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Hydrocortisone Oral Granules (HYDROCORTISONE GRANULES - ORAL)

For endocrine disorder.

Brand Name(s): Alkindi

Generic Name: Hydrocortisone

Instructions

Do not swallow the capsule whole.

Open the capsule and empty the contents onto the tongue. Or you may empty the contents into a spoon, or sprinkle the contents onto a spoonful of cold or room-temperature soft food (such as applesauce or yogurt), and then swallow the contents.

Swallow the medicine or mixture without crushing or chewing it.

Do not mix the medicine with liquids.

If medicine is mixed with food, take within 5 minutes of mixing. Do not save mixed medicine for later use.

This medicine should not be given through a feeding tube.

Take the medicine with food or milk.

This medicine will work best if you take it at about the same time every day.

Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.

Discard any unused medicine 60 days after opening.

If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

If you need to stop this medicine, your doctor may wish to gradually reduce the dosage before stopping.

This medicine may affect your blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor before changing the dose of your diabetes medicine.

This medicine may interfere with skin allergy tests. Please tell your doctor or nurse that you are taking this medicine.

Parts of this medicine may come out in the stool. This is normal.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Cautions

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Some patients taking this medicine have experienced serious side effects. Please speak with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits associated with this medicine.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

Please check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while on this medicine.

Avoid smoking while on this medicine. Smoking may increase your risk for stomach bleeding.

This medicine may reduce your body's ability to fight infections. Avoid contact with people with colds, flu or other infections. Contact your doctor if you develop fever, cough, sore throat, or chills.

Speak with your health care provider before receiving any vaccinations.

It is unknown if this medicine passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor before breastfeeding.

During pregnancy, this medicine should be used only when clearly needed. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

  • acne
  • agitated feeling or trouble sleeping
  • headaches
  • nausea and vomiting
  • excessive or unusual sweating

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

  • irregular heart beat
  • bleeding or bruising
  • bone pain
  • coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
  • depression or feeling sad
  • swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
  • fever
  • menstruation changes (missed or fewer periods)
  • mood changes
  • muscle pain or cramps
  • seizures
  • sore throat
  • bloody or dark, tarry stools
  • unusual or unexplained tiredness or weakness
  • blurring or changes of vision
  • weakness
  • sudden or unexplained weight gain
  • unexpected or extreme weight loss
  • slow wound healing

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.