Cortef
(Hydrocortisone)
Cortef (Hydrocortisone) lowers inflammation, suppresses the immune system, and replaces low cortisol.
Our bottom line
Cortef (Hydrocortisone) is identical to an essential hormone that humans produce and has been proven to work safely.
- Price before coupon$97.97
- Lowest price with coupon$34.4065% savings
- 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.
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.
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.
- 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
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- Get free coupon$34.40
- Get free coupon$49.20
Side effect rates for Cortef (Hydrocortisone)
- Source: FDA adverse event database
- We searched the FDA database for all the names this medicine may be known by:› hydrocortisone› Cortef› Colocort› Solu Cortef
- Reports are often from people taking more than one drug. Their side effects might not be due to Hydrocortisone at all.
- Percentages only tell you how common an issue is for people who actually make the effort to report side effects to the FDA, not for everyone.
- These reports are not confirmed or validated by doctors or the FDA.
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?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.- 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.
- 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.
- 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.