Florinef (Fludrocortisone)

Florinef Information:

Florinef (generic name: Fludrocortisone) is a drug which belongs to the group of drugs called steroids. The active ingredient, Fludrocortisone, works by preventing the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation. Fludrocortisone is a drug which is used to treat conditions in which the body does not produce enough of its own steroids. This may include disease such as Addison’s disease, and salt-losing adrenogenital syndrome. In Addison's disease, the combination of Florinef tablets with a glucocorticoid such as hydrocortisone or cortisone provides substitution therapy approximating normal adrenal activity with minimal risks of unwanted effects. The usual dose is 0.1 mg of Florinef daily, although dosage ranging from 0.1 mg three times a week to 0.2 mg. daily has been employed. In the event transient hypertension develops as a consequence of therapy, the dose of Florinef might be reduced to 0.05 mg daily. Florinef is preferably administered in conjunction with Cortisone or Cortef (Hydrocortisone).

Florinef Side Effects:

As with any drug, there may be side effects from taking Florinef including sleep problems, mood changes, acne, dry skin, slow wound healing, increased sweating, headache, dizziness, spinning sensation, stomach pain, bloating and changes in the shape or location of body fat. More serious side effects may include problems with vision, swelling, rapid weight gain, shortness of breath, depression, unusual behavior and thoughts, seizures, bloody or tarry stools, coughing blood, pancreatitis, low potassium levels and high blood pressure. If you experience any side effects you must seek medical attention immediately for safety.

Florinef Directions:

You should follow the instructions of the doctor who prescribed Florinef to you. Directions and dosage information can also be found on the pack or leaflet inside the pack. Florinef comes in tablet form. You should swallow Florinef whole with a glass of water. Do not break, crush or chew tablets as this may cause too much of the drug to be released at once. Florinef should be stored at room temperature away from direct sunlight and heat. Your doctor may occasionally change your dosage to achieve the best results.

Florinef Precautions:

If you are allergic to any of the ingredients of Florinef, you should avoid taking it and inform your doctor. You must consult your doctor if you have any pre-existing medical conditions including liver disease, kidney disease, thyroid disorders, diabetes, a history of malaria, tuberculosis, osteoporosis, muscle disorders, glaucoma, cataracts, herpes of the eyes, stomach ulcers, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, depression, mental illness, congestive heart failure and high blood pressure. You must consult your doctor if you are taking any other medications as they may interact with Florinef, including aspirin, diuretics, digoxin, phenytoin, rifampin, birth control pills, blood thinners, insulin or diabetic medications, anabolic steroids or barbiturates. It is important that you inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or breastfeeding as Florinef may cause harm to unborn and new born babies. Steroid medications can weaken the immune system which makes the patient susceptible to infections so avoid being near people who are ill. You should not receive any ‘live’ vaccines while taking Florinef such as chicken pox and tuberculosis vaccines as this can cause the infection to be caught.