Drug Name

Florinef (Fludrocortisone)

Drug Uses

Florinef is used for treating adrenocortical insufficiency in Addison disease and for treating salt-losing adrenogenital syndrome.

How Taken

Use Florinef as directed by your doctor.

• Take Florinef by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.
• Do not suddenly stop taking Florinef. You may have an increased risk of side effects. If you need to stop Florinef or add a new medicine, your doctor will gradually lower your dose.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Florinef.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Florinef is a corticosteroid. It works by causing the kidneys to retain sodium and acting as a replacement for cortisone when the body does not produce enough.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Florinef and are taking it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Florinef at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep in a tight, light-resistant container. Keep Florinef out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Florinef if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Florinef;
• you have a systemic fungal infection;
• you are scheduled to have a smallpox vaccination.

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Important:

• Florinef may cause dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Florinef with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Florinef may lower the ability of your body to fight infection. Avoid contact with people who have colds or infections. Tell your doctor if you notice signs of infection like fever, sore throat, rash, or chills.
• If you have not had chickenpox, shingles, or measles, avoid contact with anyone who does. Tell your doctor right away if you are exposed to anyone who has these infections.
• Carry an ID card at all times that says you take Florinef.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Florinef before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• Long-term use may cause cataracts, glaucoma, and eye infections. Contact your doctor right away if you develop any unusual changes in your vision.
• Florinef may cause an increase in blood pressure, salt and water retention, and calcium and potassium loss. Talk with your doctor to see if you need to decrease the amount of salt in your diet or take a calcium or vitamin D supplement.
• Do not receive a live vaccine (e.g., measles, mumps) while you are taking Florinef. Talk with your doctor before you receive any vaccine.
• Diabetes patients - Florinef may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.
• Lab tests, including blood electrolytes, blood calcium levels, blood pressure, and vision tests may be performed while you use Florinef. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Caution is advised when using Florinef in children; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Florinef while you are pregnant. Florinef is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while using Florinef, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• difficulty sleeping; dizziness or lightheadedness; headache; increased appetite; increased sweating; indigestion; nervousness.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; 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 (e.g., 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.

More Information

Florinef is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.

If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.