Synacthen Depot

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How does it work?

Tetracosactide (previously known as tetracosactrin in the UK) is a synthetic analogue of the naturally-occurring hormone, adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH). In the normal situation, ACTH is released from the pituitary gland in the brain. It acts on the adrenal glands to stimulate the production of steroid hormones (glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids, and, to a lesser extent, androgens (male sex hormones. If the adrenal glands are healthy, a single injection of tetracosactide results in a rise in blood cortisol (hydrocortisone) concentrations in 30 minutes. If the adrenal glands appear not to be working then tetracosactide injection can be given to check whether the problem is due to diseased or damaged adrenals or due to lack of pituitary ACTH. This injection is used for diagnostic purposes only. It suitable for treatment of adrenal insufficiency.

What is it used for?

- Adrenal function testing

Warning!

- This medicine may reduce your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you and you are sure it won't affect your performance.
- Rarely, anaphylaxis may develop. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction of rapid onset, causing the patient to collapse and require emergency treatment.

Not to be used in

- Allergic conditions such as hay fever; itchy rash; reactions to food, insect bites or medicines
- Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient
- Previous allergic reaction to the medicine

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.