Cortef

The active ingredient in Cortef is hydrocortisone which is a glucocorticoid. It is also commonly classified as a corticosteroid. It's a synthetic version of cortisol, a hormone that your body naturally produces. It works by reducing particular molecules in your body that produce itching, redness, swelling, and pain.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Cortef. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Cortef:

• If Cortef causes stomach upset, take it with meals.
• If you have difficulties sleeping, take this medication early in the day. Follow your doctor's dosing recommendations carefully.
• If you have a major sickness, fever, infection, surgery, or a medical emergency, your dose may need to be adjusted. Inform your doctor about any such circumstances that influence you.
• Your doctor will need to monitor your progress on an ongoing basis.
• Wear a medical alert tag or carry an ID card to let others know you take steroids.

The most common side effects of Cortef include:

• High blood sugar levels.
• High blood pressure.
• Muscle weakness.
• Gastrointestinal or stomach pain.
• Fluid retention or edema.
• Insomnia or trouble sleeping.
• Mood swings.
• Headaches.
• Dermatologic symptoms: Acne, allergic dermatitis, dry scalp, edema, facial redness.
• Weight gain or increased appetite.
• Increased risk of infection.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Cortef. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Allergic reactions: difficulty breathing or swallowing, swelling (of the face, lips, mouth, or throat), peeling skin, rash, or hives.
• Increased risk of serious infections: signs of infection include fever, chills, flu-like symptoms, cough, pain when passing urine, or a wound that will not heal.
• Adrenal insufficiency: tiredness, joint or muscle pain, and low energy if stopped abruptly.
• Eye problems and an increased risk of glaucoma, cataracts, and some eye infections.
• Weakened bones and a higher risk of osteoporosis and fractures, especially if you smoke, do not exercise, do not get enough vitamin D or calcium in your diet, or have a family history of osteoporosis.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Cortef. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Cortef, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of any of the following:

• Cortef should not be used if you are allergic to it, cortisone, corticosteroids, or have a systemic fungal infection.
• Steroids can impair your immune system, making it easier to contract an illness or an exacerbation of one you already have. Tell your doctor about any illness or infection you've had in the last few weeks.
• Salt restriction and potassium supplementation may be necessary.
• Corticosteroids may increase the clearance of chronic high-dose aspirin. This could lead to decreased salicylate serum levels or increase the risk of salicylate toxicity.
• Inform your doctor if you've ever had:
• Heart disease with high blood pressure (hypertension).
• Congestive heart failure.
• Tuberculosis.
• Kidney disease.
• Cirrhosis and other hepatic (liver) diseases.

-A thyroid condition.

• Osteoporosis or low bone mineral density.
• Stomach ulcers.
• Diabetes.
• An ileostomy or colostomy.
• Depression or mental illness.
• Glaucoma or cataracts.
• Herpes infection of the eye.
• A muscular disorder, such as myasthenia gravis.
• Persons who are on immunosuppressant doses of corticosteroids should be warned to avoid exposure to chicken pox, shingles (zoster), or measles. Patients should also be advised that if they are exposed.

• If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, please notify your healthcare professional because Hydrocortisone (Cortef) is not safe for you to consume.
• A current fungal infection.
• Administration of live or live, attenuated vaccines is contraindicated in patients receiving immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids.

Cortef begins acting about 30 minutes after taking a dose. How long it will take to reach its full effects will depend on several factors, including what condition is being treated.

When Cortef is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Birth control tablets or hormonal replacement medication.
• Certain heart medications.
• Insulin or oral diabetic medications.
• Antibiotics.
• Seizure medicine.
• A blood thinner like warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven).
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.

The typical oral dose of hydrocortisone ranges from 20 mg to 240 mg per day and hydrocortisone tablets come in three strengths: 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg. The strength your doctor prescribes depends on what condition. Your healthcare professional will adjust your dose based on your response and any negative effects.

Store Cortef at room temperature and out of reach of children.

Pfizer is the pharmaceutical company that manufactures Cortef.

There are several lower-cost generic versions available of Cortef.

Do not stop taking Cortef abruptly. Speak to your healthcare provider and they will tell you which type of tapering method is best for you.

There is not much information on taking Cortef while pregnant. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Cortef can pass into your breast milk. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.