`` Severe uveitis, keratitis, and retinal vasculitis | Acthar® Gel (repository corticotropin injection)

Relief for uveitis, keratitis, and retinal vasculitis

Acthar Gel is approved to treat certain allergic and inflammatory eye conditions.

Denise, treated with Acthar Gel.
Individual results may vary. Compensated by Keenova.

Links On this page What is Acthar Gel

What is Acthar Gel?

Acthar Gel is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of severe acute and chronic allergic and inflammatory conditions affecting different parts of the eye. This can include the front part of the eye, like the cornea and iris, or the back parts of the eye, like the optic nerve and retina.

Ask about Acthar Gel

Make the most of your next doctor's appointment. Download this brochure and bring it to your next visit.

Look inside to find information about:
  • What Acthar Gel is and how it is believed to work
  • How to take it
  • Patient support programs
  • Tips for talking with your doctor
Download brochuredownload icon Sign up for more informationarrow icon

Are you struggling with these common symptoms of your inflammatory eye condition?

Symptoms UVEITIS KERATITIS RETINAL VASCULITIS
Blurred vision
Eye redness
Floaters*
Eye pain
Sensitive to light
Decreased vision
Tearing
Difficulty opening eyelid

*Floaters are small spots, squiggles, or cobweb-like shapes that seem to drift or float across your vision.

Ask your doctor about Acthar Gel. It may be able to ease the symptoms of your eye condition.

What is inflammatory eye disease?

Inflammatory eye disease means there is swelling or irritation in any part of your eye or the tissue around it. This inflammation happens when your immune system reacts to something like an infection or injury. Sometimes, this reaction can also harm healthy parts of your eye.

Some common types of severe inflammatory eye disease include:

Rheumatoid Arthritis Icon Uveitis

which is a group of conditions where different parts inside the eye become inflamed. There are many types of uveitis, depending on where the swelling happens in the eye. Uveitis can happen for several reasons, including problems with the immune system, infections, or eye injuries. In many cases, the exact cause is not known.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Icon Keratitis

which is inflammation of the cornea. The cornea is the clear, curved layer that covers the front of your eye. Keratitis can be caused by infections (from bacteria, viruses, or fungi) or from an eye injury.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Icon Retinal vasculitis

which is when the blood vessels in the retina (the part of the eye that senses light and helps you see) are inflamed. This condition is less common, but if it isn’t treated, it can lead to vision loss.

Real patient stories

You're not alone. Hear from real people about their experiences and the impact Acthar Gel has had for them.

Meet Dianna

Hear about Dianna’s experience with her Nurse Navigator and other resources from the Acthar Patient Support Team.

Additional patient stories

Meet Brenda

See how Brenda worked with her doctors to find the right treatment for her and her experience with self-injections.

11-minute video

Meet Dennis

Dennis shares his experience with Acthar Patient Support, including reimbursement assistance, injection training, and his personal Nurse Navigator.

11-minute video

Meet Rhonda

Meet Rhonda

quote icon

Life can take an unexpected turn. But sometimes, if you’re patient enough, it leads you back home.”

I never saw keratitis coming, but thankfully, my doctor saw Acthar® Gel (repository corticotropin injection) in my future.

When my vision first changed, I was working as a social service manager for a nonprofit. I couldn’t read anything up close and my eyes suddenly became dry. After several appointments with optometrists and referrals to multiple specialists, I was diagnosed with keratitis.

My doctor and I discussed using Acthar to treat my condition. He also told me I’d be assigned a Case Manager through Acthar Patient Support. They helped me get started and guided me to online injection videos to help boost my confidence. The first few times I injected myself, I experienced redness at the injection site. I discussed this side effect with my doctor and Acthar Patient Support, and I was able to continue with my injections. My doctor and I are very pleased with my progress, and now, the future looks brighter.

Everyone’s experiences are different. It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about your treatment. Individual results may vary.

 Meet Rhonda

Learn about Rhonda's experience treating an allergic inflammatory eye condition with Acthar Gel.

2-minute read

Meet Denise

Meet Denise

quote icon

Never feel as if you’re alone in your experience because life is an adventure.”

When I was diagnosed with uveitis, I felt lost. I had never heard of uveitis! I was scared, too—I wasn’t sure how this diagnosis would affect me long-term. I didn’t want to lose my eyes or my vision.

