Tetracosactide is used as an alternative to a group of medicines called corticosteroids to treat various conditions including Crohn’s disease (long-term inflammatory disease of the digestive tract) and rheumatoid arthritis (inflammation in joints of fingers, wrist, feet, ankles).
It is also used as an aid for a certain test to determine if your pituitary and adrenal glands are working normally.
This medicine may also be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Tetracosactide injection is to be given intramuscularly (into the muscle), usually in the buttocks.
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type of your condition and response to the medication.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Tetracosactide.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- asthma or other allergic conditions
- untreated infection
- mood disorder
- stomach ulcer
- serious heart disease
- Cushing’s syndrome (hormone disorder)
- conditions wherein the adrenal glands are not working properly
as Tetracosactide may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- high blood pressure
- diabetes
- blood disorder
- weak immune system
- history of TB (infection known as tuberculosis)
- eye problems e.g. viral eye infection, glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye), cataract (clouding of the lens of the eyes)
- osteoporosis (thinning and weakening of bones)
- myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disorder)
- underactive thyroid gland
- bowel problems e.g. bowel infection causing diarrhoea, inflammation in the intestines
- liver disease
- kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Inform your doctor if you have been recently vaccinated. Do not receive any vaccinations without first asking your doctor.
If you are going to have a laboratory test (e.g. skin tests) or operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are being treated with this medicine.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Your blood pressure may rise to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. sugar/electrolyte levels, bone density, eye examination) may be done while you are being treated with Tetracosactide. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Monitoring of the growth (e.g. height) and development of children using this medicine may also be needed.
Tetracosactide may cause any of the following side effects: headache, dizziness with spinning sensation, weight gain, excessive hair growth, and irregular menstruation.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- visual disturbances e.g. clouded, blurred or dim vision
- swelling of the ankles, feet or hand
- difficulty sleeping, unusual changes in mood, behaviour or personality, severe depression
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizure) e.g. phenobarbital, phenytoin, valproate, clonazepam, primidone
- birth control pills containing estrogen
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Tetracosactide.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in the refrigerator, between 2-8°C. Protect from light. Light may cause the medication to lose some of its effectiveness.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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