Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Cortef (Hydrocortisone).
Blood pressure: Cortef (Hydrocortisone) can increase blood pressure, especially when high doses are used. Your doctor will monitor your blood pressure closely while you are taking Cortef (Hydrocortisone). Your doctor may suggest diet changes or other measures to keep your blood pressure under control. People with high blood pressure should discuss with their doctor how Cortef (Hydrocortisone) may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Cortef (Hydrocortisone), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Diabetes: Cortef (Hydrocortisone) may worsen blood sugar control for people with diabetes. If you have diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Cortef (Hydrocortisone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Cortef (Hydrocortisone), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Heart disease: Cortef (Hydrocortisone) may cause blood pressure to increase. Cortef (Hydrocortisone) may also cause cholesterol levels to increase. If you have a heart condition or are at risk of developing heart problems, discuss with your doctor how Cortef (Hydrocortisone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Cortef (Hydrocortisone), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Illness and surgery: People who take Cortef (Hydrocortisone), or have taken other corticosteroids (e.g., Prednisone) in the last several months, may need additional corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone) during times of any unusual stress, such as trauma, surgery, or infection.
Infections: When taken by mouth, Cortef (Hydrocortisone) may mask some signs of infection and put people at increased risk for new infections. Viral infections such as Chickenpox, measles, or herpes can be more serious for people who are taking Cortef (Hydrocortisone). Children and adults who have not had these diseases should take particular care to avoid exposure. If you are exposed to these infections, contact your doctor.
Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Cortef (Hydrocortisone) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Cortef (Hydrocortisone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Cortef (Hydrocortisone), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Medical records: Let all health professionals involved in your care know that you have been taking a corticosteroid.
Mental health: Like other corticosteroids, Cortef (Hydrocortisone) may cause behaviour and personality changes and mood swings. These reactions are most likely to occur when you first start taking Cortef (Hydrocortisone). If you experience these symptoms or notice them in a family member who is taking Cortef (Hydrocortisone), contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Myasthenia Gravis: Myasthenia gravis is a condition that causes specific muscle weakness. Cortef (Hydrocortisone) can cause muscle wasting, decreasing muscle. If you have myasthenia gravis, discuss with your doctor how Cortef (Hydrocortisone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Cortef (Hydrocortisone), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Osteoporosis: Cortef (Hydrocortisone) can increase the risk of osteoporosis (brittle bones). Talk to your doctor about ways to help prevent osteoporosis. Your doctor will monitor your bone density if you take Cortef (Hydrocortisone) for a long period of time.
Steroid medication use: If you have taken or are still taking an oral steroid medication (e.g., prednisone) during the last several months, consult your doctor before using Cortef (Hydrocortisone). If you experience symptoms such as tiredness, headache, nausea, or vomiting while taking Cortef (Hydrocortisone), contact your doctor.
Stomach and intestinal problems: If you have or have had a stomach or intestinal ulcer, or have ulcerative colitis, discuss with your doctor how Cortef (Hydrocortisone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Cortef (Hydrocortisone), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Stopping the medication: When stopping Cortef (Hydrocortisone) after having used it for a long time, reduce the dose slowly as prescribed by your doctor. Stopping the medication too quickly could lead to symptoms including fever, muscle, and joint pain, and a general feeling of being unwell.
Thyroid disease: Decreased thyroid function may affect how your body handles Cortef (Hydrocortisone). If you have a history of thyroid disease, discuss with your doctor how Cortef (Hydrocortisone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Cortef (Hydrocortisone), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Tuberculosis: Corticosteroids, such as Cortef (Hydrocortisone), can cause tuberculosis infection to flare up. If you have had tuberculosis, discuss with your doctor how Cortef (Hydrocortisone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Cortef (Hydrocortisone), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Vaccines: Live vaccines (e.g., BCG, yellow fever, measles, mumps, rubella) should not be given to people taking doses of Cortef (Hydrocortisone) that are enough to suppress the immune system. Killed or inactivated vaccines may not be as effective for people who are taking Cortef (Hydrocortisone).
Vision problems: Long-term use of Cortef (Hydrocortisone) can cause Glaucoma and Cataracts. If you notice changes in your vision, such as faded colours, halos around lights, or blurred vision, contact your doctor as soon as possible. Glaucoma can cause permanent vision loss and should be treated as early as possible.
Pregnancy: Cortef (Hydrocortisone) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Cortef (Hydrocortisone), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: Cortef (Hydrocortisone) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Cortef (Hydrocortisone), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: Long-term treatment with Cortef (Hydrocortisone) may suppress growth and development in children. Your child's growth should be monitored while they are taking Cortef (Hydrocortisone).
