What is Acthrel (Corticorelin)?

Corticorelin ovine trifluate is a man-made form of a hormone that occurs naturally in the body.

Corticorelin ovine trifluate is used as part of a medical test in people with Cushing’s syndrome. Cushing syndrome is an endocrine disorder caused by high levels of cortisol (a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal gland).

This medication is also used to help your doctor determine why your body is producing too much of its own cortisol.

Corticorelin ovine trifluate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Acthrel (Corticorelin)?

Tell your doctor about any allergies or medical conditions you have.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Before you receive corticorelin ovine trifluate, tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether corticorelin ovine trifluate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not receive this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Acthrel Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Acthrel (Corticorelin)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your caregivers at once if you feel like you might pass out, or if you have:

• a fast heart rate
• a tight feeling in your chest; or
• if you feel like you need to take deep breaths

Less serious side effects may include warmth, redness, or tingly feeling in your face, neck, or chest.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Acthrel Interactions

What other drugs affect Acthrel (Corticorelin)?

Tell your doctor if you have recently used dexamethasone (Decadron, Dexone, Hexadrol). Dexamethasone can affect the results of your corticorelin test.

There may be other drugs that can interact with corticorelin ovine trifluate. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Acthrel (Corticorelin)?

Follow your doctor’s instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity after you receive this medication.

Acthrel Dosage

How should I take Acthrel (Corticorelin)?

You will receive corticorelin ovine trifluate in a clinic or hospital setting. The medication is given as a single injection through a needle placed into a vein. Your blood will be tested before and after you receive the injection.

During the corticorelin test, your caregivers will need to draw at least 5 blood samples from you. This will help your doctor determine more about your condition.

In most cases, the blood is tested 15 minutes before and then right before you receive the injection. These tests will give your doctor two “baseline” measurements.

After you receive corticorelin ovine trifluate, your blood will be drawn again at 15 minutes, 30 minutes, and 60 minutes after the injection. This will help your doctor determine more about your condition.

What happens if I overdose on Acthrel (Corticorelin)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have received too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include chest tightness, fast heart rate, trouble breathing, or severe redness or warmth in your face.

What happens if I miss a dose of Acthrel (Corticorelin)?

Since this medication is usually given as a single dose, you are not likely to be on a dosing schedule.

The timing of your blood tests before and after the injection is important in assuring the most accurate results from a corticorelin test. Plan to stay in the care of your healthcare providers for at least 1 hour after your injection.

Edited from everydayhealth.com