CA
A 36-year-old member asked:
I have been on cortef (hydrocortisone) 3 times a day for a total of 30mg a day. is this harmful for pregnancy?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Giuseppe Barbesinoanswered
Internal Medicine 35 years experience
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...
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Steven Machtingeranswered
Allergy and Immunology 46 years experience
More info needed: Cortef (hydrocortisone) 30 mg/day is a moderate amount of corticosteroid to take whether pregnant or not. You haven't said why you are taking this medication. If the benefits of taking it exceed the risk to you and your unborn child then follow your physician's advice and don't try to taper off the steroids until after your child is born.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Jul 7, 2015
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
$44 video appointments with $19/month membership*
*Billed $57 every 3 months. Cancel anytime.
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.
