Hydrocortisone 10 Mg Tablets
This leaflet contains important information about Hydrocortisone Tablets. Read this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine.
• Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
• If you have further questions, please ask your doctor or your pharmacist.
• This medicine has been prescribed for you personally and you should not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their symptoms are the same as yours.
• If any of the side effects get serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.
Package leaflet - Information for the patient
Hydrocortisone 10 mg Tablets Hydrocortisone 20 mg Tablets
• Hydrocortisone Tablets are a steroid medicine,
prescribed for many different conditions, including serious illnesses.
• You need to take it regularly to get the maximum benefit.
• Do not stop taking this medicine without talking to your doctor - you may need to reduce the dose gradually.
• Hydrocortisone Tablets can cause side effects in some people (read 'Possible side effects' section 4 below). Some problems such as mood changes (feeling depressed, or 'high'), or stomach problems can happen straight away. If you feel unwell in any way, keep taking your tablets, but see your doctor as soon as possible.
• Some side effects only happen after weeks or months. These include weakness of arms and legs, or developing a rounder face (read 'Possible side effects' section for more information).
• If you take it for more than 3 weeks, you will get a blue 'Steroid Treatment Card': always keep it with you and show it to any doctor or nurse treating you.
• Keep away from people who have chicken-pox or shingles, even if you have had them previously (See Section 2 for additional information). If you do come into contact with chicken pox or shingles, see your doctor straight away.
Now read the rest of this leaflet. It includes other important information on the safe and effective use of this medicine that might be especially important for you.
In this leaflet:
1. What Hydrocortisone Tablets are and what are they used for
2. What you need to know before you take Hydrocortisone Tablets
3. How to take Hydrocortisone Tablets
4. Possible side effects
5. How to store Hydrocortisone Tablets
6. Contents of Pack and Further information
1. What Hydrocortisone Tablets are and what they are used for
The active ingredient in your medicine is hydrocortisone. Hydrocortisone belongs to a group of medicines called steroids. Their full name is corticosteroids. These medicines are used to replace the adrenal hormones in your body, which may be lacking.
These corticosteroids occur naturally in the body, and help to maintain health and well-being. Boosting your body with extra corticosteroid (such as Hydrocortisone Tablets) is an effective way to treat various illnesses involving inflammation in the body. Hydrocortisone Tablets reduce this inflammation, which could otherwise go on making your condition worse. You must take this medicine regularly to get maximum benefit from it.
Hydrocortisone Tablets are used:
• As replacement therapy for children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia which affects your body's natural production of steroids.
• To treat severe asthma and allergic reactions in adults and children.
2. What you need to know before you take Hydrocortisone Tablets
Do not take Hydrocortisone Tablets if you:
• are allergic (hypersensitive) to hydrocortisone or any of the other ingredients of Hydrocortisone Tablets (see section 6);
• have an infection, especially thrush, candida or any other fungal infection;
• have been vaccinated recently or are going to have any vaccinations.
If you are not sure talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Hydrocortisone Tablets.
Warnings and Precautions:
Check with your doctor before taking your medicine if:
• you have ever had severe depression or
manic-depression (bipolar disorder). This includes having had symptoms of depression in the past while taking steroid medicines like Hydrocortisone Tablets:
• any of your close family has had these illnesses.
If either of these applies to you, talk to a doctor before taking hydrocortisone tablets.
Check with your doctor before taking this medicine if you have had any of the following:
• you have recently had heart problems including heart attacks;
• tuberculosis (TB);
• liver problems;
• kidney problems;
• high blood pressure;
• diabetes (or a family history of diabetes);
• thinning of the bones (osteoporosis);
• glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye) or a family history of the condition;
• epilepsy;
• stomach ulcers or other digestive problems;
• muscle weakness after taking steroids in the past;
• an existing or previous history of severe mood-related disorders;
• thyroid problems;
• chicken pox, shingles or measles;
• you have a herpes infection in the eye called ocular herpes simplex;
• you have recently visited a tropical country;
• you have bowel problems such as ulcerative colitis.
You should see your doctor if you develop any new infections whilst taking these tablets. Taking hydrocortisone for extended periods of time increases the chance that you will get an infection. These may be worse than normal and may very rarely be fatal.
If you are taking or have taken Hydrocortisone Tablets within the last 3 months and you become ill, suffer stress, get injured or are about to have a surgical procedure you must tell your doctor immediately that you have undergone treatment with Hydrocortisone Tablets as your dose of hydrocortisone may need to be increased (or you may have to start taking it again for a short period) to prevent a sharp fall in blood pressure.
If you have been on Hydrocortisone Tablets for longer than 3 weeks and wish to stop taking them, do not stop suddenly as this could result in a severe drop in blood pressure which could be fatal. Your doctor will advise on how to reduce the number of tablets you are taking.
It is important to avoid exposure to people who have chicken-pox, measles or shingles, especially if you have not already had these illnesses or are not sure if you have had them. Hydrocortisone increases the risk of a severe bout of chicken-pox. If exposed you must contact your doctor immediately.
