How does it work?

Cortisone acetate is a type of medicine known as a corticosteroid. Corticosteroids are hormones produced naturally by the adrenal glands, which have many important functions on every organ system. Corticosteroids affect the strength of heart muscle and its response to natural chemicals affecting heart rate. They affect the water and salt balance in the body and also enable the body to cope with stress. Stress includes changes in temperature, pain, fear, anxiety and illness. It can be hazardous if the body is not equipped to cope, due to low levels of corticosteroids. Corticosteroids allow us to respond to stress by increasing the rate and force of the heartbeat, increasing blood supply to essential tissues (muscle, heart, brain), increasing the body's supply of energy by raising blood sugar and by several other effects on body systems. Cortisone acetate is a synthetic corticosteroid and is used as replacement therapy in people whose adrenal glands are not producing enough natural corticosteroids (adrenal insufficiency). This can be due to disease (Addison's disease), surgical removal of the adrenal gland(s) or damage to the adrenal glands from lack of blood. (This may occur as a result of excessive bleeding or shock). Low blood levels of corticosteroids must be treated with replacement therapy to allow the body to function normally.

What is it used for?

Replacement therapy

Warning!

This medicine should be taken in the morning to mimic the natural production of corticosteroids by the body. It should be taken after food.

A steroid card will be supplied with this medicine. This contains details of the prescriber, type of steroid and dose taken and the duration of treatment. It should be carried at all times.

This medicine should not be stopped abruptly but tapered down, especially when taken for longer than 3 weeks. The natural production of corticosteroids by the adrenal glands is suppressed by this medicine and the body therefore becomes reliant on it.

This medicine may increase susceptibility to infections and also mask the symptoms of these infections.

Use with caution in

Children

Diabetes

Elderly people

Epilepsy

Family history of glaucoma

Glaucoma

High blood pressure

History of or current mental disorder

History of steroid induced mental disturbances

History of tuberculosis

Osteoporosis

Peptic ulcer

Previous muscle disease (myopathy) caused by steroids

X-ray changes characteristic of tuberculosis

Not to be used in

Bacterial infections unless treated with a specific anti-infective

Fungal or viral infections throughout the body (systemic infections) unless treated with a specific anti-infective

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnancy unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine passes into breast milk. Discuss its use during breastfeeding with your doctor.

Label warnings

Follow the printed instructions you have been given with this medication.

Take this medication with or after food.

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