`` Dermatomyositis (DM) and Polymyositis (PM) | Acthar® Gel (repository corticotropin injection)

Relief for dermatomyositis (DM)
and polymyositis (PM)

Acthar Gel is FDA approved to treat DM or PM.

Gerolyn, 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 medication used for the treatment of flares or on a regular basis (maintenance) in people with DM or PM.

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
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Are you struggling with these common symptoms of myositis?

Symptoms may vary from person to person and change over time. Common symptoms of DM and PM include:
Skin rash Skin rash (only in DM)
Itchy and painful rash, typically developing on the face, eyelids, elbows, knees, and/or chest
Joint pain Muscle weakness
Weakness that gets worse and can make it harder to move
Trouble swallowing Trouble swallowing
Muscles in your tongue, throat, or neck can become weak
Muscle tightness Joint pain
Affects multiple joints
Shortness of breath Shortness of breath (more common in PM)
Caused by lung tissue that becomes inflamed, scarred, or stiff
Acthar Gel may help you find relief. Ask your doctor if it is right for you.

Most symptoms of myositis aren't visible, making it difficult for others to understand the challenges of doing daily activities. If you have these symptoms, ask your doctor about Acthar Gel. It may be able to help you.

What is “myositis” in DM and PM?

Myositis is an autoimmune disease. This means the immune system, which normally protects the body, starts attacking healthy muscle tissue by mistake. The muscle tissues become inflamed (swollen and irritated). This can make your muscles feel weak and tired.
There are 2 common types of myositis:
Dermatomyositis Dermatomyositis (DM)

In DM, the immune system attacks the small blood vessels that bring blood to your skin and muscles.

Polymyositis Polymyositis (PM)

In PM, the immune system attacks the muscle fibers directly.

Myositis can often be misunderstood by family and friends, and even some doctors

You may have a hard time describing the challenges of living with myositis because pain and fatigue aren’t always visible. Don’t be discouraged—it’s important to advocate for yourself to get the care you deserve.

The Myositis Association

Looking for more support? Visit our partner, the Myositis Association for helpful resources and community connections.

Real patient stories

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

Meet Tottie

Tottie shares her 10-year journey with polymyositis and her experience switching to Acthar Gel. She knows how important it is to stand up for your own health.

Additional patient stories

Meet Cynthia

Cynthia shares her story of battling dermatomyositis and how results with Acthar Gel helped her with her condition.

12-minute video

Meet Gerolyn

Meet Gerolyn

quote icon

I hope that by hearing my story, you will find your why, too.”

When I was diagnosed with polymyositis, I was in the middle of living out an adventure. I wasn’t ready to give up on my travels. It was important to me to define my why—my reason to fight. My family is my why, and Acthar® Gel (repository corticotropin injection) is my how—how I’m fighting my polymyositis.

It all started toward the end of 2016. I began noticing the strangest things in my body. I started having pain and discomfort in my shoulders which made simple tasks like opening a water bottle or putting on my coat difficult. I’d gone through countless tests, including biopsies and X-rays. After all this, my doctors diagnosed me with polymyositis.

A few doctor recommendations later, I found my ideal healthcare team. Together, they worked out a plan of action to start me on an injectable treatment called Acthar Gel for the treatment of polymyositis. At first, I experienced some difficulty sleeping as a side effect, but this was resolved by moving my twice-weekly injections to the morning. A Nurse Navigator* was assigned to me, and they taught me how to self-inject under the skin. Now, I’m determined to inspire other patients to define their why while also treating my polymyositis.

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 Gerolyn

Learn about Gerolyn's experience treating polymyositis with Acthar Gel.

2-minute read

Meet Rebecca

Meet Rebecca

quote icon

Hearing other people’s experiences about your condition helps you
feel understood.”

Throughout my 20s, I was a very healthy person. I followed a strict diet and exercise routine to a T. When I was about 31 years old, I felt a gradual but dramatic weakness in my muscles. They were tender, stiff, and sore. My face, chest, and hands were often breaking out in weird rashes with no clear cause. When I explained all this to my family doctor, they pointed me in the right direction. After a visit to the orthopedic surgeon and an MRI, I was diagnosed with dermatomyositis.

I tried several treatments, but they weren’t for me. Then, my doctor recommended Acthar® Gel (repository corticotropin injection). We discussed the potential risks and benefits of Acthar Gel, including the most common side effects, such as injection site reactions, physical weakness, and fluid retention, just to name a few. After weighing the benefits and risks, I decided to start treatment. Through Acthar Patient Support, I had injection training available to me via a Nurse Navigator.* My Nurse Navigator even calls to check up on me. Now, I’m sharing my story to help bring awareness and bring shared experiences to light.

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 Rebecca

Learn about Rebecca's experience treating dermatomyositis 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.

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