Hydrocortisone Sodium Succinate

Solu-Cortef

Hydrocortisone injection or corticosteroid injection is available as a brand-name drug called Solu-Cortef. Hydrocortisone is available in various forms, such as an oral tablet and an injectable solution. Solu-Cortef is an injectable form of Hydrocortisone. This injection is helpful in treating various conditions, including skin disorders, hormones, stomach problems, blood, nerve, eye, kidney, lung diseases, and many more. While it is suitable for adults and children, their dosages may vary based on the treatment type. Therefore, always follow your doctor’s instructions when starting treatment with Solu-Cortef. Moreover, patients should avoid sharing their medication with other individuals even if they have the same condition. Doing so may increase the risk of side effects, causing life-threatening situations. 

Product Overview

Solu-Cortef is a prescription medication containing hydrocortisone sodium succinate, a potent corticosteroid widely used to reduce inflammation and manage severe medical conditions. Hydrocortisone, the active ingredient, is crucial in treating various allergic reactions, endocrine disorders, and inflammatory diseases. Solu-Cortef is FDA-approved and commonly prescribed when immediate and effective relief is necessary, particularly in acute situations where oral medications are not suitable.

Solu-Cortef is available in the form of a sterile powder for injection, offering flexible administration through intravenous or intramuscular routes. It is typically provided in strengths ranging from 100 mg to 500 mg. The medication is designed for use under medical supervision and is suitable for both adults and children, with doses adjusted based on the patient’s condition and response. Solu-Cortef works by replicating the effects of cortisol, a hormone that is naturally produced by the adrenal glands, helping to control inflammation and immune responses in the body.

Common side effects of Solu-Cortef may include nausea, headache, dizziness, or increased blood pressure. Patients should follow their healthcare provider’s advice and inform them of any underlying health conditions. In case of a missed dose, take it as soon as possible unless it’s close to the next dose; never double up. If an overdose occurs, get immediate medical attention. Store Solu-Cortef in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and moisture, and keep it out of reach of children.

What Are the Uses of Solu-Cortef?

This medication is used when the oral treatment is not possible. Solu-Cortef is given intravenously in the following conditions:

• Allergic Reactions: Doctors usually prescribe Solu-Cortef to manage severe allergic reactions that haven’t responded to standard treatments, such as asthma, severe skin reactions like atopic or contact dermatitis, drug allergies, hay fever, serum sickness, and reactions to blood transfusions.
• Skin Disorders: This medication is used to treat serious skin conditions like bullous dermatitis (blistering skin), exfoliative erythroderma (widespread redness and peeling), mycosis fungoides (a type of skin lymphoma), pemphigus (a condition causing blistering of the skin), and severe cases of erythema multiforme (Stevens-Johnson syndrome).
• Endocrine Disorders: It is also used for conditions like adrenal gland disorders, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, high calcium levels due to cancer, and thyroiditis.
• Gastrointestinal Diseases: Helps patients through critical periods of gastrointestinal diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
• Blood Disorders: Solu-Cortef can also be used to manage certain blood disorders, including autoimmune hemolytic anemia, congenital anemia, and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in adults.
• Rheumatic Conditions: Used as a short-term treatment to manage flare-ups of conditions like gout, rheumatic heart disease, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, dermatomyositis, temporal arteritis, polymyositis, and lupus.
• Lung Disorders: It is used to treat severe lung diseases such as berylliosis, severe tuberculosis (when used with anti-tuberculosis drugs), eosinophilic pneumonia, and sarcoidosis.
• Kidney Disorders: Solu-Cortef helps promote urine flow or reduce protein in the urine in cases of nephrotic syndrome and lupus-related kidney problems.
• Eye Conditions: It can be used to treat eye inflammations like uveitis and other conditions that do not respond to topical steroids.
• Nervous System Conditions: It reduces brain swelling due to tumors or following brain surgery.
• Cancer-Related Issues: Provides relief for certain cancers like leukemia and lymphoma.
• Other Conditions: Treats trichinosis (a parasitic infection) with neurological or heart involvement and tuberculous meningitis with potential blockage of fluid flow in the brain when used with appropriate anti-tuberculosis medications.

