Acthar drug: Uses, indications and precautions when using

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Acthar is used to treat a number of conditions, including infantile spasms as well as disorders of the joints, skin, eyes, and respiratory system. In addition, Acthar is also used to treat exacerbations of multiple sclerosis as an alternative to intravenous (IV) steroids.

1. Indications of Acthar Drug Acthar Gel (a reserve corticotropin) is a prescription drug used for the following cases:
Treatment of spasms in infants and children under 2 years of age Treatment of adults with acute relapses or flare-ups of multiple sclerosis (MS). Studies have shown that Acthar gel is effective in speeding up recovery from MS relapse. However, there was no evidence that Acthar affected the final outcome or medical history. It helps reduce proteinuria in people with idiopathic (unknown) nephrotic syndrome without uremia (buildup in the blood due to kidney failure) or systemic lupus erythematosus. Treatment of severe acute and chronic allergic and inflammatory conditions affecting different parts of the eye. Includes the front part of the eye such as the cornea, iris, or the back part of the eye such as the optic nerve and retina. Treatment of patients with symptoms of sarcoidosis Treatment of flare-ups or maintenance of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, patients with atopic or polymyositis (DM - PM) Adjunctive therapy to use short-term (during acute or inter-acute) of psoriatic arthritis (PsA), juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis . Acthar gel is indicated for injection under the skin or into a muscle, absolutely not intravenously.
2. Contraindications and precautions before taking Acthar Read the instructions on the leaflet carefully before using Acthar. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to corticotropin or any of its ingredients. Accompanied by any health problems you are experiencing; any medications you are taking, including prescription drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Contraindications for the use of Acthar include:
Do not use Live and attenuated vaccines in patients receiving immunosuppressive doses of Acthar Contraindicated in patients with scleroderma Loss of bone density or osteoporosis Any infection including fungal, bacterial or viral eye infections such as herpes simplex in the eyes Recent surgery Stomach ulcers or history of stomach ulcers Heart failure Uncontrolled high blood pressure Allergy to pig protein Cushing's syndrome or Addison's disease Suspected congenital infection (in children under 2 years of age) 3. Acthar side effects Signs of an allergic reaction: rash, red skin , blistering, with or without fever, wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, trouble swallowing or talking, unusual hoarseness, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue. Signs of infection such as fever, chills, very severe sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough with sputum color change, mouth sores, slow-healing wounds, pain when urinating. Signs of high blood sugar such as feeling tired, or drowsy, more hungry, thirsting more, urinating more, flushing, fast breathing or fruity breath. Signs of a weak adrenal gland such as stomach pain, vomiting, dizziness or unconsciousness, muscle weakness, mood swings, weight loss Signs of Cushing's disease such as weight gain in the back or abdomen, headaches Signs of high blood pressure difficult to control such as severe headache, dizziness, vision changes Signs of low blood potassium such as muscle pain or weakness, muscle cramps, irregular heartbeats Related to central nervous system effects, euphoria, insomnia, changes in mood, behavior: irritability or severe depression then psychosis. Develop certain eye diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, or damage to the optic nerve. Long-term use adversely affects the development and growth of young children. Acthar has been shown to have an embryotoxic effect, so it should be considered with women who are pregnant or want to become pregnant. Shortness of breath, swelling in arms or legs Fluid retention Abdominal pain Black, tarry, or bloody stools Convulsions Bone or joint pain

Specific side effects in children under 2 years of age:
Increased risk of infection High blood pressure Irritability Myocardial hypertrophy Weight gain Cushing's symptoms: full moon... Degree of response varies from person to person Some people have hypersensitivity reactions that can be life-threatening. Therefore, inform your doctor of any other signs or symptoms during use of the drug to obtain medical advice or any intervention.
4. Storing Acthar medicine Before injecting, keep Acthar at room temperature, do not heat the medicine Wash hands before and after use Do not use when the solution is cloudy, leaking, containing impurities, change Changed color or expired. Dispose of the vial after use in accordance with the medical waste classification. 5. What to do if you forget to take Acthar The medicine is usually given under the supervision of a doctor so forgetting is rare, but if you are able to inject yourself and miss a dose, skip the dose. and re-inject when it is time for the next dose.
Do not take 2 doses at the same time.

6. Precautions while taking Acthar Do not share your Acthar medicine with others and do not take other people's medicines even if they have the same signs and symptoms as you The medicine can cause high blood sugar. It is advisable to check your blood sugar regularly while using Acthar. Check your blood pressure and blood count, eye condition during treatment to avoid unwanted side effects. Reduce the amount of salt in your diet and add more potassium. Do not drink alcohol, beer and stimulants. Measure bone density regularly because the drug can cause bone weakness with long-term use. You are more at risk of getting an infection while taking the medicine. So wash your hands often and stay away from people who have an infection, cold or flu.

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References: webmd.com, drugs.com, acthar.com