Children
If the patient is a child, it is important that the doctor monitors growth and development at intervals during treatment.
Elderly
Hydrocortisone Tablets should be used with caution in the elderly as side effects can be more pronounced in this age group.
Mental Health Problems while taking Hydrocortisone Tablets
Mental health problems can happen while taking steroids like Hydrocortisone Tablets (see also section 4 Possible Side Effects).
• These illnesses can be severe.
• Usually they start within a few days or weeks of starting the medicine.
• They are more likely to happen at high doses.
• Most of these problems go away if the dose is lowered or the medicine is stopped. However, if problems do happen they might need treatment.
Talk to a doctor if you (or someone taking this medicine), shows any signs of mental health problems. This is particularly important if you are depressed, or might be thinking about suicide. In a few cases, mental health problems have happened when doses are being lowered or stopped altogether.
Important - Steroid Treatment Card
All patients taking steroids for more than 3 weeks should carry a 'Steroid Treatment Card', which is available from your doctor or pharmacist. These cards have details of the medicine you are taking. Always keep it with you and show it to any doctor or nurse treating you.
Other Medicines and Hydrocortisone Tablets
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines including those obtained without a prescription. This includes herbal medicines. This is because Hydrocortisone Tablets can affect the way some medicines work. Also, some other medicines can affect the way Hydrocortisone Tablets work. In particular do not take this medicine and tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of the following:
• medicines used to thin the blood such as warfarin;
• aspirin or other salicylates;
• medicines for pain and inflammation called NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, diclofenac or naproxen;
• medicines for diabetes (including insulin);
• erythromycin (used to treat bacterial infections);
• oral contraceptive pills and hormone replacement therapy (HRT);
• somatropin (a type of growth hormone);
• ritonavir (a medicine used in the treatment of HIV infections);
• acetazolamide (for the treatment of glaucoma);
• some medicines for fungal infections such as amphotericin and ketoconazole;
• mifepristone (a medicine used to assist medical termination in pregnancy);
• water tablets (diuretics);
• carbenoxolone (a medicine used to treat ulcers);
• methotrexate (a medicine used to treat rheumatoid arthritis);
• medicines for fits (epilepsy) such as phenytoin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine and primidone;
• medicines used for TB (tuberculosis) called rifabutin or rifampicin;
• a medicine for cancer called aminoglutethimide;
• digoxin and other cardiac glycosides (used to treat heart failure and irregular heartbeats);
• theophylline and sympathomimetics such as bambuterol, fenotorol, formoterol, ritrodrine, salbutamol, salmeterol and terbutaline (used singly or in combination in the treatment of asthma and other breathing problems);
• antihypertensives (medicines for treating high blood pressure).
If you are not sure if any of the above apply to you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Hydrocortisone Tablets.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
Talk to your doctor before taking this medicine if you are pregnant, might become pregnant or are breastfeeding. Your doctor will be able to decide if you should take Hydrocortisone Tablets during this time.
Driving and using machines
Steroids such as hydrocortisone may cause changes to vision and/or muscle weakness. If you experience any of these symptoms you should not drive or operate machinery.
Taking Hydrocortisone Tablets with food and drink
Hydrocortisone Tablets can be taken with or without food.
Having vaccines or tests while you are taking Hydrocortisone Tablets
Tell your doctor that you are taking Hydrocortisone Tablets if you are to receive any vaccinations. Hydrocortisone Tablets could also affect the results of some tests performed by your doctor or in hospital, so tell your doctor or nurse that you are taking these tablets before any tests are carried out.
Having surgery while you are taking Hydrocortisone Tablets
If you are having surgery requiring an anaesthetic tell your doctor you are taking Hydrocortisone Tablets.
3. How to take Hydrocortisone Tablets
Always take Hydrocortisone Tablets exactly as your doctor has told you. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
Taking this medicine
You should take this medicine by mouth. The amount you take each day will depend on your illness. The number of tablets to be taken will be on the label of your medicine. If you are unsure about the dose you should take, you must talk to your doctor or pharmacist. The usual doses of Hydrocortisone Tablets are:
Dosage for Acute Emergencies
The usual dose for adults is 60-80mg every 4-6 hours for 24 hours then gradually lowering over several days.
Use as replacement therapy in children
When used in replacement therapy, the usual dose for children is 10-30mg divided into two doses each day. The first dose taken in the morning may be larger than the second dose taken in the evening.
If you take more Hydrocortisone Tablets than you should
If you take too many tablets by mistake, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
If you forget to take Hydrocortisone Tablets
• If you forget to take your dose, skip the missed dose.
• Take the next dose as normal.
• Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
If you stop taking Hydrocortisone Tablets DO NOT STOP taking this medicine just because you feel better. You should follow your doctor's instructions on stopping this medicine. Your doctor may want you to reduce the dose gradually; taking fewer tablets over a period of time. Never let your tablets run out before receiving the next prescription. It may be dangerous to go without treatment (see section 2).
If you stop taking Hydrocortisone Tablets it may leave you without enough steroid hormones in your body. This may cause withdrawal symptoms such as fever, muscle and joint pain, blocked/runny nose, swelling of the eye, painful itchy skin rash and weight loss.
