How should I take hydrocortisone?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in
larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on
your prescription label.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from
this medication.
Your steroid medication needs may change if you have 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.
This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any
doctor who treats you that you are using hydrocortisone.
Do not stop using hydrocortisone 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. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you
should know that you are taking steroid medication.
Store hydrocortisone at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, contact your doctor or pharmacist for
instructions.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have received too much of this
medicine.
A single large dose of hydrocortisone is not expected to produce life-threatening
symptoms. However, high doses taken over a long period of time may cause weight gain,
roundness of the face, increased facial hair growth, bruising, swelling, and muscle pain or
weakness.
What should I avoid while taking hydrocortisone?
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 being treated with hydrocortisone.
Vaccines may not work as well while you are taking a steroid.
Avoid
drinking alcohol while you are taking hydrocortisone.
What are the possible side effects of hydrocortisone?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
-
problems with your vision;
-
swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath;
-
severe depression, unusual thoughts or behavior, seizure
(convulsions);
-
bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood;
-
pancreatitis (severe pain in your upper stomach spreading
to your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate);
-
low potassium (confusion, uneven heart rate, extreme thirst,
increased urination, leg discomfort, muscle weakness or limp feeling); or
-
dangerously high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred
vision, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, uneven
heartbeats, seizure).
Less serious side effects may include:
-
sleep problems (insomnia), mood changes;
-
acne, dry skin, thinning skin, bruising or discoloration;
-
slow wound healing;
-
increased sweating;
-
headache, dizziness, spinning sensation;
-
nausea, stomach pain, bloating; or
-
changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in
your arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and waist).
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell
your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.
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