Hydrocortone: Oral tablet

What is this medicine?

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

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They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-Cushing's syndrome
-diabetes
-glaucoma
-heart problems or disease
-high blood pressure
-infection like herpes, measles, tuberculosis, or chickenpox
-kidney disease
-liver disease
-mental problems
-myasthenia gravis
-osteoporosis
-previous heart attack
-seizures
-stomach, ulcer or intestine disease including colitis and diverticulitis
-thyroid problem
-an unusual or allergic reaction to hydrocortisone, corticosteroids, other medicines, lactose, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

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Take this medicine by mouth with a drink of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take it with food or milk to avoid stomach upset. If you are taking this medicine once a day, take it in the morning. Do not take more medicine than you are told to take. Do not suddenly stop taking your medicine because you may develop a severe reaction. Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take. If your doctor wants you to stop the medicine, the dose may be slowly lowered over time to avoid any side effects.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

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If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

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Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
-mifepristone, RU-486
-vaccines

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
-antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin, and troleandomycin
-aspirin and aspirin-like drugs
-barbiturates like phenobarbital
-ketoconazole
-phenytoin
-rifampin
-warfarin

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

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Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. If you are taking this medicine over a prolonged period, carry an identification card with your name and address, the type and dose of your medicine, and your doctor's name and address.

This medicine may increase your risk of getting an infection. Stay away from people who are sick. Tell your doctor or health care professional if you are around anyone with measles or chickenpox.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your doctor or health care professional that you have taken this medicine within the last twelve months.

Ask your doctor or health care professional about your diet. You may need to lower the amount of salt you eat.

The medicine can increase your blood sugar. If you are a diabetic check with your doctor if you need help adjusting the dose of your diabetic medicine.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

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Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
-changes in vision
-fever, sore throat, sneezing, cough, or other signs of infection, wounds that will not heal
-frequent passing of urine
-increased thirst
-mental depression, mood swings, mistaken feelings of self importance or of being mistreated
-pain in hips, back, ribs, arms, shoulders, or legs
-severe stomach pain
-swelling of feet or lower legs
-unusually weak or tired
-vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
-headache
-increased appetite
-nausea
-skin problems, acne, thin and shiny skin