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What are the Side Effects of Hydrocortisone for Adrenal Insufficiency?

If you take hydrocortisone tablets for adrenal insufficiency, you may be worried about side effects. Here we look at the why you need to take hydrocortisone for adrenal insufficiency and consider the side effects that you may experience, so you can manage them.

What are hydrocortisone tablets?

Hydrocortisone tablets are a type of corticosteroid. Your body naturally produces, and needs, a particular type of hormone called cortisol. If you suffer from adrenal insufficiency, perhaps because you have Addison’s disease, or have had your adrenal glands removed, then you need to artificially replace the lost cortisol. You do this by taking hydrocortisone tablets.

Unfortunately, as with all medications, hydrocortisone tablets for adrenal insufficiency can have side effects. Your doctor will determine if hydrocortisone tablets are suitable for you as they may not be recommended for everyone, or you may require additional support and monitoring. You may be put on hydrocortisone tablets by increasing the dose over time, which can help to manage side effects. It’s also important to note that the dose may need to be changed under certain circumstances, for example if you have an infection.

The use of hydrocortisone may be rapidly increased if you experience adrenal crisis. This is a medical emergency.

Side effects of hydrocortisone for adrenal insufficiency

It is common that medications cause side effects in some patients. Fortunately, hydrocortisone is a milder steroid than others like prednisolone, so generally causes fewer side effects.

Common side effects of hydrocortisone

Medication side effects are considered common when they affect more than 1 in 100 people. This means they may still be relatively rare, and you should not worry about them unless they become troublesome in your case. Additionally, most of these common side effects of hydrocortisone for adrenal insufficiency only last for a short while and go away as your body adjusts.

Common side effects include:

  • Dizziness or weakness
  • Fatigue
  • Aching muscles
  • Indigestion
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Swollen ankles

Serious and rare side effects of hydrocortisone

Unfortunately, there are some serious side effects. Fortunately, these are rare and they occur in less than 1 in 1000 people. It’s likely that you may experience these side effects if you have to take hydrocortisone for an extended period, for example with Addison’s disease or if you have had your adrenal glands removed by surgery.

Serious side effects include:

Mood disturbances including depression, mania, anxiety, hallucinations, paranoia and mood swings. These side effects can vary greatly in severity, but you should contact your doctor immediately if you experience significant changes in your mood, including if you feel suicidal.

  • Flu-like symptoms including fever, chills, sore throat, ears and/or sinuses, a cough.
  • Saliva changes including changes to the color of your saliva or experiencing more saliva production than usual.
  • Urination pain
  • Mouth sores
  • Problems with wound healing
  • Sleepiness or confusion
  • Excessive thirst or hunger
  • Increased urination frequency
  • Flushing
  • Rapid breathing (or sweet fruity smelling breath)
  • A puffy rounded face (moon face)
  • Weight gain on your belly or upper back as this could be a sign of Cushing’s syndrome.
  • Symptoms
    of adrenal gland problems such as stomach cramping, nausea and
    vomiting, extreme dizziness and lightheadedness, muscle weakness,
    extreme lethargy and appetite changes.
  • Symptoms of low potassium levels including irregular heartbeat, muscle spasms and cramps, pain and weakness.
  • Symptoms of pancreatic problems including severe stomach ache and upset stomach, vomiting, and severe back pain.
  • Symptoms of a blood clot or deep vein thrombosis DVT including throbbing in a limb, breathlessness or chest pain.
  • Eyesight changes
  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, black stools or vomit which are the signs of a bleeding ulcer.

Some of these side effects indicate there may be an infection or the development of diabetes, and should be assessed by a doctor.

There are additional side effects of hydrocortisone tablets in children and adolescents. For example, extended hydrocortisone use in growing children can affect their growth.

When you receive your hydrocortisone tablets you should take some time to read the patient information leaflet. In this are all of the reported side effects that you might experience. It’s important to buy your hydrocortisone tablets from a reputable source, such as International Pharmacy, so that you have the relevant patient information leaflet and know that the medication is sourced directly from the manufacturer.

Allergic reactions to hydrocortisone

Typically, allergic reactions occur immediately when you start taking hydrocortisone tablets. If you experience an allergic reaction, you should seek emergency medical care. Signs of an allergic reaction include:

  • Skin rashes, redness and blistering
  • Breathlessness, difficulty talking, and wheezing
  • Tight throat and chest
  • Swollen tongue, lips, throat, face or mouth
  • How to manage the side effects of hydrocortisone for adrenal insufficiency

Most side effects go away of their own accord in a short time. However, there are some things you can do to manage your side effects so that you feel as well as possible while taking hydrocortisone for adrenal insufficiency.

Feeling fatigued or dizzy: If you can, have a lie down and try to rest until you feel better. It’s important that you don’t drive or operate heavy machinery. Until the symptoms have passed, avoid drinking alcohol as this will make the fatigue and dizziness worse.

Headaches: Again, rest if you can and take an over the counter painkiller like paracetamol. Importantly, ensure you drink plenty of water.

Muscle pains and aches: Soothe uncomfortable muscles with a warm bath or heat pad. You may find pain alleviating gel helpful. However, if the muscle aches persist, you should speak to your doctor.

Gastro problems like indigestion and nausea: First, make sure you take your tablets at a mealtime as this can help. You may also wish to avoid spicy or rich food. Sometimes doctors prescribe another medication, like omeprazole, to alleviate gastro issues and prevent damage.

Swollen ankles: Elevate your feet and try to prevent standing for too long. Putting your feet in a bowl of cool water can also help.

Long-term side effects of hydrocortisone for adrenal insufficiency

If you are taking hydrocortisone tablets long term, as is often the case with adrenal insufficiency, especially Addison’s disease, then you may be concerned about long term side effects. When you take medications over the long term, there can be more complicated effects. Prolonged use of hydrocortisone may lead to:

  • Osteoporosis
  • Diabetes and difficulties managing diabetes
  • Problems with your eyesight

There are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of experiencing these long term side effects.

It’s important to eat a calcium-rich diet and take regular exercise to strengthen your bones. If you have pre-diabetes or diabetes, it is essential to regularly monitor your blood sugar. Have regular sight tests and request both cataract and glaucoma testing. Children and adolescents should have their growth regularly monitored.

Where to buy hydrocortisone tablets

You can order your hydrocortisone tablets from the International Pharmacy for international shipping. We are a reputable and reliable supplier of pharmaceuticals to patients.

The information provided here is for guidance only and does not constitute medical advice. If you are worried that you may have adrenal insufficiency or want to take hydrocortisone tablets, seek the advice of your physician.