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Cortrophin Gel vs. Acthar Gel

Purified Cortrophin Gel is used to treat many different types of inflammatory conditions in adults and children. It can help with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and psoriasis, among others. Cortrophin Gel (corticotropin) comes in a vial and contains adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) with other similar proteins. The medication is typically taken every day. You have to draw up each dose into a syringe from the vial. Then, the medication gets injected either under the skin or into the muscle. Side effects include skin thinning and acne.

• Flare-ups of arthritis (e.g., psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, gouty arthritis)
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), also known as lupus
• Systemic dermatomyositis (a muscle condition)
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome
• Severe psoriasis
• Eczema
• Serum sickness (a type of allergic reaction)
• Eye inflammation
• Sarcoidosis (a lung condition)
• Fluid buildup from kidney damage due to lupus or an unknown cause
• Flare-ups of multiple sclerosis

• See "Other Side Effects" and "Risks and Warnings"

• Infections
• Changes in adrenal gland function
• Risk of stomach ulcers or stomach bleeding
• High blood pressure, swelling, and electrolyte problems
• Weakened bones
• Slowed growth in children
• Eye problems
• Changes in mood or behavior
• Serious allergic reaction

Acthar Gel (corticotropin) is a mixture of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) analogs, similar to ACTH that's naturally made in the body. It's used in adults and children to treat different conditions, including infantile spasms, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Acthar Gel (corticotropin) is available as a vial and prefilled SelfJect injector. The medication is given as an injection under the skin or into the muscle once or twice per day for a few days to few weeks, depending on your age and your condition. Common side effects include injection site reactions, tiredness, and weakness.

• Infantile spasms
• Multiple sclerosis flare up
• Rheumatic condition flare-up (e.g., psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis)
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
• Systemic dermatomyositis
• Skin conditions (e.g., severe erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome)
• Serum sickness
• Eye inflammation
• Breathing conditions (e.g., sarcoidosis)
• Fluid build-up from kidney damage due to lupus or unknown cause

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

• Infections
• Low adrenal gland function and Cushing's syndrome
• Risk of stomach ulcers or bleeding
• High blood pressure, swelling, and electrolyte problems
• Weakening of bones and slowed growth
• Eye problems
• Behavior changes
• Serious allergic reaction