If you have been prescribed Acthar Gel

Your support starts here

acthar-patient-support

Acthar Patient Support is here to assist you as you start and continue on your treatment plan.

Acthar Patient Support team: woman smiling

Support from the start

Here’s how we can help as you start and continue your treatment plan

You are automatically enrolled in Acthar Patient Support when your doctor submits your referral (prescription). A dedicated team, including a Nurse Navigator and a Case Manager, is ready to help you understand treatment with Acthar Gel, review your insurance options, help you get the medicine your doctor has prescribed, and offer support as you start and continue your treatment plan.

Here’s how they can help

Your nurse navigator*

With Acthar Patient Support, you will have a dedicated Nurse Navigator as a partner throughout treatment who can answer questions about Acthar Gel and offer additional support.

Learn more

Free acthar gel
injection training

Free injection training, based on your level of need, will help prepare you to be ready to start your therapy when Acthar Gel is delivered.

Starting Acthar Gel

We’ll help you raise
your voice

If your insurance company denies coverage for your prescription, your Case Manager is ready to help review your options and create a plan.

Get started

*Nurse Navigators do not give medical advice and will direct you to your healthcare professional for any treatment-related questions, including further referrals.

Acthar Gel patient: Abby reading a book

A Nurse Navigator and a Case Manager will be your partners throughout your treatment journey*

Your Nurse Navigator will:

  • Coordinate free Acthar Gel injection training
  • Help you understand your treatment journey and provide continued support
  • Answer questions about your condition and guide you to support resources

*Nurse Navigators do not give medical advice and will direct you to your healthcare professional for any treatment-related questions, including further referrals.

When it comes to your health, having a team in your corner can help make a big difference. That is why you will also have a Case Manager who works alongside your Nurse Navigator to support you getting on therapy. Your Case Manager specializes in insurance coverage and will help you understand your assistance options.

Your Case Manager will call to explain how Acthar Patient Support may help with:

  • Exploring insurance coverage
  • Prior authorization and appeal assistance
  • Financial assistance options
  • Answering questions about the reimbursement process and provide resources to help

If you have any questions, your Case Manager is ready to help.

Have a question now?

Your Nurse Navigator is available at 1-877-503-7746 1-877-503-7746
Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 9 PM ET

MEET MIRNA & LUCIA

“It’s so important to work together with the support team, because when you receive a denial of medication coverage from your insurance company, the team will take action right away.”

Individual results may vary. Actual people compensated for their time.

Getting your prescription and starting Acthar Gel

Because the way you get specialty medicines like Acthar Gel is different than going to your neighborhood drug store, we know you may have questions about how it works

From the time your doctor writes your prescription for Acthar Gel to the time the medicine is delivered to your doorstep, Acthar Patient Support is by your side every step of the way.

Prescription

Your doctor prescribes Acthar Gel for you. Your doctor’s office then submits your prescription to Acthar Patient Support. Once the prescription is submitted by your doctor, Acthar Patient Support will review your insurance coverage. Often, insurance companies require your doctor to complete an additional step known as prior authorization before approving the medicine.

Prior Authorization and Appeals

If you have insurance, Acthar Patient Support works with your insurance company. A prior authorization is a way insurance companies make sure that the medicine your doctor prescribed is needed for your condition. Acthar Patient Support will collect the required paperwork from your doctor and submit the information to your insurance company—you don’t have to manage the process. Your Case Manager will provide you with updates on the status of your approval process so you know what’s going on every step of the way.

Appeals process

While Acthar Gel may be denied for insurance coverage for any number of reasons, it’s common to feel upset or frustrated. However, you can appeal this decision by the insurance company and there are many ways to approach an appeal. Acthar Patient Support can help you with the appeals process.

Assistance Options

Regardless of your insurance status, we will guide you through the potential financial assistance options and programs that may be available to you and that you may qualify for. We want you to have access to your prescribed treatment.

If you have commercial insurance, assistance may be available through the Commercial Co-pay Program (Terms and Conditions). You can work with your Case Manager to enroll in the program if you’re eligible.

Many commercial insurance plans cover Acthar Gel, but if your insurance company won’t cover it or if you’ve had a change in your insurance coverage, you may be eligible for assistance. Your Case Manager can better help you understand your options and connect you with the appropriate resources.

If you have government insurance, Acthar Patient Support will help you understand your options for financial assistance.

LEARN MORE ABOUT POTENTIAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE OPTIONS

Free Acthar Gel Injection Training

Learning how to take or give Acthar Gel is personal. That’s why Acthar Patient Support offers free Acthar Gel injection training that’s based on your level of need.

While your prescription is in the approval process, we’ll contact you to discuss your training needs and how best to accomplish them—in your home, online, or by phone. Then we will coordinate training with a nurse educator to help you get started.

SEE STEP-BY-STEP INJECTION TRAINING GUIDE IN THE RESOURCES SECTION

At no additional cost to you, training will be provided by a licensed nurse educator in your area who will:

  • Review the materials needed, including needles, syringes, alcohol wipes, etc
  • Show you or your care partner how and where to inject Acthar Gel
  • Explain how to store Acthar Gel and dispose of used needles and syringes
  • Answer any questions about how to inject Acthar Gel
  • Come back to make sure your injections are going well. The nurse will come to visit you in person or virtually so that you have full confidence in taking Acthar Gel
 
Interested in injection training?

