Why is this medication prescribed?

Cortef is a brand name for hydrocortisone, which is a corticosteroid medication. It is prescribed for various conditions, including but not limited to:

• Adrenal insufficiency: It is used to replace the deficient cortisol hormone in individuals with adrenal insufficiency, such as Addison’s disease.
• Inflammatory conditions: It can be prescribed to manage inflammation in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, and certain skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
• Allergic reactions: Cortef can be used to treat severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis.
• Autoimmune disorders: It is sometimes prescribed to suppress the immune system in autoimmune disorders like lupus or multiple sclerosis.
• Cancer treatment: Hydrocortisone can be used as supportive care during cancer treatment to alleviate symptoms like nausea and vomiting.

How should this medicine be used?

As for how Cortef should be used, it’s crucial to follow your doctor’s instructions precisely. Typically, it is taken orally as tablets or granules. The dosage and frequency depend on the condition being treated, its severity, and individual response to the medication. Here are some general guidelines:

• Dosage: Your doctor will prescribe the appropriate dosage for your condition. This may be adjusted over time based on your response to the medication and any side effects.
• Timing: Cortef is usually taken with food or milk to help minimize stomach upset. Follow the specific instructions given by your doctor regarding when and how often to take it.
• Duration: It’s essential to take Cortef for the full duration prescribed by your doctor, even if you start feeling better before the medication course is completed. Suddenly stopping corticosteroid medication can lead to withdrawal symptoms or a relapse of the condition being treated.
• Monitoring: Regular check-ups with your doctor are necessary while taking Cortef to monitor your progress, adjust your dosage if needed, and check for any side effects or complications.
• Caution: Corticosteroids like Cortef can have significant side effects, especially with long-term use. These may include weight gain, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, diabetes, mood changes, and increased susceptibility to infections. It’s crucial to weigh the benefits of the medication against the potential risks and to use it under close medical supervision.

Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice on the proper use of Cortef based on your individual medical history and current health status.

Other uses for this medicine

Other uses of Cortef beyond its primary indications may include:

• Treatment of certain autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis
• Management of certain types of cancer, especially leukemia and lymphoma, to alleviate symptoms and reduce inflammation
• Supportive therapy for patients undergoing organ transplantation to prevent organ rejection
• Management of certain hormonal disorders, such as adrenal insufficiency

What special precautions should I follow?

Special precautions should be followed when using Cortef:

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss the risks and benefits of using Cortef with your healthcare provider. Corticosteroids like Cortef may pass into breast milk and could potentially affect a nursing infant.
• Medical conditions: Inform your healthcare provider about any medical conditions you have, especially diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, glaucoma, tuberculosis, or infections. Cortef may worsen these conditions or interact with other medications you are taking.
• Immunizations: Avoid receiving live vaccines while taking Cortef, as corticosteroids can weaken the immune system’s response to vaccines. Discuss with your healthcare provider about the appropriate timing for vaccinations.
• Long-term use: Prolonged use of Cortef can lead to a condition called adrenal suppression, where the body’s natural production of cortisol is suppressed. To minimize the risk, your healthcare provider may prescribe the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible.
• Monitor for side effects: Be vigilant for any signs of side effects while taking Cortef, including increased thirst, urination, appetite changes, weight gain, mood changes, muscle weakness, easy bruising, or signs of infection. Notify your healthcare provider if you experience any concerning symptoms.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and guidelines for using Cortef, and do not hesitate to ask questions or seek clarification about its use and potential side effects.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

• Avoid excessive salt: Cortef can cause sodium retention and fluid retention, leading to increased blood pressure. To help mitigate this effect, limit your intake of high-sodium foods such as processed foods, canned soups, and salty snacks.
• Calcium and vitamin D: Long-term use of Cortef can increase the risk of osteoporosis. Ensure an adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D through diet or supplements to support bone health.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

