Product Details

Description

What is Cortef?

• Cortef (hydrocortisone) is a medication known as a steroid. It is usually used to treat inflammation associated with immune response. It also has an immunosuppressive and antiproliferative effect.

How does it work?

• Cortef decreases your body’s ability to produce its natural inflammatory chemicals. It also reduces your body’s ability to move white blood cells to areas of injury, which results in reduced inflammation.

How is it supplied?

• You can buy Cortef online as 5mg, 10mg, or 20mg tablets. You can also buy Cortef generic tablets.

How should I store it?

• Store your Cortef or hydrocortisone tablets at room temperature and keep them out of reach of children.

Directions

Should I take Cortef with food?

• You can take Cortef with or without food. If your doctor prescribes a large dose, you should take it with a meal.

Are there any special instructions?

• Your doctor could adjust your dose to get the best results for you. You should work closely with your doctor during your therapy.
• You should not stop taking Cortef abruptly unless instructed. Your doctor should give you instructions to slowly reduce your dose until you can stop.

What is the usual dose?

• The usual dose of Cortef is anywhere from 20mg to 240mg per day.
  • Your doctor will probably start with a higher dose until a good response is seen, and then reduce it to a maintenance dose.

Ingredients

What is the active ingredient in Cortef?

• The active ingredient is hydrocortisone.

What are the inactive ingredients?

• For a full list of inactive ingredients, see the package insert.

Cautions

Who should avoid taking Cortef?

• You should not take Cortef if you have a known allergy to any of the ingredients.
• Do not use Cortef if you have a systemic fungal infection.

What are the risks?

• Cortef can cause an increase in blood pressure. Discuss your risk with your doctor.
• You should not receive live vaccines while using Cortef. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor about alternative vaccines.
• You should not receive a smallpox vaccine while using Cortef.
• You could achieve a diminished response to vaccines received while using Cortef.
• Using Cortef can cause changes in your calcium and potassium levels. Discuss your risk with your physician. You could require supplementation during your treatment.
• Cortef can have adverse effects on people with endocrine and metabolic disorders. Talk to your doctor if you have any of the following:
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Diabetes
  • Cushing’s syndrome
  • Pheochromocytoma
• Your risk of infection can be increased while using Cortef. The signs and symptoms of an infection can also be hidden while using Cortef. Discuss your risk with your doctor.
• Tell your doctor if you have ever had Tuberculosis. Cortef can result in reactivation of latent infection.
• Cortef can cause psychiatric disturbances. Tell your doctor if you suffer from emotional instability or psychotic tendencies.
• Tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions before starting Cortef:
  • Peptic ulcer
  • Diverticulitis
  • Kidney disease
  • Osteoporosis
  • Myasthenia gravis