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

Question

Which is the better steroid replacement, prednidone or cortef (hydrocortisone)? For secondary adrenal insufficiency.

Answer 1

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.

Answer 2

Cortef (hydrocortisone): Adrenal insuffiency causes a lack of cortisol in the body. Cortex is a form of replacement. Oral Hydrocortisone is the usual treatment choice.

Answer 3

Vinegar/peroxide: Mix white vinegar and peroxide equal parts and use a bit to clean the ears. The white vinegar is a natural antibiotic and anti fungal. Avoid q-tips! if the symptoms persist, see your ENT for evaluation. You could have a chronic infection which is easy to treat, but may require prescription medications. Best wishes.

Answer 4

Otic Itch: Itchy ears is a conundrum that many people face. If you have simply used over the counter Hydrocortisone cream then you might need a stronger cream or ointment for the ears. There is also a product called derm otic (expensive) that might help if eczema is also an issue with the ears.

Answer 5

Not necessarily: A heel spur is a calcium deposit located in the heel that usually presses on the soft tissue and tendons in the heel causing pain. Although a cortisone shot can help reduce inflammation and reduce pain, it does not remove the spur. Sometimes surgical intervention is warrented.

Answer 6

No.: In fact, a cortisone shot in this location may help in the short-term but cause long-term problems. Cortisone can damage the fat pad in your heel and lead to chronic problems. Avoid cortisone shots in your heel and start with an aggressive stretching program. Patience pays off.

Answer 7

NOT A GUARANTEE: A cortisone shot can be very helpful, but not a guarantee for success. Sometimes we give a 2nd, maybe a 3rd, but if three are not helping, 4,5,6 etc. probably won't. If used properly, with appropriate amounts, it's fairly safe, but does have side effects; talk to your doctor about this. The shot should also be used in combination w/ NSAID's, stretching, inserts, or taping, to name four.

Answer 8

Sometimes: It is best to avoid using Hydrocortisone creams on the face unless specifically directed by a dermatologist. Steroids, like hydrocortisone, cause sensitivity & thinning of skin that can be extreme on the face. If directed by a physician to use these on the face, use is generally advised at very low percentages for only a brief period of time and creams should be kept well away from the eyes.

Answer 9

Yes: The the over the counter strength is safe to use on the face for conditions such as seboorrheic dermatitis. You can start at 1 per cent twice a day and if this is effective you can decrease to once a day. And then every other day. The skin will become used to the cream so using as little as possible gives you the flexibility to increase to twice a day with flares.

Answer 10

Low dose short time: Unless medically prescribed and directed by a dermatologist i would refrain from using it on the face. Short courses are okay, but long term use with more potent steroids can cause acne/rosacea and cause rebound or worsening of the initial rash being treated whether it be seborrheic dermatitis or rashes around the mouth. Low potency steroids are in general very safe if used as directed.

Answer 11

Pro topic, elidel (pimecrolimus): Pro topic or Elidel (pimecrolimus) are non cortisone creams which can br used for eczema. Barrier repair creams such as hylatopic, eletone can be used as part of regimen for treating eczema. They can be used in combination. Oral supplements that are helpful include zinc and essential fatty acids found in flaxseeds. Depending on the extent and location allergy patch testing could help.

Answer 12

Several: You may have a contact allergy to a breakdown product of hydrocortisone. There are several other topical steroids that do not cross-react. Mometasone would be one potential choice.

Answer 13

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.

Answer 14

Might be Permanent: Different things can cause this. If you have addison's disease then this is most certainly permanent. If you were previously on a long course of steroids for immunosuppression, this may be temporary, in an effort to prolong the steroid weaning process. Please ask your physician to explain the cause and what to expect from your adrenal insufficiency to you.

Answer 15

Could be: If you have true adrenal insufficiency from any of a variety of causes, cortisol replacement will be a huge help. There's no question any more that president kennedy had addison's disease during his time in the sanate and oval office -- hopefully, if you have it as well, your physicians can manage it even more successfully.

Answer 16

Often Permanent: Adrenal insufficiency has a number of possible causes - including auto-immunity (addison's), infections, hemorrhage, pituitary failure, and suppression. Most of these, with the exception of suppression, are permanent. Please talk to your doctor, who should be able to identify the cause in your particular case, and advise you about whether or not this will be permanent.

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

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