What is the most important information I should know about fludrocortisone?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to fludrocortisone, or if you
have a fungal infection anywhere in your body.
Before taking fludrocortisone, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, and
about all other medicines you are using. There are many other diseases that can be
affected by steroid use, and many other medicines that can interact with steroids.
Your steroid medication needs may change if you have any unusual stress such as a
serious illness, fever or infection, or if you have surgery or a medical emergency. Tell your
doctor about any such situation that affects you during treatment.
Steroid medication can weaken your immune system, making it easier for you to get an
infection or worsening an infection you already have or have recently had. Tell your doctor
about any illness or infection you have had within the past several weeks.
Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive
treatment if you are exposed to chicken pox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even
fatal in people who are using steroid medication.
Do not receive a "live" vaccine while you are taking fludrocortisone. Vaccines may not
work as well while you are taking a steroid.
Do not stop using fludrocortisone suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal
symptoms. Talk to your doctor about how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when stopping the
medication.
Carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet stating that you are taking a steroid,
in case of emergency.
What is fludrocortisone?
Fludrocortisone is in a class of drugs called steroids. Fludrocortisone prevents the release
of substances in the body that cause inflammation.
Fludrocortisone is used to treat conditions in which the body does not produce enough of
its own steroids, such as Addison's disease, and salt-losing adrenogenital syndrome.
Fludrocortisone may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking fludrocortisone?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to fludrocortisone, or if you
have a fungal infection anywhere in your body.
Steroid medication can weaken your immune system, making it easier for you to get an
infection. Steroids can also worsen an infection you already have, or reactivate an infection you
recently had. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor about any illness or infection you
have had within the past several weeks.
Other medical conditions you should tell your doctor about before taking fludrocortisone
include:
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment
or special tests to safely take fludrocortisone.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell
your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Fludrocortisone can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use
this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
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