Cortisone is used as a hormone replacement therapy in individuals with certain disorders in the adrenal glands.
This medicine may also be used to help relieve inflammation that may occur with certain skin problems or allergies.
Cortisone may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Take Cortisone exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take it together with food or immediately after a meal. Try to take it at the same time each day.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your condition and response to the medication.
Cortisone must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it suddenly as this may worsen your condition.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have an active or uncontrolled fungal, bacterial or viral infection as Cortisone may not be suitable for you.
Alert your doctor if you have been recently vaccinated. You must avoid any vaccination with live vaccines without consulting with your doctor.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- eye problems e.g. eye infection, cataract (clouding of the lens of the eye), glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)
- high blood pressure
- heart disease e.g. heart failure, recent heart attack
- bowel problems e.g. stomach ulcer, inflammation of the large intestines
- epilepsy (fits or seizures)
- mood disorder or mental health problems
- history of TB (infection known as tuberculosis)
- osteoporosis (thinning and weakening of bones)
- myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disorder)
- systemic sclerosis (an autoimmune disorder characterised by thickening of the skin)
- steroid myopathy (muscle weakness of the upper and lower limbs)
- diabetes
- thyroid disease
- kidney disease
- liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Cortisone to a child or the elderly. Children and elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Avoid exposure to anyone who is infected with chicken pox, shingles or measles. If you are exposed to these infections, contact your doctor immediately.
If you are going to have a laboratory test (e.g. nitroblue tetrazolinium tests, skin tests), or an operation, including minor surgery or dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Your blood pressure may rise to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. blood sugar and electrolyte levels, bone density, eye examination) may be done while you are being treated with Cortisone. Your doctor will advise you about how often you will need to have these tests.
- Monitoring of the growth (e.g. height) and development of children taking this medicine may also be needed.
Cortisone may cause any of the following side effects: headache, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, increased appetite, weight gain, difficulty sleeping, nervousness, joint pain, impaired wound healing, acne or pimple breakout, stretch marks, red marks on the skin, and excessive hair growth.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:
- signs of Cushing syndrome e.g. swollen or round face, swollen upper back
- signs of infection e.g. persistent fever, colds or cough
- blurring of vision or other visual disturbances
- pass out bloody stools or black as tar, vomiting of blood, or ground coffee-like material
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, agitated, or having compulsive and impulsive behaviour)
- fits or seizure
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Alert your doctor if you have been recently vaccinated. You must avoid any vaccination with live vaccines without consulting with your doctor.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking or using any of these medicines:
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. phenobarbital, phenytoin, carbamazepine
- medicines for high blood pressure e.g. clonidine, methyldopa
- water pills or medicines for water retention e.g. hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide, bumetanide
- blood-thinning medicines e.g. warfarin, aspirin
- amphotericin B (medicine to treat fungal infection)
- methotrexate (medicine for cancer)
- rifampicin (medicine to treat TB or infection known as tuberculosis)
- birth control pills containing oestrogens
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Cortisone.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Protect from light and moisture.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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