);
- An existing or previous stomach ulcer
- Congestive heart failure;
- If you're allergic to pork protein,
- If you've recently undergone surgery or
- If you're due for a vaccination.
Acthar gel, h.p., could aggravate an infection that you've already had or trigger an infection that you had recently. Prior to using Acthar gel h.p., tell your doctor about any illness or infection you've experienced in the last couple of weeks.
Acthar gel, h.p., shouldn't be used by a baby younger than one with an infection that has been transmitted from mother to child in the course of pregnancy or birth.
Speak to your doctor if you experience:
- Hypertension, cardiovascular issues;
- Liver illness (such as liver cirrhosis);
- Kidney disease
- A thyroid disease;
- Diabetes;
- Tuberculosis;
- An illness of the muscles, like myasthenia gravis;
- Glaucoma or cataracts
- Depression and mental health
- A stomach or intestinal problem
- An illness for which you are prescribed a diuretic "water pill."
Acthar gel, h.p., can harm the unborn baby. Consult your doctor if you're expecting or planning to get pregnant.
Breastfeeding is not advised while taking Acthar gel, h.p.
Don't give this medication to your child unless you have medical guidance.
How to Take Acthar gel, h.p?
Be sure to follow the directions printed on your prescription label. You should also review all the medication guides or instruction sheets. Sometimes, your doctor will alter the dosage. Make sure you take the medication according to the directions.
Acthar gel, h.p., is injected into muscles or beneath the skin. Healthcare professionals can instruct you on the proper use of the drug on your own.
Take note of and follow the instructions for use that come with your medication. Consult your physician or pharmacist for clarification if you aren't sure about the prescriptions. Make an injection only after you're prepared to administer it.
The dose you require may alter in times of anxiety, illness, a serious surgical procedure, or emergencies in your medical care. Inform your physician when any of these conditions have an effect on you. Do not alter your dosage or schedule of dosing without your physician's permission.
Acthar gel and h.p. Dosages are determined by the body's surface (height as well as weight). It is possible that your dose requirements will change when you shed, gain weight, or continue to grow.
For some, Acthar gel, h.p., may trigger an immune reaction towards the medication, which makes the medication less efficacious. Consult your physician when your condition becomes more severe or it appears that the medicine isn't working in the same way.
If you have been taking this drug for a long time, you might require regular medical examinations, which could include bone scans to determine if you have osteoporosis.
Do not discontinue using Acthar gel h.p. Suddenly. You should follow your doctor's recommendations for tapering your dosage.
Place it at room temperature in the refrigerator. Remove the medicine from the fridge and allow it to get to room temperature before making your dosage.
Utilize a needle or syringe once only and insert them into the puncture-proof "sharps" container. Make sure you follow local or state laws regarding how to dispose of the container. Make sure it is out of reach of pets and children.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Contact your physician for advice in case you missed the dosing of Acthar gel h.p.
What happens if I overdose?
Get medical assistance in an emergency or dial toll-free the poison help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
Don't receive a "live" vaccine while using Acthar gel, h.p. The vaccine might not work in the same way and might not be able to fully protect you against illness. Live vaccines include measles, rubella, mumps (MMR), polio, the typhoid virus, rotavirus, yellow fever, varicella (chickenpox), zoster (shingles), and nasal influenza (influenza) vaccination.
Side effects of Acthar gel, h.p
See a doctor immediately. If you are experiencing indications that indicate an allergic reaction, such as itching, nausea, lightheaded, trouble breathing, and swelling of your lips, face, and tongue.
Mild effects
- Fever and chills the throat is swollen and the skin has heat or redness, as well as other indications of an illness;
- Unexpected changes in mood or behavior.
- Vision blurred, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing light halos;
- A seizure;
- Increased or decreased hormones in the adrenal glands—changes in appetite, weight fatigue, weakness of muscles as well as skin discoloration and thinning skin, more hair on your body, changes in menstrual cycles, loss of appetite, nausea;
- High blood pressure, severe migraines, blurred vision, and the pounding of your neck or ear
- Blood sugar levels are high—increased thirst, more frequent urine output, dry mouth, the odor of fruity breath;
- Low potassium level: leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering around your chest, a sudden increase in thirst or urine, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness, or the feeling of being limp;
- Indications of infection in the eye such as swelling or redness, extreme discomfort and drainage, or
- Indications of stomach bleeding: bloody or black stools, coughing up blood, or vomiting that looks similar to coffee grounds.
Your family, as well as your carers and acquaintances, are also aware of how they can aid you in monitoring these adverse effects.
Acthar gel, h.p., can affect growth in children. Discuss with your doctor if you feel your child's growth isn't at the normal rate when taking Acthar gel h.p.
Adverse side effects
- Elevated blood pressure.
- Thin skin.
- More sweating.
- Fluid retention (swelling on your feet or hands and puffy skin);
- Mood changes,
- Irritability.
- Greater appetite.
- Weight gain.
It isn't a comprehensive list of possible side effects, and other side effects could occur. Contact your doctor to get medical advice regarding adverse effects. The best way to report adverse reactions is to call the fda at 1-800-fda-1088.
Interaction with other drugs
Other medicines can also impact Acthar gel, h.p. This includes prescription as well as over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and natural products. Inform your physician about any medications you currently use and all medicines you take or stop taking.
