Cosyntropin Injection

What is this medication?

COSYNTROPIN (KOE sin TROE pin) helps diagnose adrenal gland conditions. It is used in a challenge test to assess your body’s stress response. It works by helping your care team assess how much cortisol is made by your adrenal glands.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Cortrosyn

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to cosyntropin, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is injected into a vein or muscle. It is given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be given to children as young as newborns for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What may interact with this medication?

• Estrogen
• Spironolactone
• Steroid medications, such as prednisone or cortisone

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

You will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication.

Some medications, such as steroids, spironolactone, and estrogen hormones, can change the results of this test. Make sure you tell your care team about all the medications you take. They will let you know if you need to stop taking any of them for a period of time before the test.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Increase in blood pressure
• Slow heartbeat—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, confusion, trouble breathing, unusual weakness or fatigue

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.