Information about Fludrocortisone (Generic Florinef) :


Fludrocortisone is a corticosteroid that is used to treat adrenocortical insufficiency in Addison disease and salt-losing adrenogenital syndrome. It helps the kidneys to retain sodium and acting as a replacement for cortisone when the body does not produce enough.

You should not use Fludrocortisone in case you have any condition mentioned below: you are allergic to any ingredient in Fludrocortisone; you have a systemic fungal infection; you are scheduled to have a smallpox vaccination.

In such cases it is obligatory to consult with your doctor or health care provider before taking this drug.

Before using Fludrocortisone:
Before using Fludrocortisone you should tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions listed below: you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding a baby; you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement; you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances; you are scheduled for a vaccination with a live virus vaccine (eg, smallpox); 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); you have measles, chickenpox, herpes infection of the eye, or any other type of bacterial, fungal, parasitic, or viral infection; you have recently had tuberculosis (TB) or have had a positive skin test for TB.

Be aware that Fludrocortisone may interact with some medicines. Consult with your health care provider in case you are taking any other drugs, especially any of the following: anabolic steroids (eg, oxymetholone) or aprepitant because side effects of Fludrocortisone may be increased; barbiturates (eg, phenobarbital), carbamazepine, estrogens, hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), or rifampin because the effectiveness of Fludrocortisone may be decreased; amphotericin B, azole antifungals (eg, ketoconazole), clarithromycin, digoxin, loop diuretics (eg, furosemide), steroidal contraceptives (eg, desogestrel), thiazide diuretics (eg, hydrochlorothiazide), or troleandomycin because side effects, such as weakness, confusion, muscle aches, irregular heartbeat, joint pain, or low blood sugar, may occur; methotrexate or ritodrine because the actions and side effects of these medicines may be increased; hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), live vaccines, or smallpox vaccine because the effectiveness of these medicines may be decreased; anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) or aspirin because the actions and side effects of these medicines may be increased or decreased.

It may not be a complete list of all interactions with other drugs. To prevent any complications you should check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Fludrocortisone:
Take Fludrocortisone as recommended by your doctor. It should be taken orally with or without food. In case you experience stomach upset, you should take it with food for the purpose of stomach irritation reduction.

The risk of side effects may be increased in case you suddenly give up taking Fludrocortisone. It should be stopped gradually.

In case you miss a dose of Fludrocortisone, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next intake, skip the missed dose and take it according to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take double doses to catch up.

Important safety information:
Fludrocortisone usage may lead to dizziness. These effects may be worsened by taking alcohol or certain medicines. Prevent driving or performing any other possibly unsafe actions.

Your body's ability to fight infection may be decreased while taking Fludrocortisone especially in case it has been taking for a long time. Try to avoid contacts with people with colds or other infections, especially chickenpox or measles. Consult with your doctor immediately in case you have any signs of infection, including fever, sore throat, rash, or chills.

You should carry an identification card at all times that says you are using Fludrocortisone.

Notify the doctor or dentist that you are taking Fludrocortisone before you undergo any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery.

Fludrocortisone usage for a long time may lead to cataracts, glaucoma, and eye infections. Consult with your doctor immediately in case you experience any unusual changes in your vision.

Fludrocortisone usage may lead to hypertension, salt and water retention, and calcium and potassium loss. It is recommended to consult with your doctor to find out if you need to decrease the amount of salt in your diet or take a calcium or vitamin D supplement.

Vaccinations with live virus vaccines (eg, measles, mumps, oral polio) should be avoided while using Fludrocortisone, as they may be less effective.

Diabetes patients should check blood sugar levels closely, as Fludrocortisone may affect your blood sugar. In such cases doctor may adjust the dose of your diabetes drug.

Lab tests, including blood electrolytes, blood calcium levels, blood pressure, and vision tests, may be performed while you are using Fludrocortisone. It is important to control your progress or to check for side effects. Follow all doctor and lab appointments strictly.

Use Fludrocortisone with caution in CHILDREN as they may be more sensitive to its effects.

The growth rate in children and adolescents may be affected by corticosteroids. It is important to check your child's growth regularly while taking Fludrocortisone.

PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING:
In case you become pregnant while using Fludrocortisone, you should consult with your doctor and discuss the benefits and risks of taking Fludrocortisone while pregnancy. It is known that Fludrocortisone passes into breast milk. In case you are or will be breast-feeding while taking Fludrocortisone, consult with your doctor or pharmacist and discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Fludrocortisone:
You should consult with your doctor in case you have any of side effects especially bothersome listed below: difficulty sleeping; dizziness or lightheadedness; headache; increased appetite; increased sweating; indigestion; nervousness.

Seek emergency in case you have any of these severe side effects: severe 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.

What is the expiration date of the pills?
This information is mentioned on each blister. The expiration date is 2 years from the date of manufacture.