Corticotropin Injectable Solution (CORTICOTROPIN - INJECTION)

Instructions

This medicine is given as an injection.

Read and make sure you understand the instructions for measuring dose and using syringe. If you have any questions, talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Keep medicine in refrigerator. Do not freeze. If frozen, throw away.

Speak with your nurse or pharmacist about how long the medicine can be stored safely at room temperature or in the refrigerator before it needs to be discarded.

Never use any medicine that has expired.

You or a family member can be trained to give this medicine at home.

Avoid injecting the medicine within 2 inches around the navel.

Do not inject into skin that is red, swollen or itchy.

Change the location of the injection each time. Choose a location at least 1 inch from the last injection.

It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.

If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all your medicines. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines.

Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine. Check with your doctor before stopping.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Do not take the medicine more than once during 24 hours.

Cautions

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Some patients with weak hearts may have worsening of symptoms. If you notice difficulty breathing, weight gain, or swelling of your legs or ankles, let your doctor know right away.

This medicine is associated with an increased risk of serious heart problems, heart attack, and stroke. Please speak with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medicine. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience chest pain or difficulty breathing.

This medicine may cause bleeding from the stomach or bowels. Stop this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have pain in the stomach, red or dark tarry stools, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

This medicine may reduce your body's ability to fight infections. Avoid contact with people with colds, flu or other infections. Contact your doctor if you develop fever, cough, sore throat, or chills.

Speak with your health care provider before receiving any vaccinations.

Tell the doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, planning to be pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Do not breastfeed while on this medicine.

Ask your pharmacist how to properly throw away used needles or syringes.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Some patients have serious side effects from this medicine. Ask your pharmacist to show you the information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and discuss it with you.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

• agitated feeling or trouble sleeping
• increased appetite
• dizziness
• headaches
• high blood sugar
• brown staining of skin around injection site
• muscle trembling
• stuffy nose
• severe stomach pain that spreads to the back

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

• severe abdominal or pelvic pain
• severe allergic reaction
• change in behavior
• increased risk of bleeding
• chest pain
• confusion
• weakened heart; fluid in lungs
• coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• feeling of swelling of the body
• swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
• severe or persistent headache
• high blood pressure
• pain in the joints
• seeing flashes or halos around lights
• miscarriage, premature birth, birth defects
• pale or blue skin, lips or fingernails
• shakiness
• dark, tarry stool
• vision problems - blind spots or dark spots
• weight loss

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.