Cortisol

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This prescription has been compounded by Physicians Preference Pharmacy on physician’s orders.

DRUG:

Cortisol, also known as hydrocortisone, is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. It belongs to a group of hormones called glucocorticoids. Cortisol’s most important job is to help the body respond to stress. It reduces swelling and decreases the body’s immune response.

USE:

Cortisol is used to treat many different conditions. It is used to treat endocrine (hormonal) disorders when the body does not produce enough of its own steroids. It is also used to treat immune and allergic disorders, such as arthritis, lupus, severe psoriasis, severe asthma, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and thyroid disorders.

DIRECTIONS:

Take capsules with a full glass of water. Place sublingual tablets under tongue and allow a few minutes to dissolve. If you are taking one dose daily, take the dose before 9am if possible to follow your body’s natural cycle. Do not stop taking hydrocortisone suddenly if you have been taking it for a few weeks. You may need a gradual reduction in dosage before you stop taking this medication.

CAUTIONS:

Hydrocortisone is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether hydrocortisone will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. Hydrocortisone passes into breast milk. Do not take hydrocortisone without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS:

Some possible side effects include insomnia, nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, fatigue or dizziness, muscle weakness or joint pain, problems with diabetes control, or increased hunger or thirst. A single large dose of this medication is unlikely to cause symptoms or death. An overdose is more likely to be caused by a chronic overdose – large doses taken over a prolonged period of time. Symptoms of a chronic overdose include obesity (especially around the stomach); a round face; increased hair growth (especially around the face); acne; bruising; increased blood pressure; swollen hands, feet, or ankles (fluid retention); and sore or weak muscles.