Question 1

allergies to solu-cortef?

Accepted Answer

POssible: Steroid allergies are very unusual but have been reported.

Question 2

what is the duration of injected solu-cortef (hydrocortisone)?

Accepted Answer

About 8-12 hours: 8-12 hours is what is referred to as the 'half-life' of this medication.   That means that 1/2 of the drug has been metabolized (removed) in this time period.  Although half of the dose is still present after this time period, it is understandably much less effective for every hour beyond this.  The maximal (usual) effect of this drug, then, is good for the first 8-12 hours.

Question 3

my husband lost his job and our insurance. i have addisons disease and need refills on my synthroid, estrodoil, cortef, florinef and 2 solu-cortef in?

Accepted Answer

Contact local clinic: This is the public information site on Healthtap. We do not offer to diagnose or treat anyone for anything. If you have a condition that requires prescription meds you need to look to a local clinic for help. Sometimes you will find these affiliated with teaching hospitals.

Question 4

what is the best way to lose weight while on cortef (hydrocortisone)? i've gained 60 lbs since starting it.  thank you.

Accepted Answer

Very hard: This is a steroid used to calm/quiet/restore damaged/inflammed areas. Unfortunately, it goes throughout the body and often leads to "enhanced caloric accumulation" (=fat!).Need to try to maintain as much activity in your day as able to tolerate safely--walking, bike (stationary or outside), swim, etc.). Monitor portion size and limit high-calorie foods.

Question 5

should an increase in petechiae be looked into when on hydrocortisone (cortef) tablets? have had some for years but they are increasing in numbers.

Accepted Answer

Absolutely: I am going to assume that your health is stable and that you are not thrombocytopenic. If you actually have petechiae, they always deserve to be worked up; you want to know whether you have a capillary fragility syndrome. In the US, we have food faddists who give themselves scurvy; I trust Australians are more sensible. Cortef (hydrocortisone) makes capillaries more fragile. I'd get specialist consultation.

Question 6

i have been on cortef (hydrocortisone) 3 times a day for a total of 30mg a day. is this harmful for pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Not directly: Cortef (hydrocortisone) is similar to cortical adrenal hormones. The placenta is able to break down maternal cortical adrenal hormones, so that the fetus is not exposed to an excess of them. However Cortef (hydrocortisone) (like any other cortical adrenal hormone) can cause hypertension and diabetes in the mother, and these may negatively affect the pregnancy. As always, one has to balance risks and benefits...

Question 7

i have addison and a pituitary micro adenoma and am on cortef but still having symptoms after weeks, high heart rate, low bp, dizziness, abdominal px.

Accepted Answer

See doctor: With the symptoms you have and the seriousness of your disease you need to follow up with your doctor

Question 8

why have i been put on cortef (hydrocortisone) for adrenal insufficiency?

Accepted Answer

Hydrocortisone: Cortef (hydrocortisone) is the closest oral medication available to replace your own cortisol, the depleted hormone in adrenal insufficiency.   It also has a shorter half life which makes it easier to control in terms of dosing and potential side effects.

Question 9

i have been put on cortef (hydrocortisone) for adrenal insufficiency?  how long is the treatment?  i'm worried it is permanent.

Accepted Answer

Solu-cortef: Is a glucocorticoid similar to the steroid produced in the adrenal after stimulation by the pituitary hormone acth. It is a teatment of addison's, which is adrenocortical insufficiency. It usually is a permanent condition.

Question 10

i'm new to adrenal insufficiency after pituitary surgery 6mo ago.  why do i sometimes become very hypoglycemic (50's) even on cortef (hydrocortisone)?

Accepted Answer

It's not the same: Even though you are taking replacement hormones, it is not exactly the same as how your pituitary would normally regulate things. It's the same with diabetics - they can take replacement insulin, but you cannot exactly replace the timing and release of tiny bits of the hormones with fluctuations of your body chemistries. Eat small meals/snacks frequently, and talk to doc about timig of your meds.

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Doctor answers about:

Cortef medication

A member asked:

Allergies to solu-cortef?

A member asked:

What is the duration of injected solu-cortef (hydrocortisone)?

A member asked:

My husband lost his job and our insurance. i have addisons disease and need refills on my synthroid, estrodoil, cortef, florinef and 2 solu-cortef in?

A member asked:

What is the best way to lose weight while on cortef (hydrocortisone)? i've gained 60 lbs since starting it. thank you.

A member asked:

Should an increase in petechiae be looked into when on hydrocortisone (cortef) tablets? have had some for years but they are increasing in numbers.

A member asked:

I have been on cortef (hydrocortisone) 3 times a day for a total of 30mg a day. is this harmful for pregnancy?

A member asked:

I have addison and a pituitary micro adenoma and am on cortef but still having symptoms after weeks, high heart rate, low bp, dizziness, abdominal px.

A member asked:

Why have i been put on cortef (hydrocortisone) for adrenal insufficiency?

A member asked:

I have been put on cortef (hydrocortisone) for adrenal insufficiency? how long is the treatment? i'm worried it is permanent.

A member asked:

I'm new to adrenal insufficiency after pituitary surgery 6mo ago. why do i sometimes become very hypoglycemic (50's) even on cortef (hydrocortisone)?

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