• Take it as soon as you remember: If you miss a dose of Cortef, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double up on doses to make up for a missed one.
• Consult your healthcare provider: If you are unsure about what to do if you miss a dose or if you have missed multiple doses, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance. They can provide specific instructions based on your individual circumstances.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Cortef (hydrocortisone) can cause various side effects, especially with prolonged use or at higher doses. These side effects can vary in severity and may include:

• Suppression of the adrenal glands: Long-term use of Cortef can suppress the natural production of cortisol by the adrenal glands, leading to adrenal insufficiency. This can result in symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, nausea, and low blood pressure, especially if Cortef is abruptly discontinued.
• Immune system suppression: Cortef can weaken the immune system, increasing the risk of infections. Patients may be more susceptible to bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic infections. Serious infections such as tuberculosis may be reactivated in individuals who have latent infections.
• Fluid retention: Cortef can cause sodium and water retention, leading to edema (fluid buildup) and increased blood pressure. This may manifest as swelling in the extremities, rapid weight gain, or worsening of pre-existing hypertension.
• Osteoporosis: Long-term use of Cortef can lead to bone loss and increase the risk of osteoporosis, a condition characterized by fragile and brittle bones. This can increase the risk of fractures, especially in the spine, hips, and wrists.
• Glucose intolerance and diabetes: Cortef can increase blood sugar levels and worsen glucose tolerance, leading to hyperglycemia. Patients with diabetes may require adjustments to their diabetes medications while taking Cortef.
• Gastrointestinal effects: Common gastrointestinal side effects of Cortef include stomach irritation, ulcers, and gastrointestinal bleeding. Some patients may also experience nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain.
• Weight gain: Cortef can cause fluid retention and increased appetite, leading to weight gain, especially in the abdominal area. This side effect is more common with long-term use or higher doses of Cortef.
• Psychiatric effects: Cortef can affect mood and behavior, leading to mood swings, irritability, anxiety, depression, or insomnia. In some cases, Cortef may also cause psychiatric disorders such as psychosis or mania.
• Cataracts and glaucoma: Long-term use of Cortef may increase the risk of developing cataracts (clouding of the eye lens) and glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye).
• Skin changes: Cortef can cause skin thinning, easy bruising, delayed wound healing, and increased susceptibility to skin infections.

It’s important to discuss the potential side effects of Cortef with your healthcare provider before starting treatment. Your healthcare provider will monitor you for any adverse reactions and may adjust your dosage or prescribe additional medications to manage side effects as needed. Additionally, do not stop taking Cortef abruptly without consulting your healthcare provider, as this can lead to withdrawal symptoms or adrenal insufficiency.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Regarding storage and disposal of Cortef:

Storage:

• Store Cortef at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
• Keep it out of reach of children and pets.
• Do not store Cortef in the bathroom or near the kitchen sink where it might get wet.

Disposal:

• Dispose of Cortef properly according to local regulations or specific disposal instructions provided by your pharmacist.
• Do not flush Cortef down the toilet unless instructed to do so.
• If you’re unsure about how to dispose of Cortef safely, consult your pharmacist or healthcare provider.

In case of emergency/overdose

• In case of an emergency or overdose, contact your local poison control center (1-800-222-1222 in the United States) or seek immediate medical attention.
• Symptoms of Cortef overdose may include confusion, unusual thoughts or behavior, seizure, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, sweating, and weakness.

What other information should I know?

• Inform your doctor about any other medications, supplements, or herbal products you are taking, as they may interact with Cortef.
• Avoid alcohol consumption while taking Cortef, as it can increase the risk of certain side effects.
• Cortef may weaken the immune system, so avoid contact with people who have infections or illnesses.
• Long-term use of Cortef may increase the risk of osteoporosis, so discuss with your doctor about measures to prevent bone loss.
• Carry a medical alert card or wear a medical alert bracelet indicating that you are taking Cortef, especially if you are on long-term treatment or have adrenal insufficiency.
• Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully regarding dosage adjustments, tapering off the medication, and regular follow-up appointments to monitor your condition and any side effects.

By being informed about these aspects of Cortef, you can ensure safe and effective use of the medication.