Answers to your most common questions

Find clear answers to the most frequently asked questions about ALKINDI SPRINKLE® (hydrocortisone) oral granules.

Pediatric adrenal insufficiency is when the adrenal glands, located above the kidneys, do not produce enough hormones that are crucial for various bodily functions. These hormones include cortisol, which helps the body respond to stress, maintain blood sugar levels, and regulate metabolism, and aldosterone, which helps control blood pressure and balance sodium and potassium in the body.

Treating adrenal insufficiency in children requires replacing the deficient cortisol hormone and managing symptoms to prevent complications. Early intervention, careful monitoring, and education are key components in managing this lifelong condition.

A sprinkle medication is an oral dosage form designed to help make it easier for children or those with difficulty swallowing to take their medication. Sprinkle medications usually come in the form of small granules or microcapsules contained within a capsule. These granules can be “sprinkled” onto soft foods or poured directly into the child’s mouth followed by liquids to make them easier to take.

ALKINDI SPRINKLE is an oral prescription medicine of hydrocortisone used in children from birth to less than 17 years old as replacement therapy when the adrenal gland is not making enough cortisol. ALKINDI SPRINKLE  granules are stored in color-coded capsules for easy identification to help provide accurate dosing for children with adrenal insufficiency.

Please see Important Safety Information below.

ALKINDI SPRINKLE is available in multiple strengths: 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg, and 5 mg.

ALKINDI SPRINKLE can be sprinkled on soft food administered directly into your child’s mouth.

Here’s how to take the sprinkle medication:

1. Check expiration and prepare
Check the expiration date on the ALKINDI SPRINKLE bottle.  Do not  use after the expiration date listed on the bottle. Then, remove the prescribed dose of ALKINDI SPRINKLE capsules from the bottle.

2. Hold and tap
Hold capsule with the writing at the top. Tap the capsule to make sure the granules fall to the bottom.

3. Squeeze
Gently squeeze the bottom of the capsule to loosen the top from
the bottom.

4. Twist and remove
Carefully twist off the top of the capsule.

5. Sprinkle
ALKINDI SPRINKLE can be given by spoon with soft food or sprinkled directly into your child’s mouth.

6. Tap
Tap the capsule to ensure all the granules are removed. Avoid wetting the capsule on the tongue or soft food as this may result in granules remaining in the capsule.

7. Give fluids
After giving ALKINDI SPRINKLE, give your child a sip of fluids, such as water, milk, breast milk, or formula, right away to ensure all granules are swallowed.

Unlike hydrocortisone treatments for adults, ALKINDI SPRINKLE can be individualized to your child’s specific cortisol needs for the lowest possible dose without having to crush or split tablets.

Remember to follow all directions on your prescription label and read the Medication Guide and Instructions for Use. Use the medicine exactly as directed by your child’s doctor.

ALKINDI SPRINKLE granules may sometimes be seen in stools because the center of the granule is not absorbed in the gut after the drug has been released.

If your child dislikes the texture, try mixing ALKINDI SPRINKLE with a small amount of soft food like yogurt or applesauce.

ALKINDI SPRINKLE was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on September 29, 2020. It was approved as a pediatric formulation of hydrocortisone for use in newborns and children with adrenal insufficiency, providing a child-friendly option for hormone replacement therapy.

This approval marked an important development in pediatric care, offering a treatment option for young patients who require cortisol replacement therapy.

The cost of ALKINDI SPRINKLE can vary depending on the dosage. Prices may differ based on whether insurance or discount programs are used.

For patients with insurance, there are programs available to help reduce the out-of-pocket costs. The Eton Cares Program offers financial assistance, where eligible, commercially insured patients might pay as little as $0 per month for their prescription. Restrictions, limitations, and/or eligibility requirements may apply.

To explore these savings options or enroll in an assistance program, you can contact Eton Cares at 1-833-343-2500 (available Monday through Friday, 8 AM-5 PM CT) or visit www.AlkindiSprinkle.com/support/ for more details.

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