Hydrocortisone Injection

What is this medication?

HYDROCORTISONE (hye droe KOR ti sone) treats many conditions such as asthma, allergic reactions, arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases, adrenal, and blood or bone marrow disorders. It works by decreasing inflammation, slowing down an overactive immune system, or replacing cortisol normally made in the body. Cortisol is a hormone that plays an important role in how the body responds to stress, illness, and injury. It belongs to a group of medications called steroids.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): A-Hydrocort, Solu-Cortef

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

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, benzyl alcohol, other medications, lactose, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is for injection or infusion into a vein, or for injection into a muscle. It is given in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Mifepristone, RU-486
• Vaccines

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin, and troleandomycin
• Aspirin and aspirin-like medications
• Barbiturates like phenobarbital
• Ketoconazole
• Phenytoin
• Rifampin
• Warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

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

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

If you are going to have surgery, tell your care team that you have taken this medication within the last twelve months.

Ask your care team about your diet. You may need to lower the amount of salt you eat.

This medication may increase blood sugar. Ask your care team if changes in diet or medications are needed if you have diabetes.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Cushing syndrome—increased fat around the midsection, upper back, neck, or face, pink or purple stretch marks on the skin, thinning, fragile skin that easily bruises, unexpected hair growth
• High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)—increased thirst or amount of urine, unusual weakness or fatigue, blurry vision
• Increase in blood pressure
• Infection—fever, chills, cough, sore throat, wounds that don't heal, pain or trouble when passing urine, general feeling of discomfort or being unwell
• Low adrenal gland function—nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, unusual weakness, fatigue, dizziness
• Mood and behavior changes—anxiety, nervousness, confusion, hallucinations, irritability, hostility, thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression
• Stomach bleeding—bloody or black, tar-like stools, vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds
• Swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Acne
• General discomfort and fatigue
• Headache
• Increase in appetite
• Nausea
• Trouble sleeping
• Weight gain

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.