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When the symptoms of an MS attack* appeared

I Took The Lead

by speaking with my doctor about Acthar Gel

*Also known as a relapse, flare, or exacerbation.

WHEN MS ATTACKS

Learn about MS attacks, and how you can take the lead by speaking up.

Explore signs and symptoms

Taking action with Acthar Gel

Learn more about Acthar Gel and how it’s thought to work.

Discover the science

ACTHAR PATIENT SUPPORT

If your doctor prescribes you Acthar Gel, you’ll get support every step of the way.

Meet your team

What is Acthar Gel?

Acthar is a prescription medicine for adults with acute relapses or flares of multiple sclerosis (MS). Studies have shown Acthar Gel to be effective in speeding recovery from an MS relapse. However, there is no evidence that Acthar affects the ultimate outcome or natural history of the disease.


Acthar is injected beneath the skin or into the muscle.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

DO NOT take Acthar until you have talked to your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:

  • A skin condition called scleroderma
  • Bone density loss or osteoporosis
  • Any infections, including fungal, bacterial, or viral
  • Eye infections, such as ocular herpes simplex
  • Had recent surgery
  • Stomach ulcers or a history of stomach ulcers
  • Heart failure
  • Uncontrolled high blood pressure
  • Allergies to pig-derived proteins
  • Have been given or are about to receive a live or live attenuated vaccine
  • Suspected congenital infections (in children under 2 years of age)
  • Cushing’s syndrome or Addison’s disease

Tell your doctor about any other health problems that you have. Give your doctor a complete list of medicines you are taking. Include all nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements that you are taking.

What is the most important information I should know about Acthar?

  • Never inject Acthar directly into a vein
  • Always inject Acthar beneath the skin or into the muscle
  • Follow your doctor’s instructions for injecting Acthar
  • Never stop treatment suddenly unless your doctor tells you to do so
  • Try not to miss any scheduled doctor’s appointments. It is important for the doctor to monitor you while taking Acthar

Acthar and corticosteroids have similar side effects.

  • You may be more likely to get new infections. Also, old infections may become active. Tell your doctor if you see any signs of an infection. Contact your doctor at the first sign of an infection or fever. Signs of infection are fever, cough, vomiting, or diarrhea. Other signs may be flu or any open cuts or sores
  • When taking Acthar long term, your adrenal gland may produce too much of a hormone called cortisol. This can result in symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome. This may cause increased upper body fat, a rounded “moon” face, bruising easily, or muscle weakness
  • Sometimes when you stop taking Acthar long term, your body may not produce enough natural cortisol. This is called “adrenal insufficiency.” Your doctor may prescribe a steroid medicine to protect you until the adrenal gland recovers
  • You might develop high blood pressure, or retain too much fluid. As a result of this, your doctor may recommend some changes to your diet, such as eating less salt and taking certain supplements
  • Vaccines may not work well when you are on Acthar. Talk to your doctor about which vaccines are safe to use when you are taking Acthar
  • Acthar may hide symptoms of other diseases. This can make it more difficult for your doctor to make a diagnosis if something else is going on
  • Stomach or intestinal problems. Acthar may increase the risk of bleeding stomach ulcers. Tell your doctor if you have stomach pains, bloody vomit, bloody or black stools, excessive tiredness, increased thirst, difficulty breathing, or increased heart rate
  • Taking Acthar can make you feel irritable or depressed. You may also have mood swings or trouble sleeping
  • If you have other conditions, such as diabetes or muscle weakness, you may find they get worse
  • You might develop certain eye conditions, such as cataracts, glaucoma, or optic nerve damage
  • Your body may develop allergies to Acthar. Signs of allergic reaction are:
    • Skin rash and itching
    • Swelling of the face, tongue, lips, or throat
    • Trouble breathing
  • Long-term Acthar use can affect growth and physical development in children. This can be reversed when Acthar is no longer needed
  • Acthar may cause osteoporosis (weak bones)
  • Acthar might harm an unborn baby. Therefore, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant

What are the most common side effects of Acthar?

