Acthar Gel patient: Brandi carrying backpack outdoors Acthar Gel patient: Brandi carrying backpack outdoors

For people with systemic lupus erythematosus

Relief is possible

What is systemic lupus erythematosus?

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the most common type of lupus. It’s a chronic inflammatory condition that may affect your joints, skin, and kidneys. We don’t know what causes it. But most likely, both family history and factors in your environment may contribute to SLE.

People who have had SLE for a while may have seen their condition spread to other areas of the body. If you’ve been living with SLE and are still experiencing symptoms, you’re not alone. There may be a treatment that can help.

Acthar Gel patient: Bianca smiling

Bianca, treated her SLE with Acthar Gel.
Individual results may vary.

How you may feel

Signs and symptoms of SLE

Your SLE may have made you feel more tired or feverish than usual. Other common symptoms include hair loss and butterfly rashes. These symptoms can come and go.

When your symptoms suddenly feel worse, this is known as an SLE flare. If you’ve had a flare before, you know how unpredictable they can be. For example, a flare could cause a rash one week that may go away the next.

Doctors saw improvements in some people with SLE after treatment with Acthar Gel

A study based on a review of medical records looked at how Acthar Gel affected the symptoms of people with SLE. The study examined 30 people for 12 months before and for 12 months after treatment with Acthar Gel. Impression of change data was available for 19 people with SLE.

The most commonly reported symptoms in this study included:

Stiff and swollen joints

Fatigue

Pain and muscle weakness

Headaches

Shortness of breath


Of the 30 people in the study, 19 reported changes in their SLE symptoms.

Doctors rated

95%

of these 19 people with symptom changes as improved.*

*Of the 19 people who reported changes in their symptoms, doctors also rated 1 person with symptom changes as worsened. There were no results for 11 of the 30 people included in this study.

Five people reported side effects. Common side effects included diarrhea, upset stomach, and swelling. Four people reported serious side effects (muscle pain, dehydration, adrenal insufficiency, pneumonia, kidney failure, and mini stroke).

There were certain limits in this study. Acthar Gel is not a cure. Though Acthar Gel has been shown to help some people, not all people may experience the same results. Keep in mind that people in these clinical settings were on several treatments in addition to Acthar Gel. The results seen in these people may not be due to Acthar Gel.

Acthar Gel patient: Cathy shares her experience treating her systemic lupus erythematosus with Acthar Gel

MEET CATHY

"After trying several treatments that didn’t work for me, my rheumatologist suggested Acthar Gel."

Individual results may vary. Actual patient compensated for her time.

After taking Acthar Gel for 28 days, some people had relief from SLE symptoms

A separate single-site, unblinded study looked at whether Acthar Gel was effective in treating people with active SLE. Ten women were treated with Acthar Gel and examined for 28 days.

The study showed:

100%

of the 10 women in the study found symptom relief after taking Acthar Gel.

Symptoms evaluated in the study included:

Rashes

Tender and swollen joints

Fatigue

Other effects of Acthar Gel were observed, including improvements in day-to-day activities.

Two people experienced side effects. One person reported swelling in the legs and ankles. Another person reported a sinus infection. No one reported serious side effects.

There were certain limits in this study. Acthar Gel is not a cure. Though Acthar Gel has been shown to help some people, not all people may experience the same results. Keep in mind that people in these clinical settings were on several treatments in addition to Acthar Gel. The results seen in these people may not be due to Acthar Gel.

Acthar Gel patient using laptop: resources for treatment journey

Start the Conversation

Resources for your treatment journey

Download tools to help you learn more about Acthar Gel.

Talk to your doctor about Acthar Gel.

GET RESOURCES
Get the facts on SLE.
DOWNLOAD THE FACT SHEET
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What is Acthar Gel?

Acthar Gel is a prescription medicine used for:

  • Treatment for flares or on a regular basis (maintenance) in people with dermatomyositis or polymyositis (DM-PM)
  • Treatment for flares or on a regular basis (maintenance) in people with systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus)
  • Add-on therapy for short-term administration (to tide patients over an acute episode or exacerbation) in: psoriatic arthritis (PsA); rheumatoid arthritis (RA), including juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (selected cases may require low-dose maintenance therapy); ankylosing spondylitis
  • Treatment for people with symptoms of sarcoidosis
  • Treatment of severe acute and chronic allergic and inflammatory conditions affecting different parts of the eye. This can include the front part of the eye such as the cornea and iris, or the back part of the eye such as the optic nerve and retina
  • Reduction of proteinuria in people with nephrotic syndrome of the idiopathic type (unknown origin) without uremia (accumulation of urea in the blood due to malfunctioning kidneys) or that due to lupus erythematosus (lupus)
  • Treatment for adults with acute relapses or flares of multiple sclerosis (MS). Studies have shown Acthar to be effective in speeding recovery from an MS relapse. However, there is no evidence that it affects the ultimate outcome or natural history of the disease
  • Treatment of infantile spasms in infants and children under 2 years of age

