Cortrosyn Description

Your doctor may want to test your blood for adrenocorticotropic hormone, better known as ACTH, if you display signs or symptoms that your levels are too high or too low. You may experience weak muscles, acne, high blood pressure or glucose levels, and an increased amount of body hair if you are producing too much cortisol. Fatigue, low blood pressure, loss of appetite, and high calcium or potassium levels are indicators that you are not producing enough.

A Cortrosyn Injection Can Detect Changes in ACTH and Cortisol Levels

ACTH and cortisol levels fluctuate throughout the day; the highest being in the early morning (6 am-8 am) and lowest between 6 pm and 11 pm so your doctor will decide when the testing will be conducted. The Cortrosyn injection is administered in a doctor’s office or laboratory and will reveal if your cortisol levels are high or low.

The adrenocorticotropic hormone is secreted into your bloodstream throughout the day and is carried around your body. As it reaches your adrenal glands it causes the secretion of more cortisol, a natural steroid hormone that helps you and your body handle stress. If you are showing high levels of ACTH and low cortisol (or vice versa) you may have a problem with your adrenal glands, and low levels of both of these hormones could be caused by pituitary gland problems. Take note of any special instructions for diet or medications before the ACTH test.

Conditions Treated by Cortrosyn

There are several conditions or diseases that can be detected through the injection of Cortrosyn, including Cushing’s disease/Cushing’s syndrome, Addison’s disease, an adrenal tumor, or hypopituitarism. Cushing’s disease is a medical cause of Cushing’s syndrome. The disease occurs as a result of a pituitary gland tumor that induces the production of too much adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and Cushing’s syndrome occurs most commonly with the overuse of corticosteroid drugs that may be prescribed long-term to treat arthritis and other conditions that require anti-inflammatory and/or immunosuppressant properties.

Before You Are Administered Cortrosyn

Discuss any risks with your doctor if you are given Cortrosyn while you are or may become pregnant or if you are breast feeding. Tell your doctor about other medical conditions or allergies you have and list any OTC and Rx drugs you are taking, including herbal remedies and dietary or vitamin supplements. This will allow your doctor to determine if Cortrosyn is safe for you.

Follow All Instructions Before a Cortrosyn Injection

There may be some dietary restrictions or certain liquids you cannot drink before having the Cortrosyn injection. You could be asked to stop taking some of your medications, including vitamin or mineral supplements for a determined time period. Read any written instructions carefully and thoroughly to attain accurate test results from Cortrosyn.

Possible Side Effects of Cortrosyn

• Sweating
• Facial flushing
• Rash or redness at injection site
• Rise in blood pressure
• Edema or swelling in limbs