What Are the Forms & Strengths of Solu-Cortef?

Solu-Cortef is available as an injectable solution with the following strengths:

• 100mg/vial
• 250mg/vial
• 500mg/vial, and
• 1g/vial

What Are the Recommended Dosage of Solu-Cortef?

The recommended dosage of Solu-Cortef depends on various factors. This includes the severity of your medical condition, the type of condition you have, and the form of dosage you are taking. When considering treatment with a Solu-Cortef, your practitioner will usually prescribe a low dose and adjust it gradually to achieve a suitable dose. It is important to note that the following dosage recommendations are only the average doses. Your dosing may differ based on your condition. So, follow the instructions and your dosing schedule as your doctor prescribes.

• Typically, the initial dose ranges from 100 to 500mg, depending on the condition’s severity.
• The dose may be administered every 2, 4, or 6 hours, depending on the patient’s response and specific medical condition.
• In acute situations like severe allergic reactions or adrenal crisis, higher initial doses may be required.
• After the initial response, the dosage should be gradually reduced to the lowest effective dose to maintain control of the condition.
• For long-term treatment, it’s important to adjust the dose carefully and monitor for any side effects.
• For children, the dosage is generally based on the type of disease being treated. The recommended initial dose is 0.56 to 8 mg per kg each day, divided into three or four doses.

[Note: Remember, these recommendations may vary from person to person. Discuss it with your doctor, and they’ll customize your dosage accordingly.]

How to Use Solu-Cortef?

Generally, the medication is given by a medical expert, but if you are administering it at home, ensure that you learn the administration steps in detail from your doctor.

• Read the medication guide carefully before self-inject. If you have any questions, ask an expert practitioner or pharmacist. 
• Do not exceed or subceed the dosages unless your doctor directs you to do so.
• Now, before using the medication, clean your hands with soap and water. You can also use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Push down the vial’s yellow cap to let the top section mix with the powder.
• Turn the vial upside down until the medicine turns clear. If it is not clear or seems cloudy, do not use it; try another vial.
• Once the medication is fully mixed, remove the yellow tab on the vial’s top. You will see an orange rubber stopper under the tab. 
• Clean the top area with an alcohol wipe and wait for a few seconds to let it dry completely. 
• Now, take a syringe and remove its cover.
• Turn the vial upside down and insert the needle into the middle of the stopper. Ensure that the needle’s tip is in the liquid during this process. 
• Pull the syringe’s plunger back and fill it with the medication. Take the needle out of the vial.
• Before injecting the medication, check for air bubbles. If there are any, hold the syringe with its needle at the top and tap it with your fingers until the air bubbles come to the top. 
• Remove the air bubbles by gently pushing the plunger up. Make sure that you are not taking out any medicine.
• Now, before administering the medication, clean the injection site with an alcohol wipe. Inject the medicine in your outer thigh.
• Keep the injection for 10 seconds and pull it out.
• Press the injected area with a gauze for a few seconds and put a bandage on it.
• Discard the syringe & needle in a sharps container.

[Note: Your doctor will decide the right amount for you based on your condition, following guidelines and studies on the drug. They’ll adjust it as needed over time.]

How Does Solu-Cortef Work?

Solu-Cortef works by mimicking cortisol, a hormone naturally produced by the adrenal glands. Cortisol plays a crucial role in controlling inflammation and regulating the body’s immune response. When administered, Solu-Cortef quickly reduces inflammation and suppresses overactive immune reactions, making it effective in treating severe allergic reactions, certain endocrine disorders, and other inflammatory conditions. By controlling these responses, this medication helps alleviate symptoms and prevent complications, particularly in acute medical situations where immediate treatment is necessary.

Important Safety Information for Using Solu-Cortef

What Are the Side Effects of Solu-Cortef?