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:

  • Have been given or are about to receive a live or live attenuated vaccine
  • 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
  • Addison’s disease or Cushing’s syndrome
  • Allergies to pig-derived proteins
  • Suspected infections at birth (in infants under 2 years of age)

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

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

  • Never inject Acthar directly into a vein
  • Acthar is injected beneath the skin or into the muscle. Always inject Acthar with SelfJect beneath the skin
  • 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
  • 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, retain too much salt and water, or have low blood potassium levels. As a result of this, your doctor may recommend some changes to your diet, such as eating less salt or 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 and 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. These effects are reversible once Acthar therapy is stopped
  • 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; these allergies may be severe. Signs of allergic reaction include:
    • Skin rash and itching
    • Swelling of the face, tongue, lips, or throat
    • Trouble breathing
  • The effects of Acthar may be intensified if you have an underactive thyroid or cirrhosis of the liver
  • 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 to become pregnant

What are the most common side effects of Acthar?

Commonly reported side effects of Acthar include:

  • Injection site reaction
  • Fatigue, physical weakness, and lack of energy
  • Fluid retention
  • Insomnia (difficulty sleeping)
  • Headache
  • High blood sugar

The most common side effects for the treatment of infantile spasms (IS) are:

  • Increased risk of infections
  • Convulsions
  • High blood pressure
  • Irritability
  • Fever

The above side effects may also be seen in adults and children over 2 years of age. Some children with IS progress to other forms of seizures; IS sometimes masks these seizures, which may become visible after treatment for IS has been completed.

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 1-800-FDA-1088 or visit www.fda.gov/medwatch. You may also report side effects by calling 1-800-844-28301-800-844-2830.

Please see full Prescribing Information. If you've been prescribed SelfJect, please see the 40‑unit or 80‑unit Instructions for Use and the 40‑unit or 80‑unit Quick Reference Guide.

For parents and caregivers of children with infantile spasms, please see the Medication Guide.

What is Acthar Gel?

Acthar Gel is a prescription medicine used for:

  • Treatment for flares or on a regular basis (maintenance) in people with dermatomyositis or polymyositis (DM-PM)
  • Treatment for flares or on a regular basis (maintenance) in people with systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus)
  • Add-on therapy for short-term administration (to tide patients over an acute episode or exacerbation) in: psoriatic arthritis (PsA); rheumatoid arthritis (RA), including juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (selected cases may require low-dose maintenance therapy); ankylosing spondylitis
  • Treatment for people with symptoms of sarcoidosis
  • Treatment of severe acute and chronic allergic and inflammatory conditions affecting different parts of the eye. This can include the front part of the eye such as the cornea and iris, or the back part of the eye such as the optic nerve and retina
  • Reduction of proteinuria in people with nephrotic syndrome of the idiopathic type (unknown origin) without uremia (accumulation of urea in the blood due to malfunctioning kidneys) or that due to lupus erythematosus (lupus)
  • Treatment for adults with acute relapses or flares of multiple sclerosis (MS). Studies have shown Acthar to be effective in speeding recovery from an MS relapse. However, there is no evidence that it affects the ultimate outcome or natural history of the disease
  • Treatment of infantile spasms in infants and children under 2 years of age

Acthar is injected beneath the skin or into the muscle.

What is Acthar Gel?

Acthar Gel is a prescription medicine used for:

  • Treatment for flares or on a regular basis (maintenance) in people with dermatomyositis or polymyositis (DM-PM)
  • Treatment for flares or on a regular basis (maintenance) in people with systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus)
  • Add-on therapy for short-term administration (to tide patients over an acute episode or exacerbation) in: psoriatic arthritis (PsA); rheumatoid arthritis (RA), including juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (selected cases may require low-dose maintenance therapy); ankylosing spondylitis
  • Treatment for people with symptoms of sarcoidosis
  • Treatment of severe acute and chronic allergic and inflammatory conditions affecting different parts of the eye. This can include the front part of the eye such as the cornea and iris, or the back part of the eye such as the optic nerve and retina
  • Reduction of proteinuria in people with nephrotic syndrome of the idiopathic type (unknown origin) without uremia (accumulation of urea in the blood due to malfunctioning kidneys) or that due to lupus erythematosus (lupus)
  • Treatment for adults with acute relapses or flares of multiple sclerosis (MS). Studies have shown Acthar to be effective in speeding recovery from an MS relapse. However, there is no evidence that it affects the ultimate outcome or natural history of the disease
  • Treatment of infantile spasms in infants and children under 2 years of age

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:

  • Have been given or are about to receive a live or live attenuated vaccine
  • 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
  • Addison’s disease or Cushing’s syndrome
  • Allergies to pig-derived proteins
  • Suspected infections at birth (in infants under 2 years of age)

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

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

  • Never inject Acthar directly into a vein
  • Acthar is injected beneath the skin or into the muscle. Always inject Acthar with SelfJect beneath the skin
  • 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
  • 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, retain too much salt and water, or have low blood potassium levels. As a result of this, your doctor may recommend some changes to your diet, such as eating less salt or 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 and 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. These effects are reversible once Acthar therapy is stopped
  • 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; these allergies may be severe. Signs of allergic reaction include:
    • Skin rash and itching
    • Swelling of the face, tongue, lips, or throat
    • Trouble breathing
  • The effects of Acthar may be intensified if you have an underactive thyroid or cirrhosis of the liver
  • 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 to become pregnant

What are the most common side effects of Acthar?

