ACTH Side Effects

Adrenocorticotropin, also called ACTH and corticotropin, is an anterior pituitary hormone which is naturally produced in the brain. ACTH is sold under the brand name H.P. Acthar Gel. It is available for injection into the muscle or fat layer and is indicated for a wide variety of diseases. According to 2005 Lippincott's Nursing Drug Guide, ACTH is prescribed for hypercalcemia, tuberculous meningitis, nonsupppurative thyroiditis, trichinosis, glucocorticoid-sensitive disorders, multiple sclerosis and the following types of disease: allergic, blood, breathing, collagen, eye, gastrointestinal, rheumatic, skin and swelling. It may also be prescribed for infantile spasms.

Cardiovascular and Blood-related Side Effects

Common cardiovascular and blood-related side effects of ACTH include fluid and electrolyte imbalances, fast heart rate, a sensation of the heart pounding in the chest, fluid retention and high blood pressure. Less common side effects include inflammation of the blood vessel wall, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure and negative nitrogen balance.

Neurological Side Effects

Common neurological side effects include insomnia, depression, headache, euphoria, mood swings and a feeling one is about to fall. Less common side effects include psychosis, reversible brain matter shrinkage in infants, bleeding in the brain, seizures, convulsions, pressure within the brain, glaucoma, cataract, protrusion of the eyeballs and increased intraocular (inside the eye) pressure.

Endocrine System Side Effects

A common endocrine system side effect is a reduction of hormone release from the adrenal glands and the pituitary gland. Less common side effects include antibody production, diabetes mellitus, glucose intolerance, decreased tolerance of carbohydrates and slowed growth in children. According to Drugs.com, patients with diabetes who take ACTH may need an increased amount of insulin or oral hypoglycemic drugs.

Reproductive Side Effects

Common reproductive side effects include menstrual irregularities and lack of menstrual periods.

Gastrointestinal Side Effects

A common gastrointestinal side effect of ACTH is diarrhea. Less common side effects include inflamed pancreas, swelling of the abdomen and ulcer of the esophagus, stomach or intestine.

Musculoskeletal Side Effects

A common musculoskeletal side effect is muscle weakness. Less common side effects include muscle wasting, muscle pain, fracture and osteoporosis.

Skin-Related Side Effects

Common skin-related side effects of adrenocorticotropin hormone include acne, bruising, excessive hair growth, reddened skin areas, thin skin, fragile skin, slow wound healing and reaction at the injection site. Uncommon side effects include darkening of the skin and facial redness.

Other Side Effects

Other common side effects include immunosuppression, hidden symptoms of infection and increased sweating. According to 2005 Lippincott's Nursing Drug Guide, ACTH can cause inactive infections to become active, including abscesses, pneumonia, gastrointestinal infections, tuberculosis, genitourinary infections, eye infections, fungal infections and sepsis. Life-threatening allergic or hypersensitivity reactions can also occur.