Common Side Effects of Solu-Cortef: This medication can cause various side effects. These effects are generally temporary, lasting from a few days to weeks. However, if these reactions persist for a long time or get intense, immediately reach out to your medical practitioner. Common side effects of Solu-Cortef may include: 

• Dizziness
• Menstrual period changes
• Trouble sleeping
• Stomach upset
• Headache
• Increased appetite
• Weight gain
• Injection site reactions
• Acne
• Hives
• Swelling on the eyelids, face, tongue, lips, throat, legs, hands, feet, or sex organs
• Nausea

Serious Side Effects of Solu-Cortef: Other than the above common reactions, Solu-Cortef can cause adverse reactions, causing life-threatening situations. If you notice any unusual signs that seem concerning, visit the nearest clinic. Serious side effects of Solu-Cortef may include:

• Bone or joint pain
• Bruising or bleeding
• Black stools
• Vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• Extreme abdominal pain
• Excessive thirst or urination
• Irregular heartbeats
• Breath shortness
• Swelling on the ankles or feet
• Infections. Its signs may include:
  • Cough
  • Painful urination
  • Sore throat
  • Eye pain or discharge
  • Fever
• Muscle weakness or pain
• Mood changes
• Vision changes
• Seizures
• Unusual skin growths
• High blood pressure
• High blood sugar
• Adrenal insufficiency. Its symptoms may include:
  • Nausea/vomiting
  • Tiredness that gets worse
  • Fainting
  • Irritation
  • Not feeling hungry
  • Weight loss
• Cushing syndrome. Signs are:
  • Weight gain, usually around the upper back and stomach
  • Muscle weakness
  • Anxiety or depression
  • Slow healing of wounds

[Note: Remember, this list may not cover all possible side effects. Always consult with your healthcare giver for medical advice about side effects.]

Are There Any Warnings for Solu-Cortef?

Solu-Cortef can cause severe side effects in certain patients, or it may not be an ideal treatment option for specific populations due to their medical conditions. So, if you are using this medication, you should remain cautious. Its warnings are as follows:

• Serious Neurologic Adverse Reactions with Epidural Administration: Injecting corticosteroids such as Solu-Cortef into the epidural space (near the spine) can cause serious nerve problems, including spinal cord damage, paralysis, blindness, or stroke, and in some cases, even death. These problems can happen with or without the use of special imaging techniques. It’s important to note that corticosteroids are not approved for this type of injection.
• Cardio-Renal Warnings: Using average or large doses of corticosteroids can raise blood pressure, causing the body to retain salt and water and lead to potassium loss. These effects are less likely with synthetic corticosteroids unless taken in high doses. You may need to limit salt in your diet and take potassium supplements. Additionally, corticosteroids can increase calcium loss. There is also a risk of heart wall rupture after a recent heart attack, so corticosteroids should be used very carefully in these patients.
• Endocrine Warnings: Corticosteroids like Solu-Cortef can affect hormone levels, leading to conditions such as Cushing’s syndrome, high blood sugar & suppression of the adrenal glands. If used for prolonged periods, these effects should be monitored, and dosage should be gradually reduced to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Hormonal insufficiency may continue for months after stopping treatment, so extra care is needed during stressful situations.
• Infection Warnings: People on corticosteroids are more prone to infections because their immune systems are weakened. These infections can be more severe & harder to detect. Corticosteroids can also hide symptoms of existing infections, making them more dangerous. They should not be injected into joints, tendons, or bursae if there is a local infection.
• Fungal Infections: Corticosteroids can worsen fungal infections in the body, so they should not be used if such an infection is present unless clearly needed. Combining corticosteroids with certain antifungal medications has led to serious heart problems, including heart failure.
• Tuberculosis Warnings: Corticosteroids should only be used in severe cases of active tuberculosis and should be combined with appropriate anti-tuberculosis treatment. In patients with latent tuberculosis, corticosteroids can reactivate the disease, so close monitoring is required. Long-term corticosteroid users should receive preventive treatment to avoid reactivation.

What Are the FDA Boxed Warning for Solu-Cortef?

Boxed warnings, also called black-boxed warnings, are among the most stringent guidelines issued by the FDA. These warnings alert doctors and patients about the harmful effects of a particular drug, which can be life-threatening if overlooked. Solu-Cortef does not have any boxed warnings, meaning it is safe to use. However, its safety is based on the precautions you take. Therefore, if you are taking this drug, follow the instructions provided by your medical practitioner. If you have any concerns or noticed any unusual symptoms, it’s best to consult with an expert.

