Cortef (Hyrocortisone Acetate)

Cortef Information

Cortef is used to reduce swelling (inflammation) in the body, including the lungs, skin, tendons. Your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids to treat other conditions as well.

Cortef Warnings

This medicine should be used with caution by patients with: low thyroid activity; heart or circulatory disease; liver disorders; stomach ulcers; diabetes; poor wound healing. Avoid anyone who has chicken pox or measles while taking Cortef. Patients with compromised immune systems are at higher risk of infection.

Drug Interactions: This medication may have a decrease effect when taking barbiturates, phenytoin, or other drugs that affect liver function. It may decrease the effect of recent vaccinations and other anti-inflammatory medications. Talk to your pharmacist or physician if you are taking other drugs with Cortef. It can alter liver function and decrease the effect of other drugs metabolized by the liver. It can also alter glucose levels affecting insulin-dosing needs. Talk to your pharmacist or physician if you are taking other drugs with Cortef.

If you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant talk to your doctor about the risk versus the benefits of taking this medicine during pregnancy. For nursing mothers, talk to your pediatrician about possible risks to your baby while breast-feeding with this medicine.

Cortef Side Effects

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking hydrocortisone and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately: - an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); -increased blood pressure (severe headache or blurred vision); or -sudden weight gain (more than 5 pounds in a day or two).

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take hydrocortisone and talk to your doctor if you experience - insomnia; nausea, vomiting, or stomach upset; fatigue or dizziness; muscle weakness or joint pain; problems with diabetes control; or increased hunger or thirst.

Cortef Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention. A single large dose of this medication is unlikely to cause symptoms or death. An overdose is more likely to be caused by a chronic overdose--large doses taken over a period of time. Symptoms of an overdose include obesity (especially around the stomach); a round face; increased hair growth (especially around the face); acne; bruising; increased blood pressure; swollen hands, feet, or ankles (fluid retention); and sore or weak muscles. In case of a missed dose take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double doses.

Cortef Usage guidelines

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor and pharmacist. This medicine is best taken with food or after a meal to avoid stomach upset. It is best to take this medicine in the morning, generally after breakfast. Taking corticosteroids in the evening can cause you difficulty in falling asleep. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Read the patient handout that comes with this medicine. This medicine may be administered as an injection. Your healthcare provider will administer the injection or will give you detailed instructions on how to inject the medication at home. Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed.

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