Florinef Acetate (Fludrocortisone)

Description

Florinef is a drug that is classified as a corticosteroid. It is used in the treatment of the symptoms of Addison disease, and is also used to treat salt-losing adreno-genital syndrome.

 

A corticosteroid functions by increasing the ability of the renal system to store sodium, and by extension, salt. It is considered as a viable stand-in for cortisone deficiency.

 

 

 

Important data

 

This medication has been known to cause dizziness and nausea, especially when taken with alcohol. Do not perform any tasks that require concentration (such as driving).

 

Florinef may also reduce your immune system’s effectiveness. Do not come into contact with anyone who has a contagious sickness, even common cold.

 

If you are someone who has never had a disease like chicken pox, measles or shingles, do not go near anyone who does. Exposure could harm you.

 

Always have on your person a little card that tells anyone in case of an emergency that you are on a course of Florinef.

 

Before being taken into surgery, even if it is for a dental condition, make sure that you inform the medical officials of the Florinef you are taking.

 

Prolonged use of this medication can lead to eye conditions like cataracts and glaucoma. If you feel like your vision is becoming impaired, tell your doctor immediately.

 

This drug can also cause your blood pressure to increase and may lead to a potassium and calcium deficiency. Ask your doctor about taking supplements to avoid this.

 

If you are a diabetic, you may need to watch your blood sugar levels very closely. Check with your doctor before increasing or decreasing your insulin dosage.

 

Your doctor may ask you to go through different blood tests, including electrolyte levels, pressure and vision tests.

 

When being given to young children and teens, make sure you watch them closely for side effects such as stunted growth.

 

Dosage

 

Always take Florinef exactly as your doctor has prescribed it to you. Make sure you check for the accurate dosage with your physician.

 

This medication is taken orally. Mealtimes do not have an effect on the medication. If you have a digestive problem, taking Florinef with food can reduce it.

 

Never go “cold turkey” and stop taking the medicine outright. Ask your doctor to reduce the dosages in small amounts.

 

Missed doses and overdose

 

If you miss a dose of Florinef, take it as soon as you remember. If you are about to take the next dose, ignore the one you missed. Never take a double dose to make up for it.

 

If you overdose, contact emergency services and your local poison hotline immediately.

 

Side effects

 

Common side effects include:

 

 Trouble sleeping
 Dizzy feeling
 Headaches
 Appetite increases
 Sweating
 Indigestion
 Anxiety

 

More severe side effects include:

 

 Allergies
 Black stools
 Menstruation cycle changes
 Angina
 Eye pain
 Fever
 Sore throat
 Severe migraine
 Bloating
 Depression
 Rage
 Seizures

 

Call emergency services immediately if you experience these.

 

Contraindications

 

 Tell your doctor immediately if you have an allergic reaction to the drug or any of the ingredients in it. Do not take it if you have any sort of fungal condition or are up for a vaccination for smallpox.

 

 If you are currently pregnant or you plan on becoming pregnant in the near future, make sure you tell your doctor. The same goes if you are nursing a child.

 

 Inform a physician if you are currently on a course of medication, either herbal or pharmaceutical, and if you are taking any supplements.

 

 Do not take Florinef if you have any known allergies to food and other factors without first telling your doctor.

 

 In the event of a thyroid gland that isn’t performing well enough, or in case you have any hepatic or renal problems, you should refrain from taking this drug.

 

 If you also have a medical history of heart conditions, heart attacks, diabetes, pressure problems, esophageal inflammation, ulcers, constipation or depression, inform your doctor.

 

 Do not take this medicine in conjunction with anabolic steroids, barbiturates, estrogen, antifungals, contraceptive pills, diuretic and digoxin.