If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
4. Possible side effects
Like all medicines, Hydrocortisone Tablets can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. People taking steroids to replace similar naturally occurring hormones, should be less likely to get side effects than, people taking steroids for other illnesses. Side effects are likely to be more pronounced when this medicine is used by elderly patients.
Tell the doctor immediately if you notice:
• Itching or skin rashes;
• Swelling of the face, lips or throat;
• Difficulty breathing or wheeziness.
These may be signs of an allergic reaction
Severe Side Effects:
Steroids including hydrocortisone can cause severe mental health problems. These side effects are common in both adults and children. They can affect about five in every 100 people taking medicines like hydrocortisone.
Tell your doctor immediately if you are:
• depressed, including thinking about suicide;
• high (mania) or having moods that go up and down;
• anxious, having problems sleeping, having difficulty in thinking or being confused and losing your memory;
• feeling, seeing or hearing things that do not exist;
• having strange and frightening thoughts, changing how you act or having feelings of being alone.
Other Side Effects Other possible side effects:
Heart Problems: Increased damage to the heart in the event of a heart attack, heart failure, high blood pressure, formation of blood clots.
Infections: Taking Hydrocortisone Tablets may make it possible for you to pick up infections which may very rarely be fatal. Infections such as chicken-pox and measles can be made worse and TB may recur.
Digestive System: Bleeding ulcers (indicated by stomach pain, bleeding from the back passage, black stools or being sick with blood present), inflammation of the pancreas causing abdominal pain, stomach pain and discomfort, a bloated feeling, infection or ulceration of the gullet (discomfort on swallowing, which can cause chest pain), indigestion, feeling sick and being sick.
Nervous System: Fits (convulsions), headache (sometimes severe). Raised pressure within the skull (pseudotumour cerebri, indicated by headaches with vomiting, listlessness and drowsiness) has been reported in children; this usually occurs after treatment has stopped.
Bone, Muscle and Joints: Muscle weakness or wasting, thinning of bones (osteoporosis) which makes fracture more likely, broken bones or fractures, hip or shoulder pain due to poor blood circulation, risk of torn tendons, joint inflammation in the knee and groin (aseptic necrosis).
Eyes: Changes in vision as a result of cataracts or glaucoma (increased pressure inside the eye), blurred vision, thinning of the surface of the eye, existing eye infections may get worse.
Blood and lymphatic system: Increased number of white blood cells.
Psychiatric disorders: Psychological dependence, worsening schizophrenia.
Reproductive System:
In Women: Irregular or lack of periods.
Endocrine System: Development of Cushingoid faces (round or moon shaped), increased appetite and weight gain, suppression of normal growth in children, low adrenal gland function which reduces the production of steroids in your body (particularly after surgery, an accident or illness).
Skin: Slow healing of cuts or wounds, thin or delicate skin, redness, acne, bruising, stretch marks, growth of body hair.
General: Feeling generally unwell (malaise).
Investigations: Changes in the levels of various chemicals in the blood which are usually detected by blood and urine tests, intolerance to carbohydrates, high blood glucose levels (may be seen as excessive thirst and increased passing of urine), breakdown of protein stores (loss of weight and loss of muscle in arms and legs), loss of calcium and nitrogen. Loss of potassium salts from the body may result in cramps and spasms.
Reporting of side effects
Because of these potential side effects, your doctor may want to monitor you at intervals during your treatment. If any of the above does occur, or your symptoms or the side effects become severe, keep taking the tablets but contact your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
5. How to store Hydrocortisone Tablets
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
• Do not store above 25°C. Store in the original package in order to protect from light.
• Do not put your tablets into another container, in case they get mixed up.
• Do not use Hydrocortisone Tablets after the expiry date, which is marked on the outside of the pack.
The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
• Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment.
6. Contents of Pack and Further information
Hydrocortisone Tablets contain the active substance hydrocortisone. The other ingredients are Prosolv 90, sodium starch glycolate, magnesium stearate and talc.
Hydrocortisone Tablets come in two strengths.
• White oval tablet marked "F2" on one side and "10" on reverse contains 10 mg hydrocortisone. The tablets are scored so that they can easily be broken into halves or quarters. This can allow you to take a lower dose of half of a tablet (5mg) or quarter of a tablet (2.5mg).
• White oval tablet marked "F2" on one side and "20" on reverse contains 20 mg hydrocortisone. The tablets are scored so that they can easily be broken into halves.This can allow you to take a lower dose of half of a tablet (10mg).
Hydrocortisone Tablets are packaged in AquaBa® /aluminium foil blister packs; each pack contains 30 tablets.
Upon request a package leaflet in a format suitable for the blind and partially sighted will be made available.
Marketing authorisation holder:
Resolution Chemicals Ltd.,
Wedgwood Way, Stevenage,
Herts, SG1 4QT, United Kingdom
Manufacturer:
EirGen Pharma Ltd.,
Westside Business Park, Old Kilmeaden Road, Waterford, Ireland
This leaflet was last revised in March 2016.
RESOLUTION
PC1335
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