Cortef (Hydrocortisone) Customer Reviews

Cortef

Rx Prescription Required    RxFormulation : Scored Tablet

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10mg
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20mg
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Generic alternative for Cortef

Hydrocortisone

Rx Prescription Required    RxFormulation : Tablet

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5mg
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Description

Indications

Hydrocortisone is administered either as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with other medications to alleviate the symptoms associated with insufficient levels of corticosteroids. Corticosteroids are vital substances typically produced by the body, which are necessary for normal bodily functions. Hydrocortisone is also employed to address various medical conditions in patients whose corticosteroid levels are within the normal range.

Classified as a corticosteroid medication, hydrocortisone effectively addresses low corticosteroid levels by replacing the naturally produced steroids in the body. This medication mitigates swelling and redness, while modifying the functioning of the immune system to treat other medical conditions.

Uses and Dosage

Adhere to the following instructions provided by your doctor when taking this medication. Take it orally, with food or milk, to minimize the risk of experiencing stomach upset.

Follow the prescribed dosage and administration guidelines precisely. Consume the medication with a full glass of water (8 ounces/240 milliliters), unless instructed otherwise by your doctor.

Carefully adhere to the designated dosing schedule. The appropriate dosage and duration of treatment depend on your specific medical condition and your response to the medication. Your doctor may instruct you to take hydrocortisone either 1 to 4 times a day or as a single dose every other day. It may be helpful to mark your calendar with reminders or utilize a pill box to ensure compliance.

Under no circumstances should you discontinue this medication without consulting your doctor. Abruptly stopping the medication can worsen certain conditions. Your dosage may need to be gradually reduced under your doctor’s guidance.

If you abruptly cease using this medication, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as weakness, weight loss, nausea, muscle pain, headache, fatigue, and dizziness. To minimize the risk of withdrawal symptoms, your doctor may gradually decrease your dose. Withdrawal symptoms are more likely to occur if you have been using hydrocortisone for an extended period or at high doses. If you experience any withdrawal symptoms, promptly inform your doctor or pharmacist.

Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens over time.

Side Effects

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:

  • nausea
  • headache
  • dizziness
  • insomnia
  • acne
  • irregular or absent menstrual periods

Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:

  • vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • sudden weight gain
  • muscle weakness
  • unusual bruising
  • swollen face, lower legs, or ankles
  • depression
  • hallucinations (seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist)
  • mania (frenzied or abnormally excited mood)
  • eye pain, redness, or tearing; blurred vision; or other vision problems
  • sore throat, fever, chills, cough, or other signs of infection
  • stomach pain
  • difficult or painful urination
  • seizures

Caution

Prior to initiating hydrocortisone treatment, inform your doctor or pharmacist about any known allergies, including allergies to hydrocortisone or other substances. This product may contain inactive ingredients that could potentially trigger allergic reactions or other complications.

Before using this medication, disclose your medical history to your doctor or pharmacist, particularly if you have a history of eye disease, heart problems, high blood pressure, liver disease, kidney disease, thyroid problems, diabetes, stomach or intestinal issues, brittle bones (osteoporosis), current or previous infections, bleeding disorders, blood clotting disorders, mental or mood conditions, low levels of salts in the blood, or seizures.

This medication has the potential to cause stomach bleeding. Consumption of alcohol while taking this medication on a daily basis may increase the risk of stomach bleeding.

The use of corticosteroid medications for an extended period can impair the body’s response to physical stress. Prior to undergoing surgery, emergency treatment, or in the event of a serious illness or injury, it is important to inform your doctor or dentist about your current use or recent use of this medication within the past 12 months. Notify your doctor immediately if you experience unusual or extreme tiredness or weight loss. If you anticipate long-term use of this medication, it is recommended to carry a warning card or wear a medical ID bracelet that indicates your use of this medication.

This medication may mask signs of infection, and it can increase the likelihood of acquiring new infections or exacerbate existing infections. Avoid close contact with individuals who have contagious infections that can easily spread, such as chickenpox, COVID-19, measles, or the flu. Consult your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or require additional information.

Inform your healthcare professional about your use of hydrocortisone prior to receiving any immunizations or vaccinations. Avoid contact with individuals who have recently received live vaccines, such as the flu vaccine administered via nasal inhalation.

Long-term use of this medication in children may impede growth. Regular check-ups with the doctor are necessary to monitor your child’s height and growth.

Elderly individuals may be more susceptible to the effects of this medication, particularly bone loss or pain, stomach or intestinal bleeding, and mental or mood changes such as confusion.

During pregnancy, hydrocortisone should only be used when absolutely necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Newborns born to mothers who have used this medication for an extended period may experience hormone-related issues. Contact your doctor immediately if you observe symptoms such as persistent nausea or vomiting, severe diarrhea, or weakness in your newborn.

The passage of this drug into breast milk is not well-established. However, it is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding while using this medication.

Form and Strength

Cortef is available in the following forms and strengths:

  • Cortef scored tablet:

    • 10mg
    • 20mg
  • hydrocortisone tablet:

    • 5mg

FAQ

What is the best time of day to take Cortef?

Corticosteroids can make it hard to fall asleep, so it’s best to take the medication in the morning.

Is Cortef a strong steroid?

Hydrocortisone is not as strong as other steroids. It is classed as a short-acting steroid.

Resources

  1. https://www.goodrx.com/cortef/what-is#faqs
  2. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-6730/cortef-oral/details#:~:text=Hydrocortisone%20is%20a%20man%2Dmade,%2C%20cancer%2C%20and%20severe%20allergies
  3. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682206.html
  4. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/hydrocortisone-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20075259
  5. https://www.drugs.com/mtm/cortef.html

Additional information

Generic name:

Hydrocortisone

Formulation:

Scored Tablet, Tablet

Strength(s):

5mg, 10mg, 20mg

Quantities Available:

100

Can Drug Store has provided information from third parties intended to increase awareness and does not contain all the information about Cortef (Hydrocortisone). Talk to your doctor or a qualified medical practitioner for medical attention, advice, or if you have any concerns about Cortef (Hydrocortisone).