What is Solu CORTEF?
Solu-CORTEF, also known as a steroid, is used to treat a variety of conditions, including allergies, skin disorders, ulcerative colitis, arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and lung disorders. Solu-CORTEF can also be used to replace steroids in patients with adrenal failure. Solu-CORTEF is a drug that affects the immune system. It's often prescribed to treat blood cell disorders like anemia (low red cells) and thrombocytopenia.
Solu-CORTEF can also be used to treat certain cancers, such as leukemia and multiple myeloma. This medication guide does not list all possible uses for Solu-CORTEF.
Side effects of Solu-CORTEF
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction: difficulty breathing, hives or swelling of the face, lips or throat. Seek medical assistance immediately.
Solu-CORTEF can cause serious side effects. Contact your doctor immediately if:
- Blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around light
- Loss of muscle mass, muscle weakness
- New or unusual pains in your muscles, joints, or bones;
- You may experience severe headaches with ringing in the ears or pain behind your eyelids.
- Unusual changes in mood or behavior
- A seizure;
- The injection site may show hollowing of the skin or other changes.
- Numbness or tingling
- Rapid weight gain, swelling, and shortness of breath (even when lying down)
- New signs of infection, such as fever, chills or cough, difficulty breathing, sores on the skin or in your mouth, or diarrhea;
- Increased adrenal gland hormones can cause fatigue, menstrual irregularities, skin discoloration or thinning, increased body hair and skin, and sexual changes.
- Reduced adrenal gland hormones can cause fatigue, weakness, diarrhoea, menstrual irregularities, skin discoloration, and a craving for salty food.
Solu-CORTEF can affect growth in children. If your child's growth isn't normal while taking Solu-CORTEF, tell your doctor.
Solu-CORTEF can cause the following side effects:
- Acne, dry skin
- Increased sweating
- Nausea, bloating;
- Weight gain due to increased appetite
- Sleep problems (insomnia).
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Similar/related drugs
Entyvio, Zeposia, prednisone, albuterol, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, and methylprednisolone
Warnings
Solu-CORTEF should not be used if you are suffering from a fungus in any part of your body. Inform your doctor of any illnesses or infections you may have experienced in the last few weeks.
Before you take this drug
Solu-CORTEF should not be used if you are allergic to it or have any fungal infections in your body.
Steroids may weaken your immunity, increasing the likelihood of getting an infection. Inform your doctor of any illnesses or infections you've had in the last few weeks.
Inform your physician of any of the following issues:
- High blood pressure.
- Tuberculosis;
- Kidney disease
- Cirrhosis and other liver diseases
- A thyroid disorder
- Low bone mineral density;
- Diverticulitis , stomach ulcers, or ulcerative colitis.
- Diabetes;
- A colostomy or ileostomy;
- Depression or mental illness
- Glaucoma and cataracts are both eye diseases.
- Herpes infection in the eyes
- A muscle disorder, such as myasthenia gravis.
Long-term use can lead to osteoporosis, especially if the user smokes, does not exercise, consumes insufficient calcium or vitamin D, or has a family history.
Solu-CORTEF is not known to harm a baby in utero. This medicine may cause hormone deficiencies in newborns if used during pregnancy. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant. Solu-CORTEF should not be used while breastfeeding.
How to take Solu-CORTEF?
Solu-CORTEF can be injected directly into the muscle or infused into the vein. This injection will be given by a healthcare provider. If you cannot take the medicine orally, Solu-CORTEF can be given as an injection. You will need to have your doctor check on you regularly.
If you are suffering from a severe illness, a fever, or an infection, or have had surgery or an emergency, your dose requirements may be different. Inform your doctor of any situation that may affect you. Solu-CORTEF should not be stopped abruptly. You should follow your doctor's advice about reducing your dose.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you missed your appointment for Solu-CORTEF, call your doctor to get instructions.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
Overdoses of hydrocortisone are not expected to cause life-threatening symptoms. High doses of hydrocortisone can cause thinning of the skin, easy bruises, changes in body weight (especially on your neck, back, and face), acne, facial hair, or menstrual issues.
What should be avoided?
Avoid receiving a "live vaccine" while using Solu CORTEF. The vaccine might not be as effective, and you may not be fully protected from disease. Live vaccines are available for measles (MMR), rubella, mumps (MMR), yellow fever, typhoid (rotavirus), varicella (chickenpox), zoster, and polio.
Avoid being around people who are ill or infected. If you have been exposed to measles or chickenpox, call your doctor immediately for treatment. These conditions are serious and can even be fatal for people taking steroid medications.
Interaction with other drug
At times it may not be safe to combine certain medications. Some medicines could alter the blood levels of others and cause adverse side effects or make them less effective.
Inform your physician of all medications you are currently taking. Solu-CORTEF can be affected by many drugs, including:
- Hormonal replacement therapy or birth control pills
- Heart medication
- Insulin or oral diabetes medication;
- Medicine to prevent organ rejection;
- Medicine to treat an infection
- Seizure medication;
- A blood thinner, such as warfarin or Jantoven (Coumadin);
- Aspirin, or nsaids (nonsteroidal pain relievers) such as ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib, indomethacin, Advil, Aleve Motrin, and other nsaids
Solu-CORTEF may be affected by many other medications. These include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all possible drug interactions.