What Are the Solu-Cortef Precautions?

When considering treatment with Solu-Cortef injections, patients should discuss every risk and benefit with their medical practitioner. Here are some of the precautions that you can take before using Solu-Cortef:

• Before using Hydrocortisone (Solu-Cortef), tell your medical practitioner if you have allergies or are allergic to any of the medication’s ingredients. The product may contain certain inactive components that can cause severe allergic reactions.
• When considering treatment with Solu-Cortef, inform your doctor about your or your family’s medical history, especially of: 
  • Bleeding problems
  • Blood clots
  • Eye problems like glaucoma, cataracts
  • Diabetes
  • Heart issues
  • High blood pressure
  • Infections
  • Kidney problems
  • Mood changes including anxiety, depression, psychosis
  • Liver problems
  • Stomach or intestinal problems
  • Seizures
  • Thyroid problems
  • Mineral imbalance
  • Adrenal gland tumor
• If you are undergoing surgery or any medical procedure, make sure to inform your doctor about the products you use. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and herbal products.
• Injecting this medication into the skin can cause indentations or thinning at the injection site. To avoid these reactions, avoid exceeding the recommended dose and do not administer the medication to the deltoid muscle (shoulder). Doing so may increase the risk of skin problems. 
• Solu-Cortef may make you feel dizzy, and consuming alcohol or taking marijuana during your treatment with this medication can increase the side effects, especially dizziness. Therefore, avoid driving or operating any machinery that requires alertness.
• This medication may also cause stomach bleeding, and daily consumption of alcohol while using Solu-Cortef can increase this risk. So avoid taking alcoholic beverages.
• Using corticosteroids, including Solu-Cortef, for prolonged periods may make it difficult for your body to respond to physical stress. So, when having surgery or any emergency treatment, tell your doctor if you are using this medication or have used it within the past 12 months. 
• If you are planning to take any immunizations or vaccinations, tell your healthcare provider and avoid interaction with people who have received live vaccines.
• Older patients are extremely sensitive to the side effects of Solu-Cortef, especially bone loss, stomach bleeding, and mental changes. When taking medication, these patients should exercise caution and consult an expert. 
• This medication may slow down your child’s growth if used for a long period of time. Therefore, when considering treatment with Solu-Cortef, talk to a medical professional and closely monitor your child’s height and growth.
• If you are pregnant or planning to have a baby, avoid using this medication unless it is clearly needed, as it may harm the unborn baby. If you have used Solu-Cortef for a long time, your baby may experience hormonal problems. Therefore, discuss every risk and benefit with your practitioner before using this medication. 
• While the medication can pass into the breastmilk, it does not harm the nursing baby. However, you should consult a medical professional and discuss whether it is safe to use this medication during breastfeeding.

What Are the Contraindications of Solu-Cortef?

It is contraindicated in patients with:

• Hypersensitivity to any of the product’s ingredients
• Systemic fungal infections
• Herpes simplex of the eye
• Vaccina and varicella
• Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, when used intramuscularly
• Live vaccines

What If You Missed a Dose of Solu-Cortef?

Generally, patients are advised not to miss any of their doses, but if you have mistakenly forgotten to take a dose of Solu-Cortef:

• Do not administer a new dose without asking your doctor. 
• Avoid taking double doses simultaneously to make up for the missed one.
• Contact your medical practitioner and ask them for a new dosing schedule.
• Use medication apps or set reminders to avoid missing any doses.
• Take each dose at the same time regularly or as directed to get the most benefit out of it.

[Note: If you have missed a dose of your medication and are unsure about when to take the next one, immediately consult your doctor or pharmacist.]

What Happens If You Take Too Much of Solu-Cortef?

If someone has overdosed on Solu-Cortef and is experiencing serious symptoms like fainting and difficulty breathing, they are advised to reach out to the nearest clinic. These situations are unavoidable; get immediate medical assistance if you notice any unusual signs.

[Note: If you consumed more than the recommended dose, get medical help right away or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.]

How to Store a Solu-Cortef?

