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Compare Cortrophin Gel vs. Acthar Gel

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

  • Cortrophin gel (corticotropin)
    Acthar gel (corticotropin)
  • Cortrophin gel (corticotropin)
    Acthar gel (corticotropin)

  • Summary of Cortrophin Gel vs. Acthar Gel

    Summary for Adrenocorticotropin stimulating hormone
    Prescription only

    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.

    Summary for Adrenocorticotropin stimulating hormone
    Prescription only

    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.

  • Indications of Cortrophin Gel vs. Acthar Gel

    Indications for
    •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
    Indications for
    •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

  • Pros and Cons of Cortrophin Gel vs. Acthar Gel

    Pros and Const for Adrenocorticotropin stimulating hormone
    Pros
    •Can help treat a lot of different inflammatory conditions
    •Can inject the medication at home after you get trained
    Cons
    •Must draw up dose into a syringe; doesn't come prefilled
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking the medication too suddenly
    Pros and Const for Adrenocorticotropin stimulating hormone
    Pros
    •Can help treat many different inflammatory conditions
    •Available as prefilled SelfJect injector, which makes under-the-skin injections easier
    •Can be used in children under 2 years old for certain conditions
    Cons
    •Brand-name medication only
    •Can raise your risk of infections
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped too suddenly

  • Common Side Effects of Cortrophin Gel vs. Acthar Gel

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

    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

  • Warnings of Cortrophin Gel vs. Acthar Gel

    Common Side Effects for
    •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
    Common Side Effects for
    •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

  • Prices with our coupons for Cortrophin Gel vs. Acthar Gel

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