The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
Infantile spasms (children under 2 years old):
- Infection (20%)
- Seizures (12%)
- High blood pressure (11%)
- Irritability (7%)
- Fever (5%)
Conditions other than infantile spasms (adults and children):
- Injection site reactions
- Tiredness
- Weakness
- Low energy
- Swelling
- Trouble sleeping
- Headache
- Higher blood sugar levels
Less Common Side Effects
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Changes in appetite
- Cushingoid (e.g., face swelling, weight gain)
Acthar Gel serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Serious infections: fever, difficulty breathing, headache, weakness, confusion, sweating, chills, stiff neck, fast heart rate, muscle aches, diarrhea
- Severe allergic reaction: hives; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; difficulty breathing; chest pain
Source: DailyMed
The following Acthar Gel side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Backache
blurred vision
body aches or pain
chest pain or tightness
chills
difficulty with breathing
dizziness
ear congestion
facial hair growth in females
fractures
full or round face, neck, or trunk
headache
increased thirst or urination
irritability
loss of sexual desire or ability
loss of voice
menstrual irregularities
muscle wasting
nervousness
pounding in the ears
redness or swelling in the ear
runny or stuffy nose
seizures
slow or fast heartbeat
unusual tiredness or weakness
white patches in the mouth or throat or on the tongue
white patches with diaper rash
Incidence not known
Accumulation of pus
bruising
bulging soft spot on the head of an infant
change in the ability to see colors, especially blue or yellow
decreased range of motion
decreased urine output
dilated neck veins
extreme tiredness or weakness
eyeballs bulge out of the eye sockets
fast, weak pulse
full or bloated feeling
irregular breathing
irregular heartbeat
joint pain
large, flat, blue, or purplish patches in the skin
lightheadedness
limp
loss of appetite
noisy, rattling breathing
pressure in the stomach
severe headache
slow healing
small red or purple spots on the skin
swelling of the stomach area
swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs
swollen, red, or tender area of infection
trouble sleeping
vomiting
Incidence not known-For adults only
cold clammy skin
confusion
coughing up blood
dark urine
feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
headache, sudden and severe
increased sweating
indigestion
loss of appetite
pain in the muscles
pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back
redness of the face
sensation of spinning
skin rash
sweating
thinning of the skin
unusual weight loss
weakness
yellow eyes or skin
Incidence not known-For infants only
excess air or gas in the stomach or bowels
mood changes
muscle pain or cramps
numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips
passing gas
problems with speech or speaking
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Less common
Changes in appetite
Incidence not known
Bleeding, blistering, burning, coldness, discoloration of skin, feeling of pressure, hives, infection, inflammation, itching, lumps, numbness, pain, rash, redness, scarring, soreness, stinging, swelling, tenderness, tingling, ulceration, or warmth at the injection site
general feeling of discomfort or illness
increased hair growth, especially on the face
muscle weakness
unusual drowsiness, dullness, tiredness, weakness or feeling of sluggishness
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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