My symptoms, which started in 2002, included pain, swelling, and redness in my left eye. I was prescribed medications for the inflammation, which I took every day for about four weeks, and my condition improved. I didn’t experience any major flare-ups for the next 10 years. But then, I started experiencing symptoms in my right eye and scheduled an appointment with my ophthalmologist to check it out. As I had thought, I had uveitis in that eye, too. We started the same treatment plan.

This time, however, the treatment didn’t seem to be helping. The flare-ups continued in both eyes and on top of that, I developed cataracts. Several doctor recommendations later, I was seeing a new specialist—one who prescribed me Acthar® Gel (repository corticotropin injection) to treat my uveitis. I was assigned a Nurse Navigator,* and they taught me how to do my self-injections subcutaneously (under the skin). Now, I want others to know they’re not alone in their journeys. There are more adventures to be had!

Everyone’s experiences are different. It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about your treatment. Individual results may vary.

*Nurse Navigators do not provide medical advice, and patients should discuss any medical questions with their HCP.

 Meet Denise

Learn about Denise's experience treating an allergic inflammatory eye condition with Acthar Gel.

2-minute read

NEXT:
Discover how Acthar Patient Support can help you start treatment if you and your doctor decide on Acthar Gel
What is Acthar Gel?
Toggle ISI tray

Acthar Gel is a prescription medicine used for:

  • Treatment for flares or on a regular basis (maintenance) in people with dermatomyositis or polymyositis (DM-PM)
  • Treatment for flares or on a regular basis (maintenance) in people with systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus)
  • Add-on therapy for short-term administration (to tide patients over an acute episode or exacerbation) in: psoriatic arthritis (PsA); rheumatoid arthritis (RA), including juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (selected cases may require low-dose maintenance therapy); ankylosing spondylitis
  • Treatment for people with symptomatic sarcoidosis
  • Treatment of severe acute and chronic allergic and inflammatory conditions affecting different parts of the eye. This can include the front part of the eye such as the cornea and iris, or the back part of the eye such as the optic nerve and retina
  • Reduction of proteinuria in people with nephrotic syndrome of the idiopathic type (unknown origin) without uremia (accumulation of urea in the blood due to malfunctioning kidneys) or that due to lupus erythematosus (lupus)
  • Treatment for adults with acute relapses or flares of multiple sclerosis (MS). Studies have shown Acthar to be effective in speeding recovery from an MS relapse. However, there is no evidence that it affects the ultimate outcome or natural history of the disease
  • Treatment of infantile spasms in infants and children under 2 years of age

Acthar is injected beneath the skin or into the muscle.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Toggle ISI tray

DO NOT take Acthar until you have talked to your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:

  • Have been given or are about to receive a live or live attenuated vaccine
  • A skin condition called scleroderma
  • Bone density loss or osteoporosis
  • Any infections, including fungal, bacterial, or viral
  • Eye infections, such as ocular herpes simplex
  • Had recent surgery
  • Stomach ulcers or a history of stomach ulcers
  • Heart failure
  • Uncontrolled high blood pressure
  • Addison's disease or Cushing's syndrome
  • Allergies to pig-derived proteins
  • Suspected infections at birth (in infants under 2 years of age)

Tell your doctor about any other health problems that you have. Give your doctor a complete list of medicines you are taking, including all prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

What is the most important information I should know about Acthar?

