ACTH Treatment Info

ACTH®

generic name: adrenocorticotropic hormone -- HP Acthar Gel

Manufacturer: Questcor Pharmaceuticals

Uses: Treatment of Infantile spasms. ACTH has been used since the late 1950’s to treat infantile spasms although this use has not been submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for approval.

How it works: It is not understood why or how the ACTH works to control the infantile spasms.

How given: ACTH is given by intramuscular injections. Parents and/or caregivers are taught how to do this by medical/nursing personnel. It requires a prescription for the ACTH and equipment such as syringes and needles. Dosing amounts and schedules will be determined by the prescribing physician.

Duration: Unlike other medications, ACTH is used only temporarily for periods ranging from 2 – 12 weeks depending upon the seizure response.

Side Effects: Most children will gain weight and retain extra fluid during the time they receive ACTH. This weight may be seen with facial puffiness. The weight will disappear once the ACTH stops. The appetite increases and the children crave more food. Irritability with increased crying and decreased sleeping are common side effects. High blood pressure, heart failure, calcifications of kidney and pancreas, increased risk of infections, increased blood glucose are other possible side effects. Children receiving ACTH should have blood pressure, weight and serum electrolytes monitored frequently during the time they are receiving the ACTH.

Care during ACTH treatment: Do not receive vaccinations. Avoid exposure to those who have received recent polio vaccine. Avoid known exposure to varicella (chickenpox) and measles. If exposed, contact your treating physician. If surgery is required during the period of ACTH therapy or within the first 12 months after stopping treatment, be sure to let your physician (surgeon) know as supplementation with a steroid may be required at the time of the surgery.

Possible drug interactions: some heart medicines, acetazolamide, amphotericin B, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (e.g. ibuprofen), aspirin, barbiturate preparations, growth hormone, phenytoin, potassium salts, rifampin, water pills.

Possible Contraindications to Use of ACTH:

Diabetes

Acute or chronic bacterial or fungal infections

High blood pressure

Heart failure

Renal failure with fluid retention

Not everyone experiences side effects. There may be other side effects not appearing above. For a complete list, consult your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. More detailed sources of information on side effects include the drug's prescribing information sheet, the Physician's Desk Reference, or pharmaceutical company which produces the drug.