Cortef
(Hydrocortisone)
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Cortef (Hydrocortisone) lowers inflammation, suppresses the immune system, and replaces low cortisol.
Skip Upsides & Downsides section. Skip to side effects section.
Our bottom line
Cortef (Hydrocortisone) is identical to an essential hormone that humans produce and has been proven to work safely.
Quick facts about Cortef
- Drug class: Autoimmune
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (hydrocortisone)
Upsides
- Normal doses of hydrocortisone have been safely and successfully used for over 60 years. It's especially good for people using it as a long-term cortisol supplement.
- Cortef (Hydrocortisone) converts into cortisol, a natural hormone, which will not interfere with other medications you may be taking.
- Taking a dose of Cortef (Hydrocortisone) in the evening doesn't affect your ability to sleep.
- At safe doses, Cortef (Hydrocortisone) can actually increase your body's ability to fight infection.
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Downsides
- In the first few weeks, your doctor might adjust the dose of Cortef (Hydrocortisone) multiple times.
- You may be at an increased risk of infection if you take high doses of Cortef (Hydrocortisone), or if you take it in combination with other immunosuppressive medications.
- Your body could stop making its own cortisol once it gets used to Cortef (Hydrocortisone). If so, you'll likely have to keep taking Cortef (Hydrocortisone) for a really long time.
- Depending on why your doctor prescribed Cortef (Hydrocortisone) to you, corticosteroids can have different effects on your body.
How it works
Cortef (Hydrocortisone) is a short-acting corticosteroid. It lowers inflammation by preventing your capillaries (small blood vessels) from leaking out excess fluid and chemicals that cause swelling.
Quick facts about Cortef
- Drug class: Autoimmune
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (hydrocortisone)
Used for
- Inflammation
- Immune system problems
- Steroid hormone replacement
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Liquid
- Suppository
Tried Cortef? Write a review!
Prices and coupons
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See more prices and coupons in your areaSide effect rates for Cortef (Hydrocortisone)
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These are side effects of Cortef (Hydrocortisone) reported to the FDA by people taking it, and by doctors and pharmacists.Risks and Warnings for Cortef (Hydrocortisone)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Lowering dose or stopping too quickly especially after long-term treatment
- › Stress such as trauma, surgery or infection
Adrenal suppression leading to adrenal crisis can occur if you lower your dose or stop taking Cortef (Hydrocortisone) too quickly. Symptoms include joint or muscle pain, extreme low energy and depression. Changes in your Cortef (Hydrocortisone) dose need to be done slowly over time. Talk to your doctor before you make any changes or stop the medication.
Common concerns from people taking Cortef (Hydrocortisone)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?Pregnancy
Research studies with animals found harmful effects on unborn babies. It hasn’t been properly studied in humans. The benefits might outweigh the risks even if you’re pregnant. Talk with your doctor.
Tip: Always talk with your doctor before you take any medication while pregnant.FDA pregnancy category for Cortef
CWeigh risks vs. benefits
Kidneys and liver
- Adrenal suppression leading to adrenal crisis can occur if you lower your dose or stop taking Cortef (Hydrocortisone) too quickly. Symptoms include joint or muscle pain, extreme low energy and depression. Changes in your Cortef (Hydrocortisone) dose need to be done slowly over time. Talk to your doctor before you make any changes or stop the medication.
Pain
- Taking Cortef (Hydrocortisone) increases the risk of injury to the lining of your stomach and intestine including irritation, tears/holes and ulcers. You should avoid alcohol/alcoholic beverages because it can worsen stomach irritation. Tell your doctor or get medical care right away if you have stomach pain, notice blood or dark colored stools when you go to the bathroom.
Weight
- Some people gain weight while taking Cortef (Hydrocortisone). Using a weight loss program, eating smaller portions, and drinking a glass of water before meals tend to help.