  • Never inject Acthar directly into a vein
  • Acthar is injected beneath the skin or into the muscle. Always inject Acthar with SelfJect beneath the skin
  • Follow your doctor's instructions for injecting Acthar
  • Never stop treatment suddenly unless your doctor tells you to do so
  • Try not to miss any scheduled doctor's appointments. It is important for the doctor to monitor you while taking Acthar
  • You may be more likely to get new infections. Also, old infections may become active. Tell your doctor if you see any signs of an infection. Contact your doctor at the first sign of an infection or fever.
    Signs of infection are: fever, cough, vomiting, or diarrhea. Other signs may be flu or any open cuts or sores
  • When taking Acthar long-term, your adrenal gland may produce too much of a hormone called cortisol. This can result in symptoms of Cushing's syndrome. This may cause increased upper body fat, a rounded “moon” face, bruising easily, or muscle weakness
  • Sometimes when you stop taking Acthar long-term, your body may not produce enough natural cortisol. This is called "adrenal insufficiency." Your doctor may prescribe a steroid medicine to protect you until the adrenal gland recovers
  • You might develop high blood pressure, retain too much salt and water, or have low blood potassium levels. As a result of this, your doctor may recommend some changes to your diet, such as eating less salt or taking certain supplements
  • Vaccines may not work well when you are on Acthar. Talk to your doctor about which vaccines are safe to use while you are taking Acthar
  • Acthar may hide symptoms of other diseases. This can make it more difficult for your doctor to make a diagnosis of something else is going on
  • Stomach or intestinal problems. Acthar may increase the risk of bleeding and stomach ulcers. Tell your doctor if you have stomach pains, bloody vomit, bloody or black stools, excessive tiredness, increased thirst, difficulty breathing, or increased heart rate
  • Taking Acthar can make you feel irritable or depressed. You may also have mood swings or trouble sleeping. These effects are reversible once Acthar therapy is stopped
  • If you have other conditions, such as diabetes or muscle weakness, you may find they get worse
  • You might develop certain eye conditions, such as cataracts, glaucoma, or optic nerve damage
  • Your body may develop allergies to Acthar; these allergies may be severe. Signs of allergic reaction include:
    • Skin rash and itching
    • Swelling of the face, tongue, lips, or throat
    • Trouble breathing
  • The effects of Acthar may be intensified if you have an underactive thyroid or cirrhosis of the liver
  • Long-term Acthar use can affect growth and physical development in children. This can be reversed when Acthar is no longer needed
  • Acthar may cause osteoporosis (weak bones)
  • Acthar might harm an unborn baby. Therefore, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant

What are the most common side effects of Acthar?

Commonly reported side effects of Acthar include:

  • Injection site reaction
  • Fatigue, physical weakness, and lack of energy
  • Fluid retention
  • Insomnia (difficulty sleeping)
  • Headache
  • High blood sugar

The most common side effects for the treatment of infantile spasms (IS) are:

  • Increased risk of infections
  • Convulsions
  • High blood pressure
  • Irritability
  • Fever

The above side effects may also be seen in adults and children over 2 years of age. Some children with IS progress to other forms of seizures. IS sometimes makes these seizures, which may become visible after treatment for IS has been completed.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Acthar.

Tell your doctor about any side effect that bothers you, or that does not go away. Call your doctor or pharmacist for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA. Call 1-800-FDA-1088 or visit www.fda.gov/medwatch . You may also report side effects by calling 1-800-844-2830.

Please see the full Prescribing Information. If you've been prescribed SelfJect, please see the 40-unit or 80-unit Instructions for Use and the 40-unit or 80-unit Quick Reference Guide.

For parents and caregivers of children with infantile spasms, please also see Medication Guide.

Toggle ISI tray

What is Acthar Gel?

Acthar Gel is a prescription medicine used for:

  • Treatment for flares or on a regular basis (maintenance) in people with dermatomyositis or polymyositis (DM-PM)
  • Treatment for flares or on a regular basis (maintenance) in people with systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus)
  • Add-on therapy for short-term administration (to tide patients over an acute episode or exacerbation) in: psoriatic arthritis (PsA); rheumatoid arthritis (RA), including juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (selected cases may require low-dose maintenance therapy); ankylosing spondylitis
  • Treatment for people with symptomatic sarcoidosis
  • Treatment of severe acute and chronic allergic and inflammatory conditions affecting different parts of the eye. This can include the front part of the eye such as the cornea and iris, or the back part of the eye such as the optic nerve and retina
  • Reduction of proteinuria in people with nephrotic syndrome of the idiopathic type (unknown origin) without uremia (accumulation of urea in the blood due to malfunctioning kidneys) or that due to lupus erythematosus (lupus)
  • Treatment for adults with acute relapses or flares of multiple sclerosis (MS). Studies have shown Acthar to be effective in speeding recovery from an MS relapse. However, there is no evidence that it affects the ultimate outcome or natural history of the disease
  • Treatment of infantile spasms in infants and children under 2 years of age

Acthar is injected beneath the skin or into the muscle.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

DO NOT take Acthar until you have talked to your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:

  • Have been given or are about to receive a live or live attenuated vaccine
  • A skin condition called scleroderma
  • Bone density loss or osteoporosis
  • Any infections, including fungal, bacterial, or viral
  • Eye infections, such as ocular herpes simplex
  • Had recent surgery
  • Stomach ulcers or a history of stomach ulcers
  • Heart failure
  • Uncontrolled high blood pressure
  • Addison's disease or Cushing's syndrome
  • Allergies to pig-derived proteins
  • Suspected infections at birth (in infants under 2 years of age)

Tell your doctor about any other health problems that you have. Give your doctor a complete list of medicines you are taking, including all prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

What is the most important information I should know about Acthar?

