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Acthar
H.P. Acthar Gel, commonly known as Acthar, is a prescription medication that is FDA-approved for the treatment of proteinuria associated with nephrotic syndrome. Acthar contains the hormone ACTH, which stands for adrenocorticotropin. Acthar is a gel when refrigerated; at room temperature, it changes to liquid form, ready for injection.
Acthar was originally approved by the FDA in 1952. It is now approved for use in treating 19 different conditions, including proteinuria associated with nephrotic syndrome.
How does Acthar work?
Acthar is designed to provide a prolonged release of the medication after it is injected. Acthar is not a steroid, but it does cause actions in your body in a manner similar to steroids. Acthar produces natural steroid hormones that are important in the control of blood pressure, glucose (sugar) metabolism, and immune responses such as inflammation (swelling).
Acthar also works to reduce the amount of protein in your kidneys to a more normal level. Studies have shown that Acthar has lowered proteinuria in patients who did not respond to steroids, suggesting that Acthar works differently in your kidneys than steroid therapy alone.
How is Acthar administered?
Acthar is an injection that can be given subcutaneously (beneath the skin) or intramuscularly (into the muscle). Acthar can be used when and where it is most convenient for you. It can be self-injected or given to you by a friend, family member, caregiver, or your healthcare provider.
Is Acthar right for me?
Only your healthcare provider can make that determination. For patients whose proteinuria is not well controlled, Acthar can be a viable treatment option. Acthar effectively reduces the loss of protein from the blood into urine in nephrotic syndrome.
*Note: The decision to prescribe a medication is the responsibility of your physician/primary care provider based on his/her evaluation of your condition. The above is meant for informational purposes only. Discuss this information and all information about drugs/medications with your physician before starting or stopping any medication.
Frequently Asked Questions
In 2011, results from a case series of 21 patients with nephrotic syndrome were published in the journal Drug Design, Development and Therapy. These cases document that Acthar works to reduce proteinuria in various kidney diseases that lead to nephrotic syndrome. In a subset of 10 patients with membranous nephropathy (MN), nine responded: six had complete remission and three had partial remission with Acthar. All 10 patients had failed an average of two previous therapies.
In 2012, results from a study to evaluate the efficacy of Acthar for treatment of proteinuria in 15 patients with various resistant kidney diseases were published in the American Journal of Nephrology. Primary results show two of five Membranous Nephropathy patients achieved partial remission; one focal segmental glomerulosclerosis patient and one patient with minimal change disease achieved partial remission; and four of five total IgA nephropathy patients had a reduction in proteinuria with Acthar. Of these 15 patients, 13 were previously treated with other therapies.
ACTH (the hormone within Acthar) has a well-established safety profile. Common side effects of Acthar are similar to those seen with steroid medicines and may include fluid retention, change in glucose tolerance, increased blood pressure, behavior or mood changes, increased appetite, or weight gain.
Once your doctor has prescribed Acthar, the order is processed at a specialty pharmacy that delivers Acthar directly to your home.
For more information on Acthar, please consult your healthcare provider.
*Note: The decision to prescribe a medication is the responsibility of your physician/primary care provider based on his/her evaluation of your condition. The above is meant for informational purposes only. Discuss this information and all information about drugs/medications with your physician before starting or stopping any medication.
