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Home > Drug Category > Anti-Inflammatory > Cortone and Equivalent

Cortone Information

Cortone (cortisone acetate) is a type of corticosteroid, a powerful class of medication similar to natural hormones produced by your adrenal glands. It is used to treat a wide variety of conditions characterized by inflammation, severe allergic reactions, and certain autoimmune disorders where the immune system attacks the body's tissues. Cortone can also be used as replacement therapy for individuals with adrenal insufficiency. In this condition, the body fails to produce sufficient natural corticosteroids. It works by decreasing the body's immune response and reducing inflammation, thereby helping to alleviate symptoms such as swelling, pain, itching, and allergic reactions. Cortone’s broad action helps to manage numerous conditions affecting different body systems.

Cortone Side Effects

The most common side effects of Cortone may include fluid retention (swelling), increased appetite, weight gain, indigestion, mood changes (e.g., anxiety, irritability), and difficulty sleeping. These side effects are dose-dependent and may lessen with time. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects, such as:
• Cushingoid features (e.g., "moon face," "buffalo hump," thinning skin, easy bruising, stretch marks);
• Delayed wound healing;
• Heart problems (e.g., irregular heartbeat, swelling in ankles/feet worsening);
• High blood sugar (e.g., increased thirst and urination);
• Increased blood pressure (hypertension);
• Muscle weakness, bone pain, or fractures;
• Psychiatric changes (e.g., severe depression, hallucinations);
• Severe abdominal pain (signs of an ulcer or pancreatitis);
• Severe allergic reaction (e.g., rash, breathing difficulties, swelling of the face, tongue, or throat);
• Signs of infection (e.g., fever, chills, sore throat, frequent urination);
• Unusual bleeding or bruising (other than easy bruising related to thinning skin);
• Vision problems (e.g., blurred vision, eye pain, signs of glaucoma or cataracts)

Cortone Precautions

Do not use Cortone if you are allergic to cortisone acetate or any of its ingredients or if you have a systemic fungal infection. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, including if you have any active infections (bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic, especially tuberculosis, herpes simplex eye infection, or measles/chickenpox exposure), diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems (e.g., heart failure, recent heart attack, especially a very recent myocardial infarction due to the risk of ventricular rupture), osteoporosis (bone thinning) or risk factors for it, a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding, diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, recent intestinal surgery, kidney disease, liver disease (as a dose adjustment may be needed), thyroid problems (especially hypothyroidism, as it can enhance corticosteroid effects), glaucoma or cataracts, or a history of psychiatric conditions (e.g., depression, bipolar disorder, psychosis). Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be significant drug interactions between Cortone and medications such as antidiabetic drugs (may require dose adjustment), NSAIDs (increased risk of GI bleeding), diuretics (may cause potassium loss), blood thinners (e.g., warfarin), certain antibiotics and antifungals (that affect CYP3A4 enzymes), and vaccines (live vaccines generally contraindicated, inactivated vaccines may have reduced efficacy). Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Corticosteroids can pass into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. The risks and benefits should be thoroughly discussed with your doctor. Do not stop this medication suddenly without consulting your doctor, as abrupt discontinuation can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms (adrenal insufficiency). Your doctor will typically reduce your dose gradually.

Use your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Cortone comes as an oral tablet. Swallow the tablet whole with water. It is generally recommended to take Cortone with food or milk to reduce stomach upset. The dosage and timing of Cortone are highly individualized based on your condition and response to treatment. Take it at the same time(s) each day to help you remember and ensure consistent levels. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet unless specifically instructed by your doctor. It is crucial to follow your doctor’s instructions for dosage and treatment duration exactly. Do not stop taking Cortone suddenly, as this can cause serious side effects. Your doctor will provide instructions on how to gradually reduce your dose when it's time to stop. Store Cortone at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep all medicines out of reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Cortone?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Cortone.