The most common side effects of Acthar are similar to those of steroids. They include:

  • Fluid retention
  • High blood sugar
  • High blood pressure
  • Behavior and mood changes
  • Changes in appetite and weight

Specific side effects in children under 2 years of age include:

  • Increased risk of infections
  • High blood pressure
  • Irritability
  • Symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome
  • Thickening of the heart muscle (cardiac hypertrophy)
  • Weight gain

The above side effects may also be seen in adults and children over 2 years of age.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Acthar.

Tell your doctor about any side effect that bothers you, or that does not go away. Call your doctor or pharmacist for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA. Call 1-800-FDA-1088 or visit www.fda.gov/medwatch. You may also report side effects by calling 1-800-844-2830.

Please see full Prescribing Information for additional Important Safety Information.

What is Acthar Gel?

Acthar is a prescription medicine for adults with acute relapses or flares of multiple sclerosis (MS). Studies have shown Acthar Gel to be effective in speeding recovery from an MS relapse. However, there is no evidence that Acthar affects the ultimate outcome or natural history of the disease.


Acthar is injected beneath the skin or into the muscle.

What is Acthar Gel? What is Acthar Gel?
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IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION What is Acthar Gel?
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COVID-19 update for Acthar® Gel (repository corticotropin injection)

Acthar Patient Support is by your side during these unpredictable times. Your care is of the utmost importance to us, and we will continue to remain open and provide one-on-one support.

Your dedicated team is ready to help.

Please call Acthar Patient Support at 1-888-435-2284
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Saturday, 9 AM to 2 PM ET

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Terms and Conditions:

  • Patient must have a valid Acthar® Gel prescription for an FDA-approved, on-label indication.
  • Patient must be a permanent US resident. Offer is good only in the United States and US Territories.
  • Patient (or patient’s legal representative) must be 18 years of age or older to opt into program.
  • This program is valid for eligible privately and commercially insured patients.
  • This program is not valid for patients covered by Medicare, Medicare D, Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicaid plans (including Medicaid patients enrolled in a qualified health plan purchased through a health insurance exchange [marketplace], TRICARE, Department of Defense (DOD), Veterans Affairs (VA), or any other state or federal medical or pharmacy benefit program.
  • The Acthar Commercial Co-pay Program provides drug co-pay assistance of up to $25,000 per calendar year for each eligible patient.
  • The program covers out-of-pocket costs for Acthar® Gel only. The program will not and shall not be applied toward the cost of any other product, healthcare provider service, supply charges or other treatment costs.
  • This program does not constitute prescription drug coverage or insurance and is not intended to substitute for such coverage. This program is not valid for uninsured patients and cannot be used as primary insurance.
  • The offer is not valid for drug costs that are eligible to be reimbursed by private insurance plans or other health or pharmacy benefit programs, which reimburse you for the entire cost of your prescription drugs.
  • Enrollment in the co–pay assistance program does not guarantee assistance. Whether an expense is eligible for the copay benefit will be determined at the time the benefit is paid. Eligible co-pay expenses must be in connection with a separately paid claim for Acthar® Gel which is otherwise covered by a private/commercial insurance plan.
  • If your insurance status changes, you must notify us prior to fulfilling your next prescription of Acthar® Gel.
  • This program offer is limited to 1 membership per person and is not transferable and cannot be combined with any other co-pay assistance program, free trial, discount, prescription savings card, or other offer.
  • Patients should consult their insurance provider concerning any limitations that may apply to this program under their insurance policy. Patients are responsible for any co-payment or coinsurance costs above and beyond the program’s annual maximum benefit.
  • The program is not available where prohibited by law.
  • Mallinckrodt reserves the right to rescind, revoke, or amend the co-pay assistance program at any time without notice.
  • Patient will be subject to ineligibility from the Program for violation of these Terms & Conditions.