My doctor has just started me on 10 mg. Cortef, to be adjusted depending on how I feel. How much do other people take? What tests does your doctor do to determine dosage? Do you have to stay on this for the rest of your life? What about side effects? I am already struggling with overweight, and am worried about gaining more. Any help much appreciated!
Thanks,


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I take 25 mg. of Cortef a day. To check your level, you would have to do a 24 hr. urine cortisol test (collect all of your urine for 24 hrs.) And yes you will have to be on that the rest of your life. Your cortef may have to be adjusted at times. I do a 24 hr. urine cortisol test at least once a year. You shouldn't gain any weight, unless you are taking too much.

I take 30mg per day, 20am and 10 bedtime. I have not had the test you mention for years. Should I be concerned?

Also: Thanks Lyndell for your input on my post concerning florinef.



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

My doctor requires me to have the test done every year before he will renew my prescription. This gives him an idea if my prescription is the right dosage.

The most recent recommendation is for 15-20mg/day taken 10mg as soon as you wake up, 5mg at lunch and 5mg at dinner. Taking more than 20mg/day puts you at increased risk for osteoporosis. Some people can't get down to 20mg/day but it is the recommended safe dose for replacement. I think taking 30mg/day, especially 20mg in one dose would now be considered excessive.

Anyone taking hydrocortisone for more than five years should have a bone density scan to watch for osteoporosis. In addition, you should be taking vitamin D and a calcium supplement.

The most recent recommendation is for 15-20mg/day taken 10mg as soon as you wake up, 5mg at lunch and 5mg at dinner. Taking more than 20mg/day puts you at increased risk for osteoporosis. Some people can't get down to 20mg/day but it is the recommended safe dose for replacement. I think taking 30mg/day, especially 20mg in one dose would now be considered excessive. If you want to try scaling back to a lower dose, don't forget that you need to do so slowly. Perhaps decreasing it 2.5mg/biweekly.

Anyone taking hydrocortisone for more than five years should have a bone density scan to watch for osteoporosis. In addition, you should be taking vitamin D and a calcium supplement.

I was just diagnosed with Secondary Addison's Disease one month ago. My doctor has me on 20 mg of Hydrocortisone in the morning and 10 mg at lunchtime. That seems to keep me pretty well balanced out.

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Originally posted by Minn1871:
I was just diagnosed with Secondary Addison's Disease one month ago. My doctor has me on 20 mg of Hydrocortisone in the morning and 10 mg at lunchtime. That seems to keep me pretty well balanced out.



The recent research indicates that 30mg/day is on the high side and can result in osteoporosis, especially for women. Check out MEDLINE and search for "hydrocortisone optimal dose". There are several papers on that subject. Your goal should be the lowest dose that keeps you feeling good.

If you have secondary and you have a tumor then check out www.pituitary.com. (http://www.pituitary.com.)



[This message has been edited by orion (edited 12-20-2001).]

Thanks Orion for your input. I'm still very interested in this topic as I have taken 30 mg of Hydrocortisone or 37.5 mg of Cortisone Acetate for 22 years now. I am treated through the VA and have not had either a 24 hour Urine Cortisol test or a bone density test ever. I tried to get onto Medline, but don't have an account. Woodrunner

I know that this disease is because of a lack of an amount of Cortisol. Does anyone know what would cause a high amount of coetisol, in your urine, not in your blood. Also a high amount of Dobamine, is in the blood. Thank you.

Originally posted by tpazaolcom:
I know that this disease is because of a lack of an amount of Cortisol. Does anyone know what would cause a high amount of coetisol, in your urine, not in your blood. Also a high amount of Dobamine, is in the blood. Thank you.

An adrenal tumor or Cushings disease causes elevated cortisol levels.