Tablet

Shire

Florinef (fludrocortisone acetate) is used to help the kidney to save salt by increasing potassium and hydrogen loss in the urine. It treats lack of steroids due to Addison's disease and excessive salt loss. Doctors may occasionally prescribe it for other reasons.

Do not take Florinef (fludrocortisone acetate) if you are allergic to any ingredient in Florinef (fludrocortisone acetate) you have a fungal infection you are receiving an immunization or smallpox vaccine

Before using Florinef (fludrocortisone acetate), tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine if you have not had chickenpox or measles if you are taking medicine that suppresses the immune system if you have any other medical condition, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, or liver or kidney disease

Prolonged use of Florinef (fludrocortisone acetate) may produce posterior subcapsular cataracts, glaucoma with possible damage to the optic nerves, and may enhance the establishment of secondary ocular infections due to fungi or viruses.

Other: Necrotizing angiitis, thrombophlebitis, aggravation or masking of infections, insomnia, syncopal episodes, and anaphylactoid reactions.

How much medicine you take and how often you take it depend on many factors, including the condition being treated, your age, and weight. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of Florinef (fludrocortisone acetate) you are taking, talk with your health care provider. Take Florinef (fludrocortisone acetate) only for the condition for which it was prescribed. Patients must be constantly monitored while taking Florinef (fludrocortisone acetate). Avoid exposure to chicken pox or measles while taking Florinef (fludrocortisone acetate). These can be more serious, or even fatal in children. Avoid exposure to viruses and fungi. Contact your health care provider at once if exposure occurs. Do not receive vaccinations while using Florinef (fludrocortisone acetate). Carefully monitor salt intake in order to avoid developing high blood pressure, swelling, or weight gain. Higher doses may be needed in times of stress (eg, trauma, surgery, severe illness) both during and for 1 year after using Florinef (fludrocortisone acetate). Florinef (fludrocortisone acetate) can mask some signs of infections, and new infections may appear during their use. There may be decreased resistance to infection and difficulty in reducing the spread of infection when Florinef (fludrocortisone acetate) is used. If an infection occurs, contact your health care provider at once. Long-term use of Florinef (fludrocortisone acetate) may produce cataracts, glaucoma with possible damage to the nerves of the eyes, and eye infections. Diabetic patients - Your health care provider may need to increase the amount of diabetes medications while you are taking Florinef (fludrocortisone acetate). Carry medical identification (eg, Medic Alert) so that the proper treatment can be given if complications occur. Carry a proper amount of medicine for use in emergencies. Regular follow-up visits/lab tests by your health care provider is important while taking Florinef (fludrocortisone acetate). Be sure to keep appointments. Contact your health care provider if dizziness, severe or continuing headache, swelling of the feet or lower legs, or unusual weight gain occurs. Do not stop taking Florinef (fludrocortisone acetate) without checking with your health care provider. Patients with previous medical conditions should talk with their health care provider before taking Florinef (fludrocortisone acetate). Do not take more medicine than prescribed unless advised to do so by your health care provider. Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medications without talking with your health care provider. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your health care provider. If more than one dose is missed, contact your health care provider or pharmacist.

Store Florinef (fludrocortisone acetate) at room temperature (59 to 86 degrees F). Keep away from excessive heat.