Corticotropin is a synthetic corticotropin (adrenocorticotropic hormone analogue) which was initially approved for its medical use in 1952.

Corticotropin Injection has been developed to treat infantile spasms in children below 2 years of age. Infantile spasm is a rare condition characterised by seizures and hypsarrhythmia. Corticotropin is indicated to treat acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis, inflammatory conditions of the eye, rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. It is also recommended to detect adrenal insufficiency and pituitary-adrenal axis disorders.

Corticotropin is available as a multi dose vial for injection in the dose 60IU/ml. This injection is intended for administration through subcutaneous and intramuscular routes only and the dosing varies according to body weight and disease condition.

The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Corticotropin Injection are injection site reactions, swelling, high blood pressure, high blood glucose levels, eye problems, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, weight gain, infections, bone problems, electrolyte imbalance. If you experience any anaphylactic or allergic reactions after taking this injection, report to your doctor immediately

Corticotropin Injection is contraindicated in active and latent tuberculosis, herpes, and other active infections, diabetes, Cushing’s syndrome, osteoporosis, scleroderma, heart failure, uncontrolled hypertension and sensitivity to pork proteins. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience breathlessness, weakness, severe rash, swelling of arms or legs or any other anaphylactic reactions. During treatment with Corticotropin injection, your doctor may periodically monitor your blood count, blood sugar, thyroid, serum cortisol and other vital parameters to prevent serious complications. Report to your doctor if you have had a history of diabetes, heart problems, osteoporosis, hypothyroidism, peptic ulcer, cancer, obesity or acute illnesses.

It is not known whether treatment with Corticotropin Injection alters fertility or interferes with pregnancy and breastfeeding. Tell your healthcare provider before starting treatment with Corticotropin Injection if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to have a baby.

If you experience dizziness, tiredness or any visual disturbances, you should avoid driving or handling machines. Maintain adequate nutrition and fluid intake.

1. Duchowny MS, Chopra I, Niewoehner J, Wan GJ, Devine B, A systematic literature review and indirect treatment comparison of efficacy of repository corticotropin injection versus synthetic adrenocorticotropic hormone for infantile spasms, JHEOR, 2021, 8(1), 1-9, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7839629/pdf/jheor_2021_8_1_18727.pdf
2. Bernard P. Schimmer, John W. Funder, Goodman & Gilman’s Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Adrenocorticotropic Hormone, Adrenal Steroids, and the Adrenal Cortex, 2018, 13th Edition, 845-861.
3. KD Tripathi, Anterior Pituitary Hormones, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, 8th Edition, 2019, 257-266.
4. Tran KA, Harrod C, Bourdette DN, Cohen DM, Deodhar AA, Hartung DM. Characterization of the Clinical Evidence Supporting Repository Corticotropin Injection for FDA-Approved Indications: A Scoping Review. JAMA Intern Med. 2022, 182(2), 206–217, https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/article-abstract/2787088 

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice, it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.