Corticotropin is an adrenocorticotropic hormone sold in the U.S. under 5 brand and generic names, for collagen diseases, erythema multiforme and multiple sclerosis. Below: what the FDA label says, every product that contains it, what the pills look like, and its recall record.
From the FDA label for Purified Cortrophin Gel (application NDA008975). Other corticotropin products — different forms, different strengths — are dosed differently. Follow the label for the one you were prescribed.
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…
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.…
Same active ingredient — different manufacturer, form, price and FDA recall record. That last one is what our independent score measures.
| # | Drug | Rating | Type | Form | Generic? | Typical price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 70/100 | Prescription | Injectable | — | — | View → | |
| 2 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Injectable | — | — | View → |
From the FDA Enforcement database. A recall covers specific lots — not the drug as a whole.
Sources: FDA openFDA drug label, National Drug Code Directory, and Enforcement (recall) database. This page reproduces public FDA data and is not medical advice. Dosing is set by your prescriber.
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.
Aspirin should be used cautiously in conjunction with corticotropin in hypoprothrombinemia.
| 3 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Injectable | — | — | View → |
| 4 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Injectable | — | — | View → |
| 5 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Injectable | — | — | View → |