Florinef

Generic name: Fludrocortisone

Fludrocortisone tablets

What are fludrocortisone tablets?

FLUDROCORTISONE (Florinef®) causes the body to retain salt and water. Fludrocortisone replaces the natural steroids that are lacking in patients with underactive adrenal glands. Fludrocortisone also treats a salt-losing condition called adrenogenital syndrome. Generic fludrocortisone tablets are available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Cushing's syndrome
• diabetes mellitus
• heart problems, or previous heart attack
• high blood pressure or blood clotting disorder
• infection, such as herpes, measles, tuberculosis or chickenpox
• myasthenia gravis
• psychosis
• osteoporosis
• recent surgery
• seizures (convulsions)
• stomach or intestinal disease, including colitis
• kidney disease
• over- or underactive thyroid
• an unusual or allergic reaction to fludrocortisone, other corticosteroids, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take fludrocortisone tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Take with food or milk to avoid stomach upset. If you are only taking fludrocortisone once a day, take it in the morning, unless otherwise directed, which is the time your body normally secretes cortisol. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it a soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, consult your prescriber or health care professional. You may need to miss a dose or take a double dose, depending on your condition and treatment. Do not take double or extra doses without advice.

What drug(s) may interact with fludrocortisone?

• antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen)
• barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions)
• bosentan
• certain heart medicines
• male hormones
• phenytoin
• rifampin
• water pills

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from taking fludrocortisone?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• headache, severe or continuing
• irregular heartbeat
• loss of appetite
• mental depression, mood swings
• muscle weakness, cramps or pain
• nausea, vomiting
• skin rash or itching
• sudden weight gain
• swelling of face, nasal passages, or eyelids
• swelling of the feet or legs
• unusual tiredness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• dizziness
• increased appetite
• restlessness
• trouble sleeping
• upset stomach

What should I watch for while taking fludrocortisone?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. If you are taking fludrocortisone over a prolonged period, carry an identification card with your name and address, the type and dose of your medicine, and your prescriber's name and address. Do not suddenly stop taking fludrocortisone. Follow the advice of your prescriber or health care professional.

If you are receiving fludrocortisone for a long period of time, you may have an increased risk of infection while taking fludrocortisone. Tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are exposed to anyone with measles or chickenpox, or if you develop sores or blisters that do not heal properly.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you have taken fludrocortisone within the last twelve months.

You may need to watch your diet. Your body can lose potassium while you are taking fludrocortisone. Ask your prescriber or health care professional about your diet.

Alcohol can increase the risk of getting serious side effects while you are taking fludrocortisone. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Fludrocortisone can interfere with certain lab tests and can cause false skin test results.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from excessive heat. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.