Hydrocortone®

(hydrocortisone, MSD)

PLEASE READ ALL OF THIS LEAFLET CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU START TAKING THESE TABLETS.

Keep this leaflet. You may want to read it again.

What is in your tablets?

Active ingredient

The active ingredient in Hydrocortone Tablets is hydrocortisone EP. Hydrocortone tablets come in two strengths: each white tablet marked 'MSD 619’ contain 10 mg hydrocortisone, and each white tablet marked 'MSD 625' contain 20 mg hydrocortisone.

Other ingredients

Lactose EP, magnesium stearate EP, and maize starch EP.

Hydrocortone Tablets are available in packs of 30 tablets.

How does your medicine work?

The active ingredient in your medicine is hydrocortisone. This belongs to a group of medicines known as corticosteroids that are used to replace the hormones that you lack.

Some steroids, including hydrocortisone, occur naturally in the body and help to maintain health and well-being.

Who makes your tablets?

Hydrocortone Tablets are made by Merck Sharp & Dohme Limited, Shotton Lane, Cramlington Northumberland, for Merck Sharp & Dohme limited, Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, UK, who hold the Product Licence in the UK.

Why do you need to take these tablets?

Your doctor has prescribed Hydrocortone for you because you have a condition known as adrenocortical insufficiency. The adrenal cortex, part of the adrenal glands situated near the kidneys, produces hormones called corticosteroids. Your adrenal cortex is not producing sufficient amounts of these corticosteroids to keep your body working properly. The hydrocortisone in your tablets replaces the natural steroids that you lack and helps to keep you healthy.

Are there some people who should not take hydrocortone?

Yes, do not take the tablets if:

  • You are or think you may be pregnant.
  • You are planning to become pregnant.
  • You are breast-feeding.
  • You have an infection which could have been caused by a fungus (e.g. thrush).
  • You have had a bad reaction to this or similar medicines in the past.

If you think any of these apply to you, do not take the tablets, go and talk to your doctor first and follow the advice given.

What else should you know about taking Hydrocortone?

You should check with your doctor before taking Hydrocortone if:

  • You have recently suffered from a heart attack.
  • You suffer from a disease called tuberculosis.
  • You suffer from kidney or liver problems, high blood
  • pressure, diabetes, heart problems, osteoporosis (thinning of the bone), glaucoma, myasthenia gravis (a disease causing weak muscles), digestive system or stomach problems.
  • You have suffered from muscle weakness with this
  • or other steroids in the past.
  • You have an eye infection with the herpes virus.

You should see your doctor if you develop any new infections while taking these tablets.

If the patient is a child, it is important that the doctor

monitors growth and development at intervals during treatment.

If you have an accident, fall ill, require any surgery (including at the dentist's), during or after treatment with Hydrocortone, you must tell the doctor treating you that you are taking or have taken steroids.

IMPORTANT: All patients taking steroid drugs for more than a few days should carry 'steroid treatment' cards, which are available from your pharmacist. These cards carry details of your medicine and your doctor.

Hydrocortone contains lactose as an inactive ingredient and may produce symptoms in lactose-intolerant individuals.

Can you take Hydrocortone with other medicines?

Some other medicines do not mix with Hydrocortone. Your doctor is aware of these and will alter your treatment as necessary. However, it is very important that you tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking, including those obtained without a doctor's prescription.

If you are taking any of the following medicines you should talk to your doctor before taking Hydrocortone.
  • Aspirin.
  • Phenytoin (used to treat epilepsy).
  • Carbamazepine (used to treat epilepsy).
  • Ephedrine (a nasal decongestant).
  • Barbiturates (used to treat epilepsy).
  • Antibiotics called rifampicin and rifabutin, used to treat tuberculosis.
  • Anticoagulant medicines which thin the blood.
  • Certain diuretics (water tablets).
  • Amphotericin (used to treat fungal infections).
  • An anticancer medicine called aminoglutethimide.

How should you take your tablets?

Hydrocortone Tablets are to be taken by mouth. The number of tablets you take will depend upon your condition. You should take your tablets exactly BS your doctor or pharmacist tells you and according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than your doctor has advised.

The usual dose is:

Adults: 10-20 mg a day. Your doctor may want to prescribe more than this, together with 4-6 9 of sodium chloride or 1-3 9 of deoxycorticosterone acetate.

Children: 0.4 to 0.8 mg/kg given as two or three doses per day.

IMPORTANT: It is dangerous to stop taking the tablets abruptly. If your treatment is to be stopped, follow your doctor's advice, as this medicine must be withdrawn gradually. Withdrawal symptoms after stopping treatment too quickly have included, for example, fever, muscle and joint pains and malaise.

What if you forget to take a dose or take too many tablets?

If you miss a dose, just carry on with the next one as normal Do not take an extra one to make up.

If you take too much Hydrocortone by mistake, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

What unwanted effects could your tablets have?

Hydrocortone, like all steroids, may cause side effects. Your doctor has probably explained these to you. The most usual ones seen with Hydrocortone include: headache; vertigo; nausea; malaise; raised blood pressure; heart trouble; swelling and weight gain of the body and face; thirst; increased appetite; decreased carbohydrate tolerance; mood changes; muscle weakness and wasting; tendon rupture; increased number of white blood cells in the blood; blood clots; thinning of bone with an increased risk of fractures; convulsions; suppression of growth in children; stomach pain and discomfort, slow wound healing thinned, delicate skin- bruising and unusual skin markings or rash; changes in vision; acne- increased sweating; in men only: changes in the motility and