Cortisone drugs

What are they?

Cortisone drugs (o corticosteroids) are drugs anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressants belonging to the class of steroid hormones; they are able to reduce the body's defensive responses and relieve symptoms such as swelling and allergic reactions.

Cortisone is a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands; cortisone-based drugs are ad prescription obligation and they do not act on the nature of the pathology, but only on the symptomatology, consequently, once the treatment is suspended, it could recur.

In addition to the anti-inflammatory activity, cortisone is used as immune system inhibitor and is widely used in the prevention of rejection in the case of transplants and as a support in auto-immune diseases.

What are they for?

Cortisone drugs are used for reduce inflammation, immune responses and as a replacement therapy for some hormones; these drugs are given for several conditions:

• Adrenal insufficiency
• Arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis
• Allergic conditions
• Asthma
• Ulcerative colitis
• Anemia
• Lupus
• Skin diseases (severe psoriasis)

Cortisone works by blocking the release of molecules that cause inflammation; this prevents the body from having an immune response.

Method of administration

Cortisone can be prescribed for orally (tablets), for by inhalation (spray) and for intravenously.

Oral prescription is the best choice in case of chronic rheumatological inflammations, such as arthritis and connective tissue diseases, and dermatological inflammations, such as psoriasis.

Inhaled prescription is preferable in cases of upper respiratory allergies and asthmatic states.

Intravenous cortisone therapy is the treatment used for emergencies, such as anaphylactic shock, severe allergic reactions and hypersensitivity.

Effetti collaterali

Among the most common non-serious side effects of cortisone we have:

• Confusion
• Excitement
• Restlessness
• Headache
• Nausea and vomit
• Skin problems (acne, thinning, heavy sweating, redness)
• Sleep disorders
• Weight gain

If the effects are mild they may disappear in a couple of weeks, if they are more severe and do not disappear, you should immediately contact your doctor.

Taking cortisone drugs can also cause serious side effects, such as:

• Allergic reactions (skin rash, swelling of the face or lips, hives)
• Electrolyte imbalance
• Heart failure (shortness of breath, swelling of the distal limbs, rapid heartbeat)
• Muscle problems (broken bones in the spine, tendon rupture)
• Gastric problems (peptic ulcer and inflammation of the pancreas)
• Glaucoma (blurred vision, double vision, eye pain)
• Convulsions

Serious side effects are associated with chronic drug use and are rare in cases of short sporadic administration.

Interactions with other medicines

Cortisone can interact with the intake of other drugs; the interaction occurs when a substance changes the way the drug works and this can be harmful or prevent the drug from performing its function.

Be sure to always tell your doctor before taking cortisone about any other medications or supplements you are taking. Among the drugs not recommended while taking cortisone we have:

• Influenza vaccines
• Vaccines for measles, rubella and mumps

The body may not develop antibodies to the virus and the virus may spread throughout the body causing an infection.

Do not take cortisone drugs without the consultation and prescription of a doctor; especially if you are in certain health conditions, such as:

• Infections: Cortisone could weaken the body's response
• Hypertension: Cortisone can raise blood pressure
• Diabetes: Cortisone can raise blood sugar
• Upset stomach, liver, kidney and psychiatric disorders: cortisone could increase symptoms
• Pregnant women: There are not yet many studies on the possible side effects of cortisone for pregnant women and the fetus, but this drug can only be used if the potential risk is acceptable
• Breastfeeding women: cortisone could enter the milk maternal and cause slow growth and development problems for the child
• Children: Cortisone has not been shown to be safe and effective for people under the age of 18

dosage

The most common mode of intake is in compress; all dosages, dosages and methods of intake depend on:

• Age
• Condition to be treated and its severity
• Other previous medical conditions
• Reactions to the first dose

The typical dosage for an adult with no particular medical condition is 25 mg per day; the initial dose may be higher and subsequently reduced on the advice of the doctor.

It should be emphasized that cortisone therapy must never be abruptly interrupted; the dosage is gradually scaled to ensure that the body restores the correct functioning of the adrenal glands.

Price

The price of cortisone famaci can to vary much depending on the dosage and the amount of cortisone present, as well as on the mode of administration.

The indicative price of cortisone tablets (the most common drug is Deltacortene) it's about 5 / 6 €, that of injectable vials (Bentelan) and of 2/3 €, while that of inhaled sprays (Clenil) it's about € 10/18.

Conclusions

Cortisone is a anti-inflammatory and immuno-suppressant drug which reduces inflammation and immune responses.

It