Cortisone

About cortisone

The adrenal glands normally produce hydrocortisone. If the adrenal glands do not produce enough hydrocortisone (as in Addison's disease), or if the glands have been removed by surgery (adrenalectomy), then cortisone is given to replace it.

Before taking cortisone

Before taking cortisone make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you have ever had tuberculosis (TB).
• If you have suffered stress, trauma or had surgery recently.
• If you are suffering from any kind of infection including chickenpox, shingles or measles, or have been in contact with anyone with these infections.
• If you suffer from high blood pressure, epilepsy or heart problems.
• If you suffer from liver, kidney or thyroid problems.
• If you or one of your close family suffer from diabetes.
• If you or one of your close family suffer from glaucoma (increased eye pressure).
• If you suffer from osteoporosis or if you are a woman who has gone through the menopause.
• If you or one of your close family have or have ever had mental health problems.
• If you have or have ever had a peptic ulcer or any gastro-intestinal disorder.
• If you have a thromboembolic disorder (a clot in a blood vessel).
• If you suffer from myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakening disease).
• If you have recently had a vaccination or are about to have one.
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take cortisone

• Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor and follow the printed instructions you have been given.
• Try to take cortisone at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
• Each dose of cortisone must be taken with or immediately after food. If you are taking it as a single dose, take it with or immediately after your breakfast.
• If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before having any kind of medical treatment including dental treatment, an operation or any medical tests, you must tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking cortisone.
• If you come into contact with anyone who has, or suspects they might have, measles, shingles or chicken pox, see your doctor as soon as possible. Cortisone may reduce your ability to fight infections.
• If you have been given a steroid treatment card, carry it with you at all times.
• While taking cortisone, do not have any vaccinations without speaking to your doctor first.
• Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored.
• Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first.
• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.

Can cortisone cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Things you might notice are: swelling of legs and ankles, bloating, thrush, muscle wasting of the upper arms and legs, irregular or stoppage of periods, acne, hair growth, weight gain, increased appetite, increased susceptibility to infections, feeling of dependency on treatment, sleeplessness, mood or behavioural changes, worsening of schizophrenia and epilepsy, reduction in healing, thinning of the skin, bruising, stretch marks, patches of skin reddening, blood clots, feeling sick, indigestion and feeling unwell.

Other side-effects that can occur are: high blood pressure, diabetes, stomach ulcers (with bleeding or perforation), oesophageal (gullet) ulcer, inflammation of the pancreas, thinning and wasting of the bones, bone and tendon fracture, adrenal suppression, change in the body's proteins and calcium, increased pressure in the eye, pressure on the nerve to the eye, thinning of the tissues of the eye, worsening of viral or fungal infections of the eye and hypersensitivity reactions.

Important: If you experience black or bloody stools speak with your doctor immediately or go to your local accident and emergency department without delay.

Important: If you feel unwell and develop a high temperature, contact your doctor without delay.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store cortisone

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines