Acthar Gel (repository corticotropin)
Acthar Gel and Purified Cortrophin Gel are made from pig pituitary glands. This is the medicine itself, not an added ingredient.
What this means
This page covers all strengths of Acthar Gel and Purified Cortrophin Gel. ACTH signals the adrenal glands to make their own hormones. Cosyntropin (Cortrosyn) is a synthetic form of part of the ACTH molecule; it is a different medicine, used and dosed differently. Talk to your doctor about your treatment.
- Keep taking it as prescribed, and do not change or stop it without your prescriber.
- Tell your doctor the source matters to you, and ask whether a different medicine is medically appropriate for you.
- Bring this to a scholar you trust.
This answered your Acthar Gel question. What about your other medications?
Acthar Gel is animal-derived in the medicine itself, so the answer is the same whoever makes it. Most medications are different: the animal ingredient is a hidden one, like the gelatin in a capsule or a coating, and its source changes depending on which manufacturer made your bottle. The label never says which.
A licensed pharmacist asks the manufacturer of your exact medication, in writing, and reports the stated source. Check one of your medications →