Hydrocortisone Injection

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 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.

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

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Cushing's syndrome
• Diabetes
• Glaucoma
• Heart problems or disease
• High blood pressure
• Infection, such as herpes, measles, tuberculosis, or chickenpox
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Mental health conditions
• Myasthenia gravis
• Osteoporosis
• Previous heart attack
• Seizures
• Stomach ulcers, other stomach or intestine problems
• Thyroid problem
• An unusual or allergic reaction to hydrocortisone, benzyl alcohol, other medications, lactose, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Mifepristone, RU-486
• Vaccines

This medication may also interact with the following:

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

This does not apply.

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.