• Store the medication at room temperature of 15°- 30°C.
• Protect the product from direct heat and light.
• Do not flush the medication down the toilet.
• Keep your medicines away from children and pets.
• If you have mixed the solution in the vial, it can be kept at room temperature for 72 hours.
• Avoid keeping the product in damp or moist areas like the bathroom or near the sink.
• Discard the product when not in use.

[Note: Discuss with your healthcare professional about the proper disposal of any unused medicine and any questions you may have regarding its storage.]

What Medications Interact with Solu-Cortef?

Drug interactions occur when one or more medications are taken simultaneously. These interactions can either raise the risk of developing side effects in certain patients or affect the functioning of one of the drugs. Either way, it results in adverse reactions. Therefore, patients need to be aware of the drugs that may interact with their Solu-Cortef medication. Below are some of the drugs that can interact with Solu-Cortef:

• Amiodarone
• Bupropion
• Cinoxacin
• Desirudin
• Etanercept
• Fingolimod
• Iomeprol
• Mifepristone

What Are the Other Solu-Cortef Interactions?

Besides drugs, this medication has other interactions, too:

• Diabetes
• Electrolyte imbalance
• Fluid retention
• GI perforation
• PUD
• Scleroderma
• Strongyloidiasis
• Thromboembolism

[Note: This isn’t a complete list, and there could be other drugs that interact with Solu-Cortef. Make sure to tell your doctor about any prescription, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal products you’re taking.]

What Are the Solu-Cortef Alternatives?

People usually take alternative drugs for many reasons. In some cases, the prescribed medication may not be an ideal option for them due to their medical conditions. On the other hand, they may not achieve the results they are aiming for. Therefore, you should talk to a medical professional before you start a particular treatment or if you want to change your medication. They may help you decide which medication is best suited for you. Some of the alternatives of Solu-Cortef are as follows:

• Vedolizumab
• Upadacitinib
• Depo-Medrol
• Prednisone
• Solu-Medrol

[Note: Your doctor will choose what’s best for you. Don’t use any of these alternative medications without consulting your healthcare provider. Taking them by yourself may cause serious side effects.]

Solu-Cortef Cost & Coupons

It is important to note that Solu-Cortef’s cost is not the same everywhere. The actual price of these injections depends on several factors, including your insurance plan, location, and the pharmacies you use. Solu-Cortef, with its therapeutic qualities, can be expensive for certain patients. Here, insurance coverage plays a significant role. You can buy your medication at affordable rates with an insurance coverage plan. However, not all drugs/medications are covered under the insurance plan. If you are residing in America and searching for affordable pharmacies to manage your medication’s cost, reach out to Polar Bear Meds. Here, you can buy Solu-Cortef online from Canada in the USA at discounted rates. Moreover, first-time buyers can use the Solu-Cortef coupon code WELCOMEPB10 to receive a 10% discount on their first order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Solu-Cortef cause tachycardia?

Solu-Cortef may cause tachycardia or a rapid heart rate, especially when administered in higher doses or over an extended period. This side effect should be monitored closely by healthcare professionals. If you notice a significantly fast heart rate or feel uncomfortable, seek immediate medical attention, as it may require adjusting your treatment or dosage.

When is the best time to take Solu-Cortef?

Solu-Cortef is usually administered based on the urgency of the medical condition being treated. It is given intravenously or intramuscularly as directed by a healthcare provider. There isn’t a specific time to administer it; it’s given when necessary to manage acute conditions effectively, ensuring timely relief of symptoms.

Is Solu-Cortef a steroid?

Yes, Solu-Cortef is a corticosteroid containing Hydrocortisone, which mimics the effects of cortisol. It’s widely used to manage inflammation, suppress the immune system, and treat conditions like severe allergic reactions or adrenal insufficiency. As a steroid, it plays a crucial role in controlling serious symptoms quickly and effectively.

How long can Solu-Cortef be used once it is mixed?

Once Solu-Cortef is mixed with a suitable diluent, it should be used within the timeframe specified by the manufacturer, usually within 4, depending on storage conditions. Proper storage and timely usage are critical to maintaining the medication’s effectiveness and safety and preventing potential degradation or contamination of the solution.

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