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Purified Cortrophin Gel
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Panzer
A Treatment for Nephrotic Syndrome
Purified Cortrophin Gel, also known as Cortrophin, is a prescription medication given by injection. You may also see it referred to as “repository corticotrophin.” The injection contains a mixture of a hormone (adrenocorticotropic hormone, also called ACTH) and other proteins. ACTH is hormone produced by the pituitary gland.
Cortrophin was originally approved by the FDA in 1954 and is now approved for 23 indications including some types of nephrotic syndrome. Cortrophin is a treatment used to reduce protein in the urine due to nephrotic syndrome.
Nephrotic Syndrome
Cortrophin is approved for the treatment of nephrotic syndrome — a kidney disorder that causes high levels of protein in the urine (proteinuria). It may help reduce proteinuria when other treatments haven’t worked.
Other FDA-Approved Conditions
Cortrophin is also used to treat several other inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, including:
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Lupus
Multiple Sclerosis
Acute Gout
Polymyositis
Sarcoidosis
Inflammatory Eye Diseases
Howdoes Purified Cortrophin Gel work?
The exact way that Cortrophin works to reduce protein in urine is not known, but research suggests it is by reducing inflammation.
Cortrophin may:
Stimulate the adrenal glands to make more cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone that helps regulate the immune system and reduce inflammation.
Target Inflammation and immune system dysfunction, which are key factors in nephrotic syndrome.
Act on kidney cell receptors involved in nephrotic syndrome, potentially helping to reduce protein leaking into the urine.
How is Cortrophin administered?
Cortrophin is injected under the skin or into the muscle. Cortrophin is a gel when refrigerated. At room temperature, it becomes a liquid, ready for injection. It can be shipped to your healthcare provider and administered or it can be shipped to your home and self-administered.
Is Cortrophin right for me?
Only your nephrologist can determine the right treatment option for you. For patients with nephrotic syndrome whose proteinuria is not well controlled, Cortrophin may be a treatment option. Cortrophin reduces protein levels in urine for Nephrotic Syndrome patients.
Learn more about Cortrophin by visiting www.cortrophin.com
*Note: The decision to prescribe a medication is the responsibility of your physician/medical team based on their 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
Cortrophin is in a class of drugs called ACTH. While there are no studies with Cortrophin, there are studies in adults and children with nephrotic syndrome that have reported a decrease in protein when treated with ACTH.
The safety of Cortrophin has been established. Common side effects of Cortrophin are similar to those seen with steroid medicines and may include:
- Weight gain
- Fluid retnetion
- Change in blood sugar
- Increased blood pressure
- Low blood potassium levels
- Mood changes
- Increased appetite
Once prescribed by your nephrologist, Cortrophin can either be shipped to your home for self-injection or administered at your healthcare provider’s office.