  • Never inject Acthar directly into a vein
  • Acthar is injected beneath the skin or into the muscle. Always inject Acthar with SelfJect beneath the skin
  • Follow your doctor's instructions for injecting Acthar
  • Never stop treatment suddenly unless your doctor tells you to do so
  • Try not to miss any scheduled doctor's appointments. It is important for the doctor to monitor you while taking Acthar
  • You may be more likely to get new infections. Also, old infections may become active. Tell your doctor if you see any signs of an infection. Contact your doctor at the first sign of an infection or fever.
    Signs of infection are: fever, cough, vomiting, or diarrhea. Other signs may be flu or any open cuts or sores
  • When taking Acthar long-term, your adrenal gland may produce too much of a hormone called cortisol. This can result in symptoms of Cushing's syndrome. This may cause increased upper body fat, a rounded “moon” face, bruising easily, or muscle weakness
  • Sometimes when you stop taking Acthar long-term, your body may not produce enough natural cortisol. This is called "adrenal insufficiency." Your doctor may prescribe a steroid medicine to protect you until the adrenal gland recovers
  • You might develop high blood pressure, retain too much salt and water, or have low blood potassium levels. As a result of this, your doctor may recommend some changes to your diet, such as eating less salt or taking certain supplements
  • Vaccines may not work well when you are on Acthar. Talk to your doctor about which vaccines are safe to use while you are taking Acthar
  • Acthar may hide symptoms of other diseases. This can make it more difficult for your doctor to make a diagnosis of something else is going on
  • Stomach or intestinal problems. Acthar may increase the risk of bleeding and stomach ulcers. Tell your doctor if you have stomach pains, bloody vomit, bloody or black stools, excessive tiredness, increased thirst, difficulty breathing, or increased heart rate
  • Taking Acthar can make you feel irritable or depressed. You may also have mood swings or trouble sleeping. These effects are reversible once Acthar therapy is stopped
  • If you have other conditions, such as diabetes or muscle weakness, you may find they get worse
  • You might develop certain eye conditions, such as cataracts, glaucoma, or optic nerve damage
  • Your body may develop allergies to Acthar; these allergies may be severe. Signs of allergic reaction include:
    • Skin rash and itching
    • Swelling of the face, tongue, lips, or throat
    • Trouble breathing
  • The effects of Acthar may be intensified if you have an underactive thyroid or cirrhosis of the liver
  • Long-term Acthar use can affect growth and physical development in children. This can be reversed when Acthar is no longer needed
  • Acthar may cause osteoporosis (weak bones)
  • Acthar might harm an unborn baby. Therefore, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant

What are the most common side effects of Acthar?

Commonly reported side effects of Acthar include:

  • Injection site reaction
  • Fatigue, physical weakness, and lack of energy
  • Fluid retention
  • Insomnia (difficulty sleeping)
  • Headache
  • High blood sugar

The most common side effects for the treatment of infantile spasms (IS) are:

  • Increased risk of infections
  • Convulsions
  • High blood pressure
  • Irritability
  • Fever

The above side effects may also be seen in adults and children over 2 years of age. Some children with IS progress to other forms of seizures. IS sometimes makes these seizures, which may become visible after treatment for IS has been completed.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Acthar.

Tell your doctor about any side effect that bothers you, or that does not go away. Call your doctor or pharmacist for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA. Call 1-800-FDA-1088 or visit www.fda.gov/medwatch. You may also report side effects by calling 1-800-844-2830.

Please see the full Prescribing Information. If you've been prescribed SelfJect, please see the 40-unit or 80-unit Instructions for Use and the 40-unit or 80-unit Quick Reference Guide.

For parents and caregivers of children with infantile spasms, please also see Medication Guide.

Select your condition
close icon

Select condition

close icon

Are you part of a US healthcare practice?