Your Nurse Navigator will be happy to assist. Call 1-877-503-7746 1-877-503-7746 Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 9 PM ET

 
For instructions on how to take
Acthar Gel
SEE STEP-BY-STEP INJECTION GUIDE

Delivery

Acthar Gel is delivered by your Specialty Pharmacy. Acthar Patient Support works with your Specialty Pharmacy to begin the delivery process so you don’t have to. After approval, someone from your Specialty Pharmacy will contact you to set up your delivery of Acthar Gel.

The delivery process:

  • Your Case Manager will let you know when your prescription is approved
  • Your Specialty Pharmacy will call you to arrange a shipment for a delivery time when someone will be able to sign for, receive, and immediately refrigerate the medicine
  • It is important that you answer any calls from 1-800, 1-888, 1-877, 1-844, 1-855, or blocked callers because your Specialty Pharmacy may call from those types of numbers

    If you miss the call, call back as soon as possible to ensure your medicine will be sent to you

  • Acthar Gel is shipped to your home in a refrigerated container

    A signature is required for delivery because someone must be available to put the medicine in the refrigerator as soon as it is received

  • The package arriving from your Specialty Pharmacy will contain prescribing information for Acthar Gel, Acthar Gel vial(s), syringes and needles, disposal instructions, and contact information for the Specialty Pharmacy
Acthar Gel patient: Dennis shares his experience of taking Acthar Gel

MEET DENNIS

“Once I was approved for the medication, there was a lot of support available to help me get started and stay on track.”

Individual results may vary. Actual patient compensated for his time.

Let your voice be heard

Getting a denial from your insurance company can be scary and frustrating. We’re here by your side every step of the way—even if your prescription is initially denied by your insurance plan

You have a right to appeal your insurance plan’s coverage decision. It’s important to work with your Case Manager and your doctor’s office staff so you can understand why your prescription was denied and what to do next.

Your Case Manager is available

at 1-877-503-7746 1-877-503-7746 Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 9 PM ET
and Saturday from 9 AM to 2 PM ET

Acthar Gel patient: Bianca shares her experience of taking Acthar Gel

MEET BIANCA

“I have actually been really fortunate to have a support system around me.”

Individual results may vary. Actual patient compensated for her time.

Raise your voice and be your own advocate

You can make a powerful statement by writing an appeals letter . It gives you the opportunity to tell your story to those who are reviewing your prescription. Additionally, you can work with your employer to discuss how they can help get your prescription covered. The important thing to do is speak with your Case Manager and your doctor’s office staff and make a plan.

Acthar Gel patient and her caregiver: Mirna and Lucia share their experience with Acthar Gel

MEET MIRNA & LUCIA

“Persevere in all that you
want to do. And always
stay positive.”

Individual results may vary. Actual people compensated for their time.

Get tips for helping your loved one.
DOWNLOAD THE CAREGIVER FACT SHEET

Raise Your Voice

Learn more about the insurance appeal process and steps you can take after a prescription is denied to work to get your medicine approved.

Team Up With Your Doctor

Partner with your doctor concerning how to advocate for your care and get the medicine that was prescribed for you.

Write a Letter Today or Call Your Insurance Company

Your Acthar Patient Support Team can help you get started writing a letter. Your insurance company may also help with your appeals.

Spanish Resources Are Now Available!

DOWNLOAD RESOURCES IN SPANISH

Acthar Gel patient using laptop: resources for treatment journey

Start the Conversation

Resources for your treatment journey

Download tools to help you learn more about Acthar Gel.

Talk to your doctor about Acthar Gel.

GET RESOURCES
Acthar Gel patient: Gary smiling

Be your own best advocate

If you need additional support

Call Acthar Patient Support at 1-877-503-7746 1-877-503-7746
Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 9 PM ET
Saturday, 9 AM to 2 PM ET

Please note that Nurse Navigators are not available on Saturdays.

Get support

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 symptoms of 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
  • Always inject Acthar beneath the skin or into the muscle
  • 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 when you are taking Acthar
  • Acthar may hide symptoms of other diseases. This can make it more difficult for your doctor to make a diagnosis if 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 masks 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 1-800-FDA-1088 or visit www.fda.gov/medwatch. You may also report side effects by calling 1-800-844-28301-800-844-2830.

Please see the full Prescribing Information for additional Important Safety Information.

For parents and caregivers of patients with Infantile Spasms, please click here for Important Safety Information.

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 symptoms of 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.

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 symptoms of 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
  • Always inject Acthar beneath the skin or into the muscle
  • 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 when you are taking Acthar
  • Acthar may hide symptoms of other diseases. This can make it more difficult for your doctor to make a diagnosis if 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 masks 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 1-800-FDA-1088 or visit www.fda.gov/medwatch. You may also report side effects by calling 1-800-844-28301-800-844-2830.

Please see the full Prescribing Information for additional Important Safety Information.

For parents and caregivers of patients with Infantile Spasms, please click here for Important Safety Information.

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 symptoms of 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
  • Always inject Acthar beneath the skin or into the muscle
  • 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 when you are taking Acthar
  • Acthar may hide symptoms of other diseases. This can make it more difficult for your doctor to make a diagnosis if 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 masks 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 1-800-FDA-1088 or visit www.fda.gov/medwatch. You may also report side effects by calling 1-800-844-28301-800-844-2830.

Please see the full Prescribing Information for additional Important Safety Information.

For parents and caregivers of patients with Infantile Spasms, please click here for Important Safety Information.