A Florinef tablets contain fludrocortisone acetate which is a member of the group of medicines known as steroids.

The tablets contain 0.1 mg fludrocortisone acetate. They are supplied in blister packs of 56 tablets and bottles of 56 or 100 tablets

The other ingredients are dicalcium phosphate, erythrosine, lactose, magnesium stearate, maize starch, sodium benzoate and talc.

A. Florinef tablets are used to replace hormones normally produced by glands attached to your kidneys. These hormones are missing if you suffer from Addison’s disease. Florinef tablets are also used to treat salt-losing adrenogenital syndrome, which is a different form of hommone imbalance.

A. You should not take this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to similar medicines or to any of the ingredients in Florinef tablets.

You should not take this medicine if you are suffering from an infection unless your doctor has also prescribed a treatment for the infection.

You should not take this medicine for the treatment of any condition other than those stated.

Your doctor should send you for blood tests from time to time and check your salt intake regularly to make sure you do not develop high blood pressure or fluid retention or become overweight.

A Check with your doctor before taking Florinef tablets if you have had any recent infection, tuberculosis (TB), bowel disorders, an ulcer, blood clots, cancer, thin (brittle) bones, high blood pressure or heart failure, mental disorders, epilepsy, myasthenia gravis or glaucoma (increased pressure in your eyes).

A. Tell your doctor immediately if you have not had chickenpox yourself as these diseases can be dangerous to patients taking steroid medicines as the steroids suppress your body’s natural Immune responses

A. While you are being treated with this medicine (or if you have recently stopped a course of treatment) do not have any immunisation without consulting your doctor.

A. Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water.

The daily dose ranges from 0.05mg to 0.3mg taken once a day in the morning. Once your condition starts to respond your doctor will gradually reduce the dose to the lowest possible level which will relieve the symptoms. Patients on long-term treatment may require the addition of a different type of steroid tablet during illness or illness or stress.

A. Take the course prescribed by your doctor.

DO NOT SUDDENLY STOP taking Florinef tablets as this may make you ill.

A. Go to your nearest hospital Casualty Department or tell your doctor immediately. If you are going to the hospital, take the empty container and any remaining medicine with you.

A. Do not worry, take it as soon as possible. Never take a double dose to make up for one you missed.

A. All medicines may cause some unwanted or "side effects". Some which can occur with steroid treatment are as follows. Tell your doctor immediately if you get ulcer pains in your stomach or severe pain in your abdomen. Patients have reported increased appetite, weight gain, indigestion, sickness, feeling tired or weak. Steroid treatment may cause increased risk of infection, thinning of bones or tendons causing fractures or torn muscles, water retention, irregular heart beat, high blood pressure or blood clots. Skin or eye problems may occur and wounds or broken bones may be slow to heal. Treatment with steroids can stop the body from producing some hormones and may slow or stop children’s growth rate. If you are female, your periods may become irregular. Elevation or depression of mood, sleeplessness and severe headaches have been reported. When steroid treatment is stopped, patients have noticed flu-like symptoms, runny nose or itchy eyes or skin. Remember you must not stop taking your medicine too suddenly. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any other troublesome side-effects.