Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

OCTACOSACTRIN

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Synthetic adrenocorticotrophic hormone (corticotrophin or ACTH) analogue consisting of the
first 28 amino- acids of the human variety. A polypeptide consisting of 39 amino- acids.
Stimulates development of the adrenal cortex and increases the rate at which corticoid
hormones (corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone, some mineralocorticoids such as
corticosterone and, to a lesser extent, androgens) are secreted by the adrenal gland. As a
therapeutic agent ACTH stimulates the activity of the adrenal cortex and produces a high
level of circulating hydrocortisone. It is used in conditions where prednisolone and other
corticosteroids may be used (adrenal insufficiency, control of asthma, anti- inflammatory
treatment, muscular disorders etc.). It may be withdrawn with greater ease than
corticosteroids (because it produces hyperplasia rather than atrophy) and is sometimes
used in preference. Corticosteroids on the other hand can be given by mouth and are
usually preferred. Other uses include prevention of withdrawal symptoms when
corticosteroid therapies are stopped. Also used as a diagnostic agent to test the
secretory activity of the adrenal cortex (usually by measurement of total 17-
hydroxycorticosteroid excreted in the urine). Normally given intravenously as the
tetraacetate.

SYNONYMS

C150-H230-N44-O38-S, "alpha(sup 1-28)-corticotrophin (human)", "alpha(sup 1-28)-
corticotrophin (human)", "[25-aspartic acid, 26-alanine, 27-glycine]corticotrophin-(1-28)-
octacosapeptide", Ser-Tyr-Ser-Met-Glu-His-Phe-Arg-try-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-Gly-Lys-Lys-Arg-Arg-
Pro-Val-Lys-Val-Tyr-Pro-Asp-Ala-Gly-Glu, "Actid 1-28", "Actid 1-28", Octacosactid,
Tosactid, "synthetic adrenocorticotrophic hormone", "synthetic ACTH", "synthetic
corticotropin", "synthetic corticotropin-like substances", "pituitary gland hormone
analogue", poly-peptide

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Although ingestion is not thought to produce harmful effects, the material may still be damaging to the health of the individual following ingestion, especially where pre-  existing organ (e.g. liver, kidney) damage is evident. Present definitions of harmful or toxic substances are generally based on doses producing mortality (death) rather than those producing morbidity (disease, ill-health). Gastrointestinal tract discomfort may produce nausea and vomiting. In an occupational setting however, ingestion of insignificant quantities is not thought to be cause for concern.  

EYE

  Although the material is not thought to be an irritant, direct contact with the eye may produce transient discomfort characterized by tearing or conjunctival redness (as with windburn).  The dust may produce eye discomfort causing smarting, pain and redness.  

SKIN

  The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects or skin irritation following contact (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable gloves be used in an occupational setting.  Open cuts, abraded or irritated skin should not be exposed to this material.  

INHALED

  The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects or irritation of the respiratory tract (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable control measures be used in an occupational setting.  Persons with impaired respiratory function, airway diseases and conditions such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis, may incur further disability if excessive concentrations of particulate are inhaled.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Principal routes of exposure are usually by skin contact/absorption and inhalation of generated dust.  Exposure to small quantities may induce hypersensitivity reactions characterized by acute bronchospasm, hives (urticaria), deep dermal wheals (angioneurotic edema), running nose (rhinitis) and blurred vision . Anaphylactic shock and skin rash (non-thrombocytopenic purpura) may occur. An individual may be predisposed to such anti-body mediated reaction if other chemical agents have caused prior sensitization (cross-sensitivity).