Cortone (Cortisone Acetate)

Cortone Information:

Cortone (generic name: Cortisone Acetate) is a drug which belongs to the group of drugs called steroids and is classified as a glucocorticoid. The active ingredient, Cortisone, works by preventing the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation. Cortisone is a prescription medication used to treat a variety of different medical conditions including (but not limited to) allergies and allergic disorders, skin conditions, ulcerative colitis, arthritis, lupus, psoriasis and breathing disorders. Patients are commonly prescribed Cortone as a daily dose of this oral medication to provide ongoing relief for swelling, pain and irritation. Glucocortoids such as Cortone are synthetic steroids, and chemically they are the same as hormones that occur normally in the human body. When a patient takes a dose of Cortone, the drug is absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract when it then moves into the bloodstream. It then binds to receptors within the body to inhibit the production of histamines and other naturally occurring chemicals that cause inflammation. Cortone may also sometimes be directed to aid recovery from bacterial and viral infections that cause recurring problems. It is also taken as a supplement by some patients who suffer from adrenocortical insufficiency, which is a disorder where the patient’s body is unable to produce enough glucocorticoids.

Cortone Side Effects:

As with any drug, there may be side effects from taking Cortone including sleep problems, mood changes, acne, dry skin, thinning skin, bruising, discoloration, slow healing of wounds, increase in perspiration, headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, bloating and changes in the shape or location of fat within the body. 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.

Cortone Directions:

You should follow the instructions of the doctor who prescribed Cortone to you. Directions and dosage information can also be found on the pack or leaflet inside the pack. Cortone comes in tablet form. You should swallow Cortone 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. Cortone should be stored at room temperature away from direct sunlight and heat.

Cortone Precautions:

If you are allergic to any of the ingredients of Cortone, 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 Cortone, including aspirin, diuretics, blood thinners such as warfarin, cyclosporine, insulin, oral diabetic medications, ketoconazole, rifamin and seizure medications. It is important that you inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or breastfeeding as Cortone 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 Cortone such as chicken pox and tuberculosis vaccines as this can cause the infection to be caught.