Florinef

The active ingredient in Florinef is fludrocortisone acetate, which is a corticosteroid. These artificial steroids are similar to the hormone cortisol, which is produced naturally by your body. It helps keep your body's water, potassium, and sodium balance in check.

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

• Florinef is typically taken by mouth once a day. You can take it with food or milk to avoid stomach upset.
• You could require regular medical examinations. Your doctor can use tests to determine the effectiveness of Florinef, even if you don't have any symptoms.
• A recent asthma attack, illness, stress, or surgery may alter your dosing requirements. Never change your medication schedule or dosage without first consulting your physician.
• The outcomes of some medical tests may be impacted by this medication. Inform your healthcare provider that you are taking Florinef.
• Periodic checking of serum electrolyte levels is advisable during long-term therapy.

The most common side effects of fludrocortisone include:

• High blood pressure (hypertension).
• Swelling from the fluid retention in the body.
• Abdominal pain.
• Insomnia.
• Headache.
• Weight gain.
• Muscle weakness.
• Low potassium levels (hypokalemia).
• Menstrual irregularities.
• Slower wound healing.

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

• Severe allergic reaction symptoms include hives, peeling skin, rash, swelling on your face, lips, mouth, or throat, and shortness of breath.
• Eye problems and an increased risk of glaucoma and cataracts.

These are not all of Florinef's possible side effects. 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 Florinef, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Tuberculosis (or whether a member of your family has the disease), or chickenpox.
• A thyroid condition.
• High blood pressure or heart failure.
• Diabetes or hyperglycemia.
• Cataracts or glaucoma.
• Ocular herpes infection.
• Stomach or peptic ulcer.
• Diverticulitis with active ulcerative colitis.
• Either an ileostomy or colostomy.
• Liver disease, such as cirrhosis.
• Kidney disease.
• Either psychosis or mental disease.
• Osteoporosis.
• Myasthenia gravis
• A fungal infection.
• A lactose allergy.

• Serious allergies to Florinef or other cortisone medications.
• Fungal infections.

Florinef may not begin working for two to four weeks. Don't stop taking the medication suddenly. Consult your physician before quitting.

When Florinef 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:

• Calcium.
• Rifampin.
• Furosemide.
• Magnesium.
• Diuretics.
• Phenytoin.
• Aspirin.
• Insulin or oral diabetic medications.
• Hormone replacement treatment or birth control tablets that contain estrogen.
• Anabolic steroids like oxandrolone or oxymetholone.
• Butabarbital, phenobarbital, and secobarbital.
• A blood thinner, like Jantoven, Coumadin, or warfarin.
• Immunosuppressants like steroids, cancer treatments, and medications to avoid organ transplant rejection.

The usual dose is between 0.1 and 0.2 mg once a day.

Depending on your medical condition, side effects, and reaction to the drug, your doctor may change your dosage.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at its regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature and keep out of reach of children as this is not safe for humans younger than 18 years of age.

Paladin Pharma Inc. is the manufacturer of Florinef.

There are several lower-cost versions of Florinef available.

Florinef should not be abruptly stopped. When it comes to tapering your dosage, heed your doctor's advice.

It is not known if Florinef is safe to take while pregnant. It should only be used if the potential benefits outweigh the risks.

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.