SYNACTHEN 0.25mg / 1ml injectible solution medication leaflet

H01AA02 • tetracosactide • Systemic hormonal preparations, excluding sex hormones and insulins | Anterior pituitary lobe hormones and analogues | Acth

Tetracosactide is a medication primarily used for diagnosing adrenal insufficiency and treating certain severe inflammatory conditions. It is a synthetic analog of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which stimulates the adrenal glands to produce corticosteroids, such as cortisol.

For diagnostic purposes, tetracosactide is used in the ACTH stimulation test to assess adrenal gland function. This test helps identify primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease) or secondary insufficiency (caused by pituitary dysfunction). Therapeutically, tetracosactide may be used to treat inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or ulcerative colitis when other treatments are ineffective.

The medication is administered via intramuscular or intravenous injection under medical supervision. Common side effects include increased blood pressure, fluid retention, hyperglycemia, and, rarely, allergic reactions. It is contraindicated in patients with active systemic infections, severe hypertension, or decompensated heart failure.