Drug Uses
Florinef is a corticosteroid that is used for the treatment of adrenocortical insufficiency in Addison disease and for the treatment of salt losing adrenogenital syndrome, a condition in which the body is depleted of sodium.
How it is taken
The best way to use the drug is as recommended by your doctor. Take Florinef by mouth with food to avoid an upset stomach. Do not stop taking the drug suddenly unless you have been advised to do so by your doctor.
Missed Dosage
If you miss a dose of Florinef then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.
Overdose
Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect a Florinex overdose.
Warnings/Precautions
Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances, especially if you have a history of an underactive thyroid, liver or kidney problems, heart problems or heart attack, bleeding problems, diabetes, high blood pressure, inflammation of the esophagus, stomach problems (eg, ulcers), bowel blockage or other bowel problems (eg, ulcerative colitis), recent bowel surgery, myasthenia gravis, or mental or mood problems (eg, depression), if you have measles, chickenpox, herpes infection of the eye, or any other type of bacterial, fungal, parasitic, or viral infection, if you have recently had tuberculosis (TB) or have had a positive skin test for TB.
You must not take Florinef if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or you are scheduled to have a have a smallpox vaccination.
If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using Florinef and contact your doctor immediately.
Florinef is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.
Certain drugs can interact with and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking.
Florinef can weaken the immune system of the body and you must avoid meeting people with infections like cold, fever, sore throat or rashes. Meet your doctor if these side effects occur.
Florinef should be used with great caution in children as the safety and effectiveness of the drug have not been confirmed yet.
Long term use of the drug may lead to eye infections like cataract, glaucoma etc.
Florinef may increase the blood pressure in the body and increase calcium or potassium loss. Your doctor may prescribe a calcium or potassium supplement for you in your diet.
Avoid vaccinations with live virus vaccines (eg, measles, mumps, oral polio) while you are taking Florinef.
Diabetics will have to constantly monitor their blood sugar levels while using the drug.
Ensure that you inform your doctor and your dentist about before receiving any form of medical treatment or dental treatment or emergency surgery.
Periodic lab tests may be recommended to monitor your health while taking the drug. Ensure that you do not miss any lab tests.
It has been noted that elder patients are more sensitive to the side effects of the drug. They might need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring throughout the treatment.
Possible Side Effects
Some of the common side effects of are Difficulty sleeping, dizziness or lightheadedness, headache, increased appetite, increased sweating, indigestion, nervousness. Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.
Other severe side effects include allergic reactions (rash, hives, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), black, tarry stools, changes in menstrual periods, chest pain, eye pain or increased pressure in the eye, fever, chills, or sore throat, joint or bone pain, mood or mental changes (eg, depression), muscle pain or weakness, seizures, severe or persistent headache, severe or persistent nausea or vomiting, stomach pain or bloating, swelling of feet or legs, trouble sleeping, unusual weight gain or loss, vision changes, vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds.
You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.
