Tetracosactide 1mg/1ml suspension for injection ampoules

Tetracosactide acetate is similar to a chemical called corticotropic hormone which is found in the body. Tetracosactide acetate is used to test the function of the adrenal glands. It may also be used as an alternative to treatment with corticosteroids in conditions such as arthritis or certain types of inflammatory bowel disease.

Other information about Tetracosactide acetate:

Tetracosactide acetate is given to you by a healthcare professional. The person responsible for giving you your medicine will make sure that you get the right dose.

If you feel unwell after having the medicine then talk to your prescriber or someone involved in your medical care.

The person with responsibility for giving you your medicine will make sure that you have your medicine at the prescribed times.

This medicine will be given to you as an injection. If you have any concerns about this medicine or how this will be given to you, talk to someone who is involved in your medical care.

Having extra doses of some medicines can be harmful. In some cases even one extra dose can cause you problems.

In the case of Tetracosactide acetate, the person who is responsible for giving you your medicine will make sure that you are given the correct dose.

The person responsible for giving you this medicine will stop giving you this medicine when you no longer need it.

As Tetracosactide acetate will be given to you as an injection, it will usually be stored by the medical team.

Tetracosactide acetate is not suitable for everyone and some people should never use it. Other people should only use it with special care. It is important that the person prescribing this medicine knows your full medical history.

Your prescriber may only prescribe this medicine with special care or may not prescribe it at all if you:

As part of the process of assessing suitability to take this medicine a prescriber may also arrange tests:

Over time it is possible that Tetracosactide acetate can become unsuitable for some people, or they may become unsuitable for it. If at any time it appears that Tetracosactide acetate has become unsuitable, it is important that the prescriber is contacted immediately.

A medicine is only made available to the public if the clinical trials have shown that the benefits of taking the medicine outweigh the risks.

Once a medicine has been licensed, information on the medicine's effects, both intended and unintended, is continuously recorded and updated.

Some side-effects may be serious while others may only be a mild inconvenience.

Everyone's reaction to a medicine is different. It is difficult to predict which side-effects you will have from taking a particular medicine, or whether you will have any side-effects at all. The important thing is to tell your prescriber or pharmacist if you are having problems with your medicine.

The frequency of these side-effects is unknown:

• abnormal laboratory test results
• abscess
• acne
• adrenal problems
• anaphylactic shock
• angioedema
• appetite gain
• blood problems
• bone fractures
• breathing difficulties
• convulsions
• Cushing's syndrome or cushing-like symptoms
• decreased carbohydrate tolerance
• diabetes
• distension of the stomach
• easy bruising of the skin
• eye or eyesight problems
• feeling dizzy
• fluid retention
• flushing
• gastrointestinal problems
• general feeling of being unwell
• growth suppression in children
• hair overgrowth
• headaches
• heart problems
• high blood sugar
• hypersensitivity reactions
• increased sweating
• itching
• menstrual problems
• mental health problems
• metabolic problems
• muscle wasting
• muscle weakness
• nausea
• oedema
• oesophagitis
• osteonecrosis
• osteoporosis
• pancreatitis
• petechiae
• raised blood pressure
• raised intracranial pressure
• redness of the face
• reduced resistance to infection
• reduced response to skin tests
• skin colour changes
• skin problems
• skin problems at the injection site
• stomach ulcers which may bleed
• tendon rupture
• thromboembolism
• urticaria
• vasculitis
• vertigo
• vomiting
• weight gain
• wound healing problems

If you feel unwell or if you have concerns about a side-effect, you will need to seek advice. If you feel very ill, get medical help straight away. Contact your prescriber, pharmacist, nurse or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

If you are taking more than one medicine they may interact with each other. At times your prescriber may decide to use medicines that interact, in other cases this may not be appropriate.

The decision to use medicines that interact depends on your specific circumstances. Your prescriber may decide to use medicines that interact, if it is believed that the benefits of taking the medicines together outweigh the risks. In such cases, it may be necessary to alter your dose or monitor you more closely.

Tell your prescriber the names of all the medicines that you are taking so that they can consider all possible interactions. This includes all the medicines which have been prescribed by your GP, hospital doctor, dentist, nurse, health visitor, midwife or pharmacist. You must also tell your prescriber about medicines which you have bought over the counter without prescriptions.

The following types of medicine may interact with Tetracosactide acetate:

If you are taking Tetracosactide acetate and one of the above types of medicines, make sure your prescriber knows about it.

Medicines can interact with complementary preparations and vitamins. In general, there is not much information available about interactions between medicines and complementary preparations or vitamins.

If you are planning to take or are already taking any complementary preparations and vitamins you should ask your prescriber whether there are any known interactions with Tetracosactide acetate.

Your prescriber can advise whether it is appropriate for you to take combinations that are known to interact. They can also discuss with you the possible effect that the complementary preparations and vitamins may have on your condition.

If you experience any unusual effects while taking this medicine in combination with complementary preparations and vitamins, you should tell your prescriber.

When taking any medicine you should be aware that it might interfere with your ability to drive or operate machinery safely.

In the case of Tetracosactide acetate:

You should see how this medicine affects you before you judge whether you are safe to drive or operate machinery. If you are in any doubt about whether you should drive or operate machinery, talk to your prescriber.

Medicines can interact with certain foods. In some cases, this may be harmful and your prescriber may advise you to avoid certain foods.

In the case of Tetracosactide acetate:

Alcohol can interact with certain medicines.

In the case of Tetracosactide acetate:

Most medicines, in some way, can affect the development of a baby in the womb. The effect on the baby differs between medicines and also depends on the stage of pregnancy that you have reached when you take the medicine.

In the case of Tetracosactide acetate:

You need to discuss your specific circumstances with your doctor to weigh up the overall risks and benefits of having this medicine. You and your doctor can make a decision about whether you are going to have this medicine while you are pregnant.

Certain medicines can pass into breast milk and may reach your baby through breast-feeding.

In the case of Tetracosactide acetate:

Before you have your baby you should discuss breast-feeding with your doctor or midwife. They will help you decide what is best for you and your baby based on the benefits and risks associated with this medicine. You should only breast-feed your baby while taking this medicine on the advice of your doctor or midwife.

Medicines contain active ingredients. They may also contain other, additional ingredients that help ensure the stability, safety and effectiveness of the medicine. They may also be used to prolong the life of the medicine.

This medicine contains tetracosactide acetate.

We are unable to list all of the ingredients for your medicine here. For a full list, you should refer to the patient information leaflet that comes with this medicine or ask your prescriber. You should check that you are able to take the ingredients of your medicine, especially if you have any allergies.

If you are not able to take any of the ingredients in your medicine, talk to your prescriber or pharmacist to see if they can suggest an alternative medicine. If you have reacted badly to Tetracosactide acetate before, do not take Tetracosactide acetate. Talk to your prescriber, pharmacist or nurse as soon as possible.