Corticorelin

Generic name: Corticorelin
Brand name: Acthrel
Drug class: Corticotropin

Medically reviewed by  A Ras MD.

What is corticorelin?

Corticorelin is a prescription medicine that is used during a Cushing’s syndrome test.

Description

ACTHREL® (corticorelin ovine triflutate for injection) is a sterile, nonpyrogenic, lyophilized white cake powder, containing corticorelin ovine triflutate, a trifluoroacetate salt of a synthetic peptide that is used for the determination of pituitary corticotroph responsiveness. Corticorelin ovine has an amino acid sequence identical to ovine corticotropin-releasing hormone (oCRH). Corticorelin ovine is an analogue of the naturally occurring human CRH (hCRH) peptide.

Both peptides are potent stimulators of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) release from the anterior pituitary.  ACTH stimulates cortisol production from the adrenal cortex.  The structural formula for corticorelin ovine triflutate is described below:

Ser-Gin-Glu-Pro-Pro-Ile-Ser-Leu-Asp-Leu-Thr-Phe-His-Leu-Leu-Arg-Glu-Val-Leu-Glu-Met-Thr-Lys-Ala-Asp-Gin-Leu-Ala-Gln-Gln-Ala-His-Ser-Asn-Arg-Lys-Leu-Leu-Asp-Ile-Ala-NH2∙xCF2COOH

whereas x=4 – 8.

The empirical formula of corticorelin ovine is C205H339N59O63S with a molecular weight of 4670.35 Daltons.

ACTHREL® for injection is available in vials containing 100 mcg corticorelin ovine (as the trifluoroacetate), 0.88 mg ascorbic acid, 10 mg lactose, and 26 mg cysteine hydrochloride monohydrate.  Trace amounts of chloride ion may be present from the manufacturing process.  The preparation is intended for intravenous administration.

Before taking corticorelin, tell your doctor:

• If you are allergic to corticorelin; any part of this medicine; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.

This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take corticorelin with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take corticorelin?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take corticorelin. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using corticorelin while you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is corticorelin best taken?

Use corticorelin as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• It is given as a shot into a vein.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Call your doctor to find out what to do.

What are the side effects of corticorelin that I need to call my doctor about immediately?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Chest pain or pressure or a fast heartbeat.
• Very bad dizziness or passing out.
• Shortness of breath.
• Wheezing.
• Flushing.

What are some other side effects of corticorelin?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If overdose is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out corticorelin?

• If you need to store corticorelin at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.

Label

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL – 100 MCG VIAL LABEL

• 100 mcg
  ACTHREL®
  (corticorelin ovine triflutate for injection)
• NDC 55566-0302-1
• Contains 100 mcg corticorelin ovine (as the trifluoroacetate),
  10 mg lactose, 0.88 mg ascorbic acid, and 26 mg cysteine
  hydrochloride monohydrate. Sterile. For intravenous use only.
  Reconstitute with sodium chloride injection immediately prior
  to use. Protect from light. Rx only. Dosage: See package insert.
  Store at refrigerator temperature 2° to 8°C (36° to 46°F).
• Manufactured for:
  Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc.
  Parsippany, NJ 07054
• 6010–06
  Made in Germany
• LOT:
  EXP:
• 2008052635

SRC: NLM .