Biology Disease
Drugs and Medicines

Drug Name Hydrocortisone acetate injection

Hydrocortisone acetate injection Drug Category HYDROCORTISONE ACETATE - INJECTION

Hydrocortisone acetate injection Drug Information

IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug. HYDROCORTISONE ACETATE - INJECTION (hi-dro-KORT-ih-sown) USES: Hydrocortisone acetate is a hormone used to treat local pain and swelling (inflammation) due to joint problems (e.g., arthritis, bursitis) or certain skin conditions (e.g., keloids, psoriasis). HOW TO USE: Give this medication by injection directly into the affected area (e.g., joint, lesion, soft tissue) as directed by the doctor. Do not give this medication into the vein (IV). The dosage and length of treatment depends on your medical condition and your response to therapy. Follow all instructions for proper mixing with other injected drugs (e.g., local anesthetics). If you have questions regarding the use of this medication, consult your pharmacist. If you are using this medication for joint problems (e.g., arthritis, bursitis), follow all instructions for the proper care of the affected area. Avoid overuse of the joint. If you have any questions about any of this information, consult your pharmacist. Before using, check this product visually for unusual particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Use this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed. Also, do not suddenly stop using this drug without your doctor's approval. SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea or stomach upset may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: fever, increased pain or swelling at the treatment/injection site, limited movement of the joint, increased appetite, stomach pain, headache, increased thirst or urination, unusual weight loss or gain, mental/mood changes, trouble sleeping, reddening of the face or neck. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: vision problems, eye pain, seizures, changes in the appearance of the skin, problems with wounds healing, unusual bruising, unusual weakness, unusual menstrual periods, failure to grow (in children), excess hair growth, tendon or bone/joint pain. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: any allergies (particularly to corticosteroids such as prednisone), thyroid conditions (e.g., hyperthyroid, hypothyroid), bone loss (e.g., osteoporosis), stomach problems (e.g., ulcers, ulcerative colitis), heart problems (e.g., congestive heart failure), current infections (e.g., tuberculosis, fungal, parasitic infection), eye problems (e.g., herpes infection, cataracts, glaucoma), nerve problems (e.g., myasthenia gravis), bleeding problems (e.g., hypoprothrombinemia), liver problems, high blood pressure, seizures, diabetes, recent vaccinations, mental/mood problems, kidney problems. This medication can lower the body's ability to fight an infection. Notify your doctor promptly if you develop any signs of an infection such as fever, chills, or sore throat. Also contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge, or any other new symptoms. Avoid contact with people currently infected with the chicken pox or the measles. Consult your doctor immediately if you think you have been exposed to the chicken pox or measles virus. Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor and avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (e.g., oral polio vaccine). This medication is not recommended for use in premature infants. Caution is advised when prescribing or using this drug in children since they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug. A preservative (benzyl alcohol) which may be found in this product or in the liquid used to mix this product (diluent) can infrequently cause serious problems (sometimes death) if given by injection to an infant during the first months of life (neonatal period). The risk is greater with lower birth weight infants and is greater with increased amounts of benzyl alcohol. Symptoms include sudden gasping, low blood pressure, or a very slow heartbeat. Report these symptoms to the doctor immediately should they occur. If possible, a preservative-free product should be used when treating neonates. Caution is advised when prescribing or using this drug in the elderly since they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially: phenytoin, barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital, primidone), rifamycin antibiotics (e.g., rifampin, rifabutin), macrolide antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin, erythromycin), high-dose aspirin or aspirin-like drugs (e.g., salsalate, magnesium salicylate), neuromuscular blocking drugs (e.g., pancuronium, vecuronium), "water pills" (e.g., potassium-sparing diuretics such as spironolactone or triamterene), antifungal drugs (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole), anticholinesterase drugs (e.g., ambenonium, pyridostigmine), estrogen-containing drugs (e.g., birth control pills, estradiol), "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin). This medication can affect the results of certain lab tests. Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use this drug. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. Inform all your doctors (including dentists) that you use (or have used) this medication. Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to monitor for side effects and response to treatment. MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose or the dose is interrupted, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately to establish a new dosing schedule. STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 68 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not freeze. Discard any unused liquid. After mixing with other injected drugs (consult your pharmacist for details), use immediately. Discard any unused liquid. MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).