Cosyntropin

Generic name: cosyntropin
Brand name: Cortrosyn
Dosage form: injectable powder for injection (0.25 mg)
Drug class: Corticotropin

Medically reviewed by  A Ras MD.

What is cosyntropin?

Cosyntropin is used during a test to check adrenal function. Cosyntropin may be given to you for other reasons. Talk to your doctor.

Description

Cosyntropin for Injection is a sterile lyophilized powder in vials containing 0.25 mg of Cosyntropin and 10 mg of mannitol to be reconstituted with 1 mL of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP. Administration is by intravenous or intramuscular injection. Cosyntropin is a 1 to 24 corticotropin, a synthetic subunit of ACTH. It is an open chain polypeptide containing, from the N terminus, the first 24 of the 39 amino acids of natural ACTH. The sequence of amino acids in the 1 to 24 compounds is as follows:

Before taking cosyntropin, tell your doctor:

• If you are allergic to cosyntropin; 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 cosyntropin 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 cosyntropin?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take cosyntropin. 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 cosyntropin 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 cosyntropin best taken?

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

• It is given as a shot.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Call your doctor to find out what to do.

What are the side effects of cosyntropin 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.
• Signs of high blood pressure like very bad headache or dizziness, passing out, or change in eyesight.
• Fast or slow heartbeat.
• Swelling in the arms or legs.

What are some other side effects of cosyntropin?

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 any of these side effects or any other side effects 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 cosyntropin?

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