Cortef (Hydrocortisone) is a prescription medication used to treat several conditions, such as allergic disorders, ulcerative colitis, arthritis, lupus, lung disorders, and skin conditions. The drug may also be used to treat certain blood cell disorders such as anemia or thrombocytopenia. Cortef is used to replace steroids in people with adrenal insufficiency. The drug may also be used to treat certain cancers such as lymphoma, leukemia, and multiple myeloma. The active ingredient in Cortef is Hydrocortisone. Hydrocortisone belongs to a class of medications called corticosteroids. It works by decreasing your immune system's response to various diseases to reduce symptoms such as pain, swelling, and allergic reactions.
Manufacturer Information
We currently offer the brand Cortef from Canada manufactured by Pfizer. The generic Hydrocortisone comes from Canada and the United Kingdom by different manufacturers.
Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs or an allergic reaction while using Cortef. The most common side effects of Cortef may include the following:
• Headache;
• Heartburn;
• Increased sweating;
• Nausea;
• Trouble sleeping
Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the severe side effects, including:
• Muscle weakness;
• Seizure;
• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat;
• Signs of an infection, such as cough, sore throat, fever, or chills;
• Unusual changes in mood or behavior
These are not all of the side effects of Cortef. Always contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.
You should not use Cortef if you are allergic to Hydrocortisone or any ingredient in Cortef. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed;
• Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant;
• Have a thyroid disorder;
• Have depression;
• Have diabetes;
• Have glaucoma;
• Have heart disease;
• Have herpes infection of the eyes;
• Have kidney disease;
• Have liver disease;
• Have myasthenia gravis;
• Have osteoporosis;
• Have stomach ulcer;
• Have tuberculosis
Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be drug interactions between Cortef and other medicines, like albuterol, furosemide, metformin, mifepristone, ibuprofen, warfarin, etc. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is unknown if Cortef will harm an unborn baby. However, using Hydrocortisone in pregnancy may cause a hormone deficiency in the newborn. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. It is unknown if Hydrocortisone passes into breast milk or if it may harm your nursing infant. Use this medicine exactly as your doctor prescribes. Cortef comes as tablets. Take this medication with a full glass of water. You can take this medication with food or milk to prevent stomach upset. Your dose and length of treatment will depend on your medical condition and response to treatment. Steroids can weaken your immune system, making it easier to get an infection or worsen an infection you already have. Avoid contact with people with easily spreadable infections like chickenpox, measles, or COVID-19. Do not receive a "live" vaccine while using Cortef. The vaccine may not work well. Do not stop taking Hydrocortisone without talking to your doctor. Your condition may become worse if you stop taking this medication suddenly. You may also have withdrawal symptoms such as weakness, weight loss, and nausea. Your doctor may lower your dose slowly to prevent withdrawal. Avoid drinking alcohol when using this drug. Alcohol can increase your risk of stomach bleeding. This medication can slow down a child's growth if used for a long time. See your doctor regularly to check your child's growth and height. Store this drug at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.