What is Florinef?

Florinef (fludrocortisone) is a man-made form of a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol is important for many body processes including blood pressure regulation and electrolyte balance. Florinef is used to treat Addison's disease, adrenogenital syndrome, and salt-losing adrenogenital syndrome.

Important Information

You should not use Florinef if you are allergic to fludrocortisone, or if you have a history of fungal infections.

To make sure Florinef is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• a history of heart disease or congestive heart failure;
• high blood pressure;
• a history ofstroke or blood clot;
• kidney disease;
• diabetes;
• a thyroid disorder;
• seizures;
• glaucoma or cataracts;
• herpes simplex virus of the eyes;
• ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease;
• a pituitary gland tumor; or
• if you take steroids (prednisone, dexamethasone, and others).

Florinef can weaken your immune system, making it easier for you to get an infection or worsening an infection you already have or have recently had. Tell your doctor about any illness or infection you have had within the past several weeks.

Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using Florinef.

It is not known whether fludrocortisone passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using Florinef.

How should I take Florinef?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.

Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Florinef is sometimes taken on an every-other-day schedule. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. You may need frequent blood tests.

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using Florinef.

You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time before a surgery, medical procedure, or dental work.

Do not stop using Florinef suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking Florinef?

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chickenpox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are using Florinef.

Florinef side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights;
• uneven heartbeats;
• swelling in your ankles or feet;
• shortness of breath;
• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• muscle weakness, thinning skin, easy bruising or bleeding, changes in body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist);
• high blood sugar - increased thirst, increased urination, hunger, dry mouth, fruity breath odor, drowsiness, dry skin, blurred vision, and weight loss; or
• low potassium - leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, increased urination, muscle weakness or limp feeling.

Common Florinef side effects may include:

• headache;
• nausea, vomiting;
• dizziness;
• sleep problems (insomnia); or
• mild skin rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Florinef?

Many drugs can interact with fludrocortisone, and some drugs should not be used together. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.