is hydrocortisone a peptide FAQ

Hydrocortisone is a synthetic formulation of cortisol, the natural steroid hormone produced in the cortex region of the adrenal glands, hence known as a corticosteroid. Hydrocortisone is used to control or reduce inflammation caused by a wide variety of conditions, to treat chronic adrenal insufficiency and to replace inadequate natural cortisol production. Hydrocortisone has varied metabolic effects and also modifies the body’s immune response. Hydrocortisone works in multiple ways to reduce inflammation:

Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking, who can advise you on any possible drug interactions. Never begin taking, suddenly discontinue, or change the dosage of any medication without your doctor’s recommendation.

Common side effects of systemic hydrocortisone include:

Do not take hydrocortisone unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed. Do not share hydrocortisone with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them. Keep hydrocortisone out of the reach of children. Do not stop taking hydrocortisone without talking to your healthcare provider. Keep all appointments for any scheduled doses of hydrocortisone injection. Stopping too quickly may cause serious side effects. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

If you or someone else has used too much hydrocortisone, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using hydrocortisone.

The most common side effects of hydrocortisone are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

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Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take hydrocortisone.

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if hydrocortisone is right for you. In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following. Other Medicines and Supplements. Hydrocortisone may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking hydrocortisone, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details. Adrenal Gland Tumor (Pheochromocytoma). Tell your healthcare provider if you have a rare adrenal gland tumor known as pheochromocytoma. Hydrocortisone can cause a rare but serious side effect in people with pheochromocytoma, which can lead to organ damage and death. Vaccines. Talk with your healthcare provider about any vaccines that you may need. You may not be able to receive certain vaccines right before or while using hydrocortisone. Tell your healthcare provider about any vaccines you have recently received or have scheduled. Other Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

Hydrocortisone is commonly used for various inflammatory, autoimmune, hormonal, and other conditions where a corticosteroid may be used, which include the following.

Grapefruit juice may increase levels of hydrocortisone in your body. Tell your healthcare provider if you regularly drink grapefruit juice. It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect hydrocortisone.

Hydrocortisone belongs to a group of medicines called corticosteroids. It is one of the steroid hormones that your body naturally makes. Hydrocortisone can replace low levels of steroid hormones in people with reduced adrenal gland function. It has anti-inflammatory effects and can regulate the body’s metabolism and immune response.

Oral Tablet or Granule. If you miss a dose of hydrocortisone oral tablet or granule, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses. If you are giving hydrocortisone granules to a child and they vomit the granules after swallowing them, call your healthcare provider for instructions. Injection Liquid. Hydrocortisone injection is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital. Your healthcare provider will make sure you are receiving hydrocortisone as scheduled. If you miss an appointment to get your hydrocortisone injection dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.

Oral Tablet or Granule. Hydrocortisone oral tablets and granules should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. The granules should be stored in the original bottle to protect them from light. Once the bottle has been opened, the granules should be used within 60 days. Injection Liquid. Hydrocortisone injection is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. If you will store hydrocortisone injection at home, follow the instructions given by your healthcare provider.

While less common, the most serious side effects of hydrocortisone are described below, along with what to do if they happen. Severe Allergic Reactions. Hydrocortisone may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking hydrocortisone and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.