What is Cortef: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

How to take Cortef

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

• The oral granules are contained within capsules. Do not swallow the capsule. Do not chew or crush the granules. Do not let the capsules get wet because some of the granules may stick to the capsule. Do not give the granules through a nasogastric or gastric tube because it may block the tube.

• Granules: Your doctor will tell you how to prepare or give the dose to your child. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.Take one capsule from the bottle.Hold the capsule with the writing at the top. Tap the capsule to make sure the granules fall to the bottom.Squeeze the bottom of the capsule gently to loosen the top of the capsule from the bottom.Twist the top of the capsule carefully.You may give the medicine with or without food onto a spoon or directly into the child's mouth.Do not add the granules to a fluid because it may decrease the full dose and it may leave a bitter taste.The medicine should be given and swallowed within 5 minutes to avoid a bitter taste.Give a sip of fluids like water, milk, breast-milk, or formula right away to make sure all granules are swallowed.

• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Use the oral granules within 60 days after opening the bottle.

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

• Granules: Your doctor will tell you how to prepare or give the dose to your child. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.Take one capsule from the bottle.Hold the capsule with the writing at the top. Tap the capsule to make sure the granules fall to the bottom.Squeeze the bottom of the capsule gently to loosen the top of the capsule from the bottom.Twist the top of the capsule carefully.You may give the medicine with or without food onto a spoon or directly into the child's mouth.Do not add the granules to a fluid because it may decrease the full dose and it may leave a bitter taste.The medicine should be given and swallowed within 5 minutes to avoid a bitter taste.Give a sip of fluids like water, milk, breast-milk, or formula right away to make sure all granules are swallowed.

• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Use the oral granules within 60 days after opening the bottle.

• The oral granules are contained within capsules. Do not swallow the capsule. Do not chew or crush the granules. Do not let the capsules get wet because some of the granules may stick to the capsule. Do not give the granules through a nasogastric or gastric tube because it may block the tube.

What to do if you miss a dose of Cortef

Cortef contraindications

• This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to hydrocortisone or if you have a fungus infection.

Cortef warnings

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease (including cirrhosis), diabetes, high blood pressure, depression or mental health problems, digestive problems (including ulcer, colitis, diverticulitis), myasthenia gravis, osteoporosis, pheochromocytoma (adrenal tumor), thyroid problems, tuberculosis, or any type of infection. Tell your doctor if you had a surgery.

• This medicine may cause the following problems: Eye or vision problems, including cataracts, glaucoma, central serous chorioretinopathyHigh blood pressureThinning of the bones (osteoporosis) or slow growth in childrenIncreased risk of adrenal gland problems, including Cushing syndromeChanges in mood or behavior

• This medicine may cause you to get infections more easily. Tell your doctor if you have any type of infection before you start treatment. Avoid people who are sick or have infections. If you are exposed to chickenpox or measles, tell your doctor right away.

• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Cortef interactions

• Some medicines can affect how hydrocortisone works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:Cyclosporine, troleandomycinBirth control pillsBlood thinner (including warfarin)Insulin or other diabetes medicineMedicine to treat infections (including clarithromycin, erythromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, rifabutin, rifampin, voriconazoleMedicine to treat HIV infection (including efavirenz, nevirapine, ritonavir)NSAIDs (including aspirin, ibuprofen)Seizure medicine (including carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone)

• Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.

• This medicine may interfere with vaccines. Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccines.

• This medicine may delay growth in children. If you think your child is not growing properly while using this medicine, talk with your doctor.

• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.