Cortone (Cortisone Acetate)

Cortone (Cortisone acetate) is used to treat many different conditions such as allergic disorders, skin conditions, ulcerative colitis, arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, certain cancers, or breathing disorders. Cortone belongs to a class of medications called corticosteroids, and works by preventing the release of certain substances in the body that caused inflammation. This medication decreases your body's natural defensive response and reduces symptoms such as swelling and allergic-type reactions.

Manufacturer Information

Common side effects of Cortone may include sleep problems, mood changes, acne, dry skin, thinning skin, bruising or discoloration, slow wound healing, increase sweating, headache, dizziness or spinning sensation, nausea, stomach pain, or bloating, or changes in the shape or location of body fat.

Contact your doctor immediately if you notice more serious side effects such as:
• Bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood;
• Problems with your vision;
• Severe depression, unusual thoughts or behavior, seizure;
• Signs of dangerously high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, uneven heartbeats, seizure);
• Signs of low potassium (confusion, uneven heart rate, extreme thirst, increased urination, discomfort, muscle weakness or limp feeling);
• Signs of pancreatitis (severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate);
• Swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath

This is not a complete list of side effects. If you notice any other side effects not listed here, please contact your doctor or pharmacist.

You should not use Cortone if you are allergic to cortisone, or if you have a fungal infection anywhere in your body. Steroid medication can weaken your immune system, making it easier for you to get an infection. Steroids can also worsen an infection you already have, or reactivate an infection you recently have had. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor about any illness or infection you have had within the past several weeks. To make sure this medication is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had liver or kidney disease, a thyroid disorder, diabetes, a history of malaria, tuberculosis, osteoporosis, a muscle disorder such as myasthenia gravis, glaucoma or cataracts, herpes infection of the eyes, stomach ulcers, ulcerative colitis, or diverticulitis, depression or mental illness, congestive heart failure, or high blood pressure. It is not known if this medication will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. Cortone can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breastfeed while you are using this medication. Do not use this medication in children without the advice of a doctor.

Steroids can affect growth in children. Talk with your doctor if you think your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medication. Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections while taking this medication. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chicken pox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are using a steroid medication. Do not receive a “live” vaccine while using Cortone. The vaccine may not work as well during this time, and may not fully protect you from disease. Avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking Cortone, as it may increase certain side effects. Several medications may interact with Cortone, especially aspirin, a diuretic (water pill), a blood thinner, cyclosporine, insulin or diabetes medications you take by mouth, ketoconazole, rifampin, or seizure medications. Tell your doctor about any medications, vitamins, or herbal supplements you are currently taking or have recently taken in order to reduce the risk of any possible interactions.

Check out our latest Blog Post