Florinef

Florinef Drug Information

• Florinef Overview

  Fludrocortisone is a man-made form of a natural substance (glucocorticoid) made by the body. Florinef is used along with other medications (e.g., hydrocortisone) to treat low glucocorticoid levels caused by disease of the adrenal gland (e.g., Addison's disease, adrenocortical insufficiency, salt-losing adrenogenital syndrome). Glucocorticoids are needed in many ways for the body to function well. They are important for salt and water balance and keeping blood pressure normal. They are also needed to break down carbohydrates in your diet.

• How to Use Florinef

  Take Florinef by mouth with or without food, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor. Your doctor will adjust your dose to the one that is best for you. The Dosage of Florinef is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. In order to get the most benefit from Florinef, follow the dosing schedule carefully, and take Florinef exactly as prescribed. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. If you are taking Florinef on another schedule besides every day (e.g., only 3 days a week), it may help to mark your calendar with a reminder. Do not increase or decrease your dose, take Florinef more often, or stop taking Florinef without your doctor's approval. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

• Florinef Precautions

  Before taking fludrocortisone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Florinef may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Florinef should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine,fungal infection in your blood (e.g., candidiasis, valley fever). Before using Florinef, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,bleeding problems, blood clots, brittle bones (osteoporosis), diabetes, eye problems (e.g., cataracts, glaucoma, infection of the eye), heart problems (e.g., congestive heart failure), high blood pressure, infections (e.g., herpes, tuberculosis), kidney disease, liver disease (e.g., cirrhosis), mental/mood disorders (e.g., anxiety, depression, psychosis), low blood minerals (e.g., calcium, potassium), stomach/intestinal problems (e.g., diverticulitis, peptic ulcer disease, ulcerative colitis), seizures, thyroid problems. Fludrocortisone makes your body hold on to salt (sodium) and get rid of other salts (e.g., calcium, potassium). Follow your doctor's advice on how much salt, potassium, and calcium should be in your diet. Florinef may mask signs of infection or put you at greater risk of developing very serious infections. Report any injuries or signs of infection (e.g., persistent sore throat/fever/cough, pain while urinating, skin sores) that occur during treatment. Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor, and avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine or flu vaccine inhaled through the nose. Avoid exposure to chickenpox or measles infection while taking Florinef unless you have previously had these infections (e.g., in childhood). If you are exposed to either of these infections and you have not previously had them, seek immediate medical attention. Using corticosteroid medications for a long time can make it more difficult for your body to respond to physical stress. Therefore, before having surgery or emergency treatment, or if you get a serious illness/injury, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using Florinef or have used Florinef within the past 12 months. Tell your doctor right away if you develop unusual/extreme tiredness or weight loss. If you will be using Florinef for a long time, carry a warning card or medical ID bracelet that identifies your use of Florinef. If you have a history of ulcers or take large doses of aspirin or other arthritis medicine, limit alcoholic beverages while taking Florinef to lower the risk of stomach/intestinal bleeding. If you have diabetes, Florinef may make it harder to control your blood sugar levels. Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly and inform your doctor of the results. Your diabetic medication or diet may need to be adjusted. Florinef may slow down a child's growth if used for a long time. Consult the doctor or pharmacist for more details. See the doctor regularly so your child's height and growth can be checked. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of Florinef, especially water retention, bone loss/pain, stomach/intestinal bleeding, and mental/mood changes (such as confusion). During pregnancy, Florinef should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Infants born to mothers who have been using Florinef for an extended time may have low levels of corticosteroid hormone. Tell your doctor right away if you notice symptoms such as persistent nausea/vomiting, severe diarrhea, or weakness in your newborn. Florinef passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

• Florinef Misdose

  If you miss a dose of Florinef, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

• Florinef Interactions

  Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first. Before using Florinef, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use,aldesleukin, digoxin, drugs that can cause bleeding/bruising (including antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel, "blood thinners" such as dabigatran/warfarin, NSAIDs such as aspirin/celecoxib/ibuprofen), hormones (such as androgens, birth control pills, estrogens), immunosuppressants (such as cyclosporine), mifepristone, vaccines, drugs affecting liver enzymes that remove fludrocortisone from your body (including rifamycins such as rifampin/rifabutin, certain anti-seizure medicines such as barbituates/phenytoin). If your doctor has directed you to take low-dose aspirin for heart attack or stroke prevention (usually at dosages of 81-325 milligrams a day), you should continue taking it unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Florinef may interfere with certain laboratory tests, possibly causing false results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use Florinef. This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using Florinef, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

• Florinef Side Effects

  What are Florinef side effects?

  Side effects are physical, mental or emotional symptoms which occur in addition to or outside of the desired effect of a therapeutic treatment such as an over-the-counter or prescribed drug or medication. Side effects from Florinef may occur at the beginning or at the end of treatment and may also depend on the length of time an individual remains on the treatment. Side effects, also known as adverse effects, are generally more likely to occur when starting treatment. Individuals may also experience side effects from Florinef as a result of an interaction with other medications.

  Side Effects of Florinef

  The side effects of Florinef may vary in number and intensity for many different reasons. Factors such as age, weight, gender and ethnicity may influence the side effects of Florinef. Also, an individual’s state of general physical health and seriousness of the disease or illness as well as an increase or decrease in dosage may lead to side effects. Further, side effects from Florinef may also occur as a result of an interaction with certain herbal supplements, foods or drinks.

  Prescription drug side effects can be serious and may cause patients to stop the treatment. However, when side effects from the use of a prescription drug, such as Florinef, do occur a patient should consult their physician. A physician may prescribe an additional treatment in order to control the symptoms or an adjustment in the dosage may be made. In addition, changes to diet, exercise or other lifestyle activities may help to lessen the side effects of Florinef.

  By understanding side effects and the factors which may influence the occurrence of side effects patients are empowered to take an active role in their care. Patients who have specific questions about the side effects of Florinef, or any other medication, should contact their physician. General information about Florinef and the side effects associated with Florinef are described in the following:

  Common Florinef Side Effects

  Severe

  Less Severe

  Less Frequent Florinef Side Effects

  Severe

  Less Severe

  Rare or Very Rare Florinef Side Effects

  Severe

  • hypokalemia
  • chronic heart failure
  • allergic dermatitis
  • pruritus of skin
  • urticaria
  • dizziness
  • skin rash
  • peripheral edema
  • severe headache disorder
  • dyspnea
  • anaphylaxis
  • angioedema

  Less Severe

• Florinef Storage

  Different brands of Florinef have different storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store your brand or ask the pharmacist. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Florinef when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.