CORTEF PATIENT INFORMATION

By Dr. Morgan Camp, M.D.

Cortef (hydrocortisone, cortisol) is a hormone made in the adrenal gland. It is prescribed in physiologic doses (the same amounts made by the adrenal gland under normal conditions) for symptoms of low cortisol or adrenal insufficiency.

Symptoms of cortisol deficiency include:

  • Fatigue, especially in the afternoon
  • Stress
  • Sugar/Salt cravings
  • Low blood sugar
  • Allergies, asthma, sinusitis
  • Chemical sensitivity
  • Aches, pains (especially neck and back)
  • Muscle stiffness, Joint pain, Arthritis
  • Hives, itching, skin sensitivity, reaction to bug bites
  • Weak immune system, repeated infections, pneumonia
  • Low blood pressure, low fluid volume (dehydrate easily)

It is important to understand the difference between a physiologic replacement dose of hydrocortisone and a pharmacologic dose of steroids. Cortef is usually prescribed in 5 to 10 mg. tablets given two to three times daily for a total daily dose of 15-20 mg. This dose does NOT have the side effects of steroid therapy.

A physiologic dose (up to 20 mg. per day) of cortef does NOT cause:

  • Bone loss
  • Weight gain
  • Elevated glucose, sugar cravings (a normal level of cortisol regulates blood sugar)
  • Anxiety, sleep disturbances
  • Thinning skin, easy bruising
  • Suppress the immune system
  • Suppression of endogenous adrenal production (it takes 40 mg. of cortef to suppress your natural cortisol production)

(Wichers 99, Jodar 03, McConnell 02, McK.Jefferies 96)

This is important for you to understand because you will receive information from the s.s. Some health care providers are not aware of the difference between therapeutic replacement doses of cortef and steroids.

Cortisol is your body's natural anti-inflammatory hormone and is much safer than Vioxx¨, Celebrex¨, and Mobic¨ which can cause serious side effects, including death.

Fine Tuning Your Cortef Dose

If you take Cortef too late in the day, you may have difficult falling asleep. If this happens, either lower the evening dose or take it a few hours earlier in the day.

Recommended Reading

Safe Uses of Cortisol, 2nd Edition, by William Mck. Jefferies, M.D., FACP
Adrenal Fatigue, by James Wilson, N.D., D.C., Ph.D.