Commonly reported side effects of Acthar include:

  • Injection site reaction
  • Fatigue, physical weakness, and lack of energy
  • Fluid retention
  • Insomnia (difficulty sleeping)
  • Headache
  • High blood sugar

The most common side effects for the treatment of infantile spasms (IS) are:

  • Increased risk of infections
  • Convulsions
  • High blood pressure
  • Irritability
  • Fever

The above side effects may also be seen in adults and children over 2 years of age. Some children with IS progress to other forms of seizures; IS sometimes masks these seizures, which may become visible after treatment for IS has been completed.

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 1-800-FDA-1088 or visit www.fda.gov/medwatch. You may also report side effects by calling 1-800-844-28301-800-844-2830.

Please see full Prescribing Information. If you've been prescribed SelfJect, please see the 40‑unit or 80‑unit Instructions for Use and the 40‑unit or 80‑unit Quick Reference Guide.

For parents and caregivers of children with infantile spasms, please see the Medication Guide.

What is Acthar Gel?

Acthar Gel is a prescription medicine used for:

  • Treatment for flares or on a regular basis (maintenance) in people with dermatomyositis or polymyositis (DM-PM)
  • Treatment for flares or on a regular basis (maintenance) in people with systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus)
  • Add-on therapy for short-term administration (to tide patients over an acute episode or exacerbation) in: psoriatic arthritis (PsA); rheumatoid arthritis (RA), including juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (selected cases may require low-dose maintenance therapy); ankylosing spondylitis
  • Treatment for people with symptoms of sarcoidosis
  • Treatment of severe acute and chronic allergic and inflammatory conditions affecting different parts of the eye. This can include the front part of the eye such as the cornea and iris, or the back part of the eye such as the optic nerve and retina
  • Reduction of proteinuria in people with nephrotic syndrome of the idiopathic type (unknown origin) without uremia (accumulation of urea in the blood due to malfunctioning kidneys) or that due to lupus erythematosus (lupus)
  • Treatment for adults with acute relapses or flares of multiple sclerosis (MS). Studies have shown Acthar to be effective in speeding recovery from an MS relapse. However, there is no evidence that it affects the ultimate outcome or natural history of the disease
  • Treatment of infantile spasms in infants and children under 2 years of age

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:

  • Have been given or are about to receive a live or live attenuated vaccine
  • 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
  • Addison’s disease or Cushing’s syndrome
  • Allergies to pig-derived proteins
  • Suspected infections at birth (in infants under 2 years of age)

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

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

  • Never inject Acthar directly into a vein
  • Acthar is injected beneath the skin or into the muscle. Always inject Acthar with SelfJect beneath the skin
  • 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
  • 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, retain too much salt and water, or have low blood potassium levels. As a result of this, your doctor may recommend some changes to your diet, such as eating less salt or 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 and 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. These effects are reversible once Acthar therapy is stopped
  • 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; these allergies may be severe. Signs of allergic reaction include:
    • Skin rash and itching
    • Swelling of the face, tongue, lips, or throat
    • Trouble breathing
  • The effects of Acthar may be intensified if you have an underactive thyroid or cirrhosis of the liver
  • 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 to become pregnant

What are the most common side effects of Acthar?

Commonly reported side effects of Acthar include:

  • Injection site reaction
  • Fatigue, physical weakness, and lack of energy
  • Fluid retention
  • Insomnia (difficulty sleeping)
  • Headache
  • High blood sugar

The most common side effects for the treatment of infantile spasms (IS) are:

  • Increased risk of infections
  • Convulsions
  • High blood pressure
  • Irritability
  • Fever

The above side effects may also be seen in adults and children over 2 years of age. Some children with IS progress to other forms of seizures; IS sometimes masks these seizures, which may become visible after treatment for IS has been completed.

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 1-800-FDA-1088 or visit www.fda.gov/medwatch. You may also report side effects by calling 1-800-844-28301-800-844-2830.

Please see full Prescribing Information. If you've been prescribed SelfJect, please see the 40‑unit or 80‑unit Instructions for Use and the 40‑unit or 80‑unit Quick Reference Guide.

For parents and caregivers of children with infantile spasms, please see the Medication Guide.