Milwaukee, WI
A 39-year-old female asked:
Is florinef (fludrocortisone) 0.5 mg every other day bad for my bones?(i pots syndrome & can't function without it.) is it as bad as a steroid as low dose prednisone?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
A Verified Doctoranswered
Endocrinology 53 years experience
Florinef (fludrocortisone): Should not be a problem but have your lab data checked every three months - sooner if you are not feeling well.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A Verified Doctoranswered
Endocrinology 26 years experience
NO!: Florinef=fludrocortisone which is a mineralocorticoid and not a glucocorticoid. It is unique in that it is essentially a pure mineralocorticoid. Glucocorticoids have effects on bone and mineralocorticoids on salt and potassium regulation. They are related in structure & being made in the adrenal, but not function (although some steroids have both functions). A pure mineralo will not effect bone.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A Verified Doctor commented
A US doctor answered Learn more
I am not sure I fully understand your response and would appreciate some more information.
Nov 16, 2015
A Verified Doctor commented
A US doctor answered Learn more
Provided original answer
To clarify: Adrenal gland produces both glucocorticoids and mineralocortoids. Glucocorticoids (e.g. cortisol) have many effects on the body and are the ones that can cause bone wasting. Mineralocorticoids (e.g. aldosterone) are structurally related, produced by the adrenal & to some degree can be stimulated ACTH but more controlled by renin/aldosterone system. They effect Na & K primarily.
Nov 21, 2015
A Verified Doctor commented
A US doctor answered Learn more
Provided original answer
Florinef = fludrocortisone is a pure mineralocorticoid and should have no effect on bone.
Nov 21, 2015
Last updated Nov 21, 2015
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