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Cortef (active ingredient: hydrocortisone) is a prescription corticosteroid used for two main purposes: to replace cortisol when the body does not make enough and to reduce inflammation or an overactive immune response in certain medical conditions.
Hydrocortisone is similar to cortisol, a natural hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Because cortisol affects many systems in the body, Cortef can be used for several different conditions.
Adrenal insufficiency occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol.
Cortisol is important for many normal body functions. It helps regulate:
When cortisol levels are too low, a person may experience severe tiredness, weakness, dizziness, low blood pressure, poor appetite, weight loss, nausea, or abdominal discomfort.
Primary Adrenal Insufficiency
Primary adrenal insufficiency occurs when the adrenal glands themselves are unable to produce enough hormones.
Cortef may be prescribed to replace the cortisol that the adrenal glands can no longer make adequately.
Some people with primary adrenal insufficiency may also need another hormone replacement medicine, depending on their condition.
Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency
Secondary adrenal insufficiency occurs when the pituitary gland does not provide enough hormonal stimulation to the adrenal glands.
Cortef may also be used in this situation to replace missing cortisol activity.
When Cortef is prescribed for adrenal insufficiency, it is not simply being used as an anti-inflammatory medicine.
Instead, it replaces an essential hormone that the body needs to function normally.
For some people with adrenal insufficiency, hydrocortisone treatment may be needed long-term.
Cortef may be prescribed for certain severe allergic conditions when corticosteroid treatment is appropriate.
Allergic reactions occur when the immune system reacts strongly to a substance that is normally harmless.
Cortef can reduce this immune response and help decrease symptoms such as:
It may be used for certain allergic skin conditions or other serious allergic disorders when less intensive treatment is not adequate.
Cortef may also be used for a wide range of inflammatory conditions.
Inflammation is part of the body’s normal defense system, but excessive or prolonged inflammation can damage tissues and cause pain, swelling, or other symptoms.
Hydrocortisone suppresses several parts of the inflammatory response.
This may help decrease:
Cortef may sometimes be used for short-term symptom control in rheumatoid arthritis and certain other rheumatic conditions.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks tissues around the joints.
This can cause:
Cortef can help reduce inflammation and make symptoms more manageable.
However, it does not cure rheumatoid arthritis or replace medicines that are used to control the underlying autoimmune disease over the long term.
Systemic hydrocortisone may be used for certain serious respiratory inflammatory conditions when corticosteroid treatment is appropriate.
For example, corticosteroids may help reduce inflammation in the airways during some severe allergic or inflammatory respiratory illnesses.
Hydrocortisone is not used as a quick-relief inhaler for sudden breathing symptoms.
Cortef may also be prescribed for certain serious inflammatory or allergic skin disorders.
By reducing inflammation and immune activity, it may help relieve redness, swelling, itching, and discomfort.
Because oral hydrocortisone affects the whole body, it is generally used when systemic corticosteroid therapy is appropriate rather than for minor skin irritation.
Hydrocortisone tablets have additional approved uses involving several body systems, including certain endocrine, rheumatic, dermatologic, allergic, eye, respiratory, blood, gastrointestinal, and other inflammatory conditions.
The exact reason for treatment determines the dose, treatment length, and level of monitoring required.
Cortef contains hydrocortisone, which belongs to a group of medicines called corticosteroids.
Its action depends partly on why it is being prescribed.
Replaces Natural Cortisol
For adrenal insufficiency, Cortef replaces cortisol that the body cannot produce in adequate amounts.
This supports important functions such as blood pressure regulation, metabolism, blood sugar control, and the body’s response to physical stress.
Reduces Inflammation
Hydrocortisone enters cells and changes the activity of genes involved in inflammation.
This reduces the production and release of substances that contribute to swelling, redness, pain, and irritation.
Suppresses Immune Activity
Cortef also reduces certain immune responses.
This can be helpful when the immune system is overactive or is attacking the body’s own tissues.
However, this same effect can make it harder for the body to fight some infections, especially when higher doses are used for longer periods.
The dose of Cortef can vary greatly depending on the reason for treatment.
For adrenal insufficiency, the goal is generally to replace normal cortisol activity.
For inflammatory or immune-related conditions, larger doses may sometimes be needed to suppress inflammation.
Your healthcare provider may adjust the dose according to your symptoms, medical condition, and response to treatment.
People who take Cortef as cortisol replacement may sometimes need a higher dose during physical stress, such as serious illness, injury, or surgery.
This is because the body normally produces more cortisol during stressful situations.
Follow the specific “sick day” or stress-dosing instructions provided by your healthcare provider. Do not adjust the dose on your own unless you have been given a clear plan.
Treatment duration depends on the condition.
Some inflammatory conditions may require only a short course of Cortef.
People with certain forms of adrenal insufficiency may require long-term or lifelong corticosteroid replacement.
Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate treatment length.
Do not suddenly stop Cortef after prolonged treatment or when it is being used as essential hormone replacement.
Long-term corticosteroid use can reduce the body’s own cortisol production. Stopping too quickly may lead to adrenal insufficiency and symptoms such as severe weakness, low blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or other serious problems.
If treatment needs to be stopped, your healthcare provider may gradually reduce the dose.
Cortef has different roles depending on the condition being treated. It may replace missing cortisol, reduce inflammation, or suppress excessive immune activity.
Take it exactly as prescribed and keep recommended follow-up appointments, especially during long-term treatment. Do not change the dose or stop Cortef without guidance from your healthcare provider.
Cortef comes as a tablet that is taken by mouth. The exact dose and schedule depend on why you are taking it, how severe your condition is, and how your body responds to treatment. Cortef tablets are available in 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg strengths.
Follow your healthcare provider’s dosing instructions carefully.
Hydrocortisone may be taken once daily or in several divided doses, depending on the condition being treated. Some treatment schedules are designed to more closely match the body’s natural cortisol pattern.
Cortef can be taken with food or milk to help reduce stomach upset.
Swallow the tablet with water. If you take Cortef once daily, your healthcare provider may recommend taking it in the morning.
Try to take Cortef at the same times each day.
A pill organizer, phone reminder, or calendar can help you stay on schedule, especially if you take several doses during the day.
The dose of Cortef can vary widely because hydrocortisone is used for many different conditions.
For systemic corticosteroid treatment, the initial total daily dose may range from 20 mg to 240 mg per day, depending on the specific condition and its severity. Lower doses may be enough for less severe conditions, while higher initial doses may be required in selected cases.
The 20 mg to 240 mg range is a general prescribing range and should not be used to choose your own dose.
Your healthcare provider may consider factors such as:
Once your condition improves, your healthcare provider may gradually reduce the dose to the lowest amount that continues to control your symptoms.
When Cortef is used for adrenal insufficiency, it replaces cortisol that the body cannot produce in adequate amounts.
The replacement dose is usually different from the higher doses that may be used to suppress inflammation. Your healthcare provider will create a dosing schedule based on your individual cortisol needs.
Some people may need more than one dose of Cortef each day.
For example, your healthcare provider may divide the total daily dose so that a larger amount is taken earlier in the day and a smaller amount later. The exact schedule depends on your condition and treatment goals.
Do not change the timing of your doses without medical advice.
When Cortef is prescribed for an allergic, inflammatory, or immune-related condition, the required dose may be higher than the dose used for normal hormone replacement.
Your healthcare provider may start with a dose that controls the inflammation and then gradually reduce it as your condition improves.
If you take Cortef for adrenal insufficiency, your body may need more hydrocortisone during serious illness, injury, surgery, or other physical stress.
People with adrenal insufficiency are often given specific “stress-dose” or “sick-day” instructions.
Follow the plan provided by your healthcare provider. Do not make major dose changes on your own unless you have already been given clear instructions for these situations.
Take every dose as prescribed, even if you feel well.
This is especially important when Cortef is being used to replace cortisol because your body depends on adequate corticosteroid levels for normal function.
If you forget a dose, follow the missed-dose instructions provided by your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
In general, do not take extra hydrocortisone to make up for a missed dose unless your healthcare provider has specifically instructed you to do so.
Do not suddenly stop Cortef after prolonged treatment or if you depend on it for adrenal hormone replacement.
Long-term corticosteroid treatment can suppress the body’s natural cortisol production. If hydrocortisone is stopped too quickly, the body may not be able to produce enough cortisol immediately. This can lead to adrenal insufficiency.
Possible symptoms may include severe weakness, dizziness, low blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, or extreme tiredness.
If treatment needs to be stopped, your healthcare provider may gradually lower the dose.
People taking higher doses or using Cortef for longer periods may need more medical monitoring.
Corticosteroids can affect blood pressure, blood sugar, fluid balance, bones, infection risk, and other body systems.
Your healthcare provider may adjust the dose if significant side effects occur.
Cortef dosing varies greatly from person to person. The prescribing information gives a broad initial range of 20 mg to 240 mg per day for certain systemic uses, but your actual dose should always be determined by your healthcare provider.
Take Cortef on the prescribed schedule, use food or milk if it helps prevent stomach upset, and do not increase, reduce, or suddenly stop treatment without guidance from your healthcare provider.
Cortef (Hydrocortisone) is available in the following forms and strength:
Cortef can weaken the immune system and make it harder for your body to fight infections. It may also hide some of the usual signs of infection.
Tell your healthcare provider if you develop fever, chills, sore throat, unusual tiredness, or other signs of infection while taking Cortef.
Cortef should generally not be used in people with a systemic fungal infection unless a healthcare provider determines that corticosteroid treatment is necessary for a specific reason.
Do not take Cortef if you are allergic to hydrocortisone or any ingredient in the medication.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have active tuberculosis or a history of tuberculosis.
Corticosteroids can suppress the immune system and may allow a latent infection to become active again. Your healthcare provider may recommend additional monitoring or treatment if necessary.
Cortef can affect mood, thinking, and behavior.
Some people may experience mood swings, anxiety, depression, sleep problems, confusion, or other psychiatric effects. Severe reactions can also occur, especially with higher corticosteroid doses.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of mental health conditions or develop significant changes in mood or behavior during treatment.
Cortef can cause the body to retain salt and water, which may lead to swelling or higher blood pressure.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have high blood pressure, heart problems, or problems with fluid retention.
Contact your healthcare provider if you notice significant swelling, sudden weight gain, or worsening shortness of breath.
Cortef can increase blood sugar levels.
If you have diabetes, you may need to check your blood sugar more often during treatment. Your diabetes medications may also need adjustment.
Tell your healthcare provider if you notice increased thirst, frequent urination, or unusually high blood sugar readings.
Long-term corticosteroid treatment can weaken bones and increase the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
The risk may be greater with higher doses, prolonged treatment, older age, or other osteoporosis risk factors.
Your healthcare provider may recommend measures to protect bone health during long-term treatment.
Corticosteroids may increase the risk of stomach irritation, ulcers, or gastrointestinal bleeding, especially when taken with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Tell your healthcare provider if you regularly use medicines such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin.
Seek medical attention if you develop severe stomach pain, black stools, or vomit that contains blood.
Long-term Cortef use may increase the risk of cataracts and glaucoma. It can also increase susceptibility to certain eye infections.
Tell your healthcare provider if you develop blurred vision, eye pain, changes in eyesight, or other new vision problems.
Cortef can interact with other medicines.
Tell your healthcare provider about all prescription medications, over-the-counter products, vitamins, and supplements you take before starting treatment.
Do not start or stop another medication without checking with your healthcare provider.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have liver or kidney disease.
These conditions may affect your overall response to corticosteroid treatment and may require closer monitoring.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or do become pregnant while taking Cortef.
Corticosteroid treatment during pregnancy requires an individual assessment of the benefits and possible risks. Hydrocortisone may also be an essential treatment for people with adrenal insufficiency, so do not stop it on your own.
Talk to your healthcare provider before taking Cortef while breastfeeding.
Your healthcare provider will consider your dose, treatment duration, medical condition, and the potential effects on the nursing infant before recommending treatment.
Use Cortef exactly as prescribed. Do not suddenly stop long-term corticosteroid treatment without medical guidance.
Contact your healthcare provider if you develop signs of infection, severe mood changes, significant swelling, unusual vision changes, very high blood sugar, or other concerning symptoms during treatment.
Cortef may be used during pregnancy when a healthcare provider determines that the benefits of treatment outweigh the possible risks. If Cortef is being used to treat adrenal insufficiency, do not stop taking it on your own. Adequate corticosteroid replacement can be important during pregnancy.
Yes. Cortef can interact with certain medications. Before starting treatment, tell your healthcare provider about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, vitamins, and supplements you take. Do not start or stop another medication without first checking with your healthcare provider.
Cortef may be prescribed to children when corticosteroid treatment is needed. The dose depends on the child’s condition, age, size, and response to treatment. A healthcare provider will determine the correct dose and treatment schedule. Children receiving long-term corticosteroid treatment may need monitoring because Cortef can affect growth and development.
Yes, Cortef may be used long-term when medically necessary. Some people with adrenal insufficiency may require long-term or lifelong hydrocortisone replacement. For inflammatory conditions, treatment length depends on the condition and response to therapy. Long-term corticosteroid use can increase the risk of side effects, so regular medical monitoring may be needed. Do not suddenly stop Cortef after long-term treatment. Your healthcare provider may need to gradually reduce the dose.
| Generic name: | Hydrocortisone |
|---|---|
| Formulation: | Scored Tablet, Tablet |
| Strength(s): | 5mg, 10mg, 20mg |
| Quantities Available: | 100, 300 |
Our online Canadian Pharmacy is known for high standards of quality, safety, and efficiency when it comes to medications.
Our pharmacy offers lower prices on prescription drugs compared to traditional pharmacies.
When ordering Cortef (hydrocortisone) from a Canadian pharmacy, you can typically purchase up to a 90-day supply at one time, which is common for prescription medications to ensure adequate management of chronic conditions without frequent refills.
Here’s what you need to know:
Dosage and Quantity: Cortef is commonly prescribed in dosages of 10 mg or 20 mg taken multiple times daily depending on your specific medical condition. For example, if you are prescribed 20 mg tablets to be taken three times daily, for a 90-day supply you would order 270 tablets (3 tablets/day x 90 days).
Yes, we sell hydrocortisone at our pharmacy, and you can enjoy low prices. However, to purchase hydrocortisone, you will need a valid prescription from your healthcare provider. We require this to dispense the medication safely and appropriately. You can provide your prescription by mailing, faxing, or uploading it through your online account.
Yes, we ship Cortef (hydrocortisone) to both the United States and Puerto Rico.
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Online Pharmacies Canada has provided information from third parties intended to increase awareness and does not contain all the information about Cortef (Hydrocortisone). Talk to your doctor or other qualified medical practitioners for medical attention or advice, or if you have any concerns about Cortef (Hydrocortisone).
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