Cortisone Acetate vs Hydrocortisone? - Addison's Disease Message Board

WoodRunner · 09-07-2001, 10:25 AM

Hello... Due to a recent move I have just begun treatment for my Addison's Disease under a different Endocrinologist. He seems very knowledgeable. However, he replaced me two med treatment of Addison's (Cortison Acetate and Florinef) with only one med instead (Hydrocortisone). I have had Addison's since I was 18 (I am 40 now) and have taken the same dosage of meds since then. 25mg am and 12.5mg pm of Cortisone Acetate and 0.1mg of florinef (also known as Fludrocortisone). Now this Endo has me on 20mg am and 10mg bedtime of Hydrocortisone alone. No more Florinef. He said the Hydrocortisone will do the work of both.

My main question is... Is there really a difference between Cortisone Acetate and Hydrocortisone? Also, don't I still need the Florinef. I always thought it was important.

Thanks in advance for any input.

Woodrunner

orion · 09-11-2001, 12:29 AM

Your endo is an idiot! If you have Addisons then you need both. Hydrocortisone won't do it.

I am a recent Addisons patient, I would love to hear how your life has gone.

By the way, the standard dose of hydrocortisone is 10/5/5mg/day morning, noon and night. 20/10mg/day is now considered too much and risks osteoporosis, which you should have yourself checked for. I believe the acetate dose you describe is equivalent to 20/10.

[This message has been edited by orion (edited 09-11-2001).]

[This message has been edited by moderator3 (edited 03-24-2002).]

WoodRunner · 09-11-2001, 05:05 PM

How 'bout more info... Again, what's the difference between Cortisone Acetate and Hydrocortisone? What's the role of Florinef?

It might be important to point out that I also have Hypothyroidism and Diabetes Type 1. All actually caused by Schmidt's Syndrome (Autoimmune Polyendricone Syndrome Type II)

s335983 · 09-14-2001, 12:16 AM

In Addison's Disease the entire adrenal cortex is destroyed so the body can't produce cortisol and aldosterone.

Fludrocortisone is a synthetic minerocorticoid which acts similar to aldosterone.
Hydrocortisone and cortisone acetate both act similar to cortisol.

So I would think u need to replace both. Tell us what ur endocrinologist says.

s335983 · 09-14-2001, 12:20 AM

oops..and just to answer the question Florinef aka fludrocortisone helps body retain salt and water and excrete potassium and acid.