Temperature considerations
Acthar requires special handling. Keep it refrigerated at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) until you’re ready to use it. Do not inject Acthar directly after removing it from the refrigerator.
Before you inject, you should warm the vial of Acthar to room temperature. You can do this by rolling it between your hands or by holding it under your arm for a few minutes.
Things to remember
Here are some suggestions for choosing where to inject:
- Ask your doctor or nurse which injection areas may be best for you
- When injecting yourself, the muscle along the upper-outer thigh may be best. If someone else is injecting, the muscle in the upper arm may be best
- You can inject into the same area more than once a week, but rotate the injection sites in that area each time, keeping 1 inch between sites
For more information about injecting Acthar, including videos and downloadable instructions, go to the Taking Acthar page.
Do not inject into:
- The same site more than once a week
- An area that has skin irritation or cuts
- An area that has hardened or is sensitive to touch
- Tattoos, warts, scars, or birthmarks
- The stomach
- The knee or groin area
Contact your doctor if you notice any injection site reactions, including redness, pain, and swelling.
Do not do the following with any used supplies:
- Reuse syringes, needles, or vials
- Throw the syringes, needles, or vials in household trash
- Recycle syringes, needles, or vials
- Use a clear plastic or glass container for disposal
Before ending Acthar treatment
Even if you’re feeling better, do not stop taking Acthar without consulting your doctor. If you consider ending treatment before your full course is over, be sure to talk with your doctor as well.
Your doctor will talk to you about when and how to stop treatment with Acthar. He or she may tell you how to gradually reduce the dose and frequency of injections. Do not suddenly stop taking Acthar without talking to your doctor first.
Disposing of used supplies
Your healthcare professional will provide instructions on how to properly dispose of used syringes, needles, and vials. If you’re unsure about disposal, bring your container of used supplies to your doctor’s office or local hospital.
It’s important for you to follow state and local laws when disposing of used supplies. Many states require you to:
- Place used syringes, needles, and vials in a heavy plastic or metal container with a tight-fitting, puncture-resistant, and leak-proof lid. (You can also ask your pharmacist for a “sharps container” or use a laundry detergent bottle)
- Mark “Not for Recycling” on the container
- Reinforce the lid with heavy-duty tape
- Store the container in a secure place out of reach of children or pets
Find a sharps disposal site near you
Visit the website (www.safeneedledisposal.org) to learn more about sharps disposal. You can also find the sharps disposal site nearest you.
*The Acthar Commercial Co-pay Program provides drug co-pay assistance of up to $25,000 per calendar year for eligible patients. This program is not for patients receiving prescription reimbursement under any federal-, state-, or government-funded insurance programs or where prohibited by law. Please see additional Terms and Conditions.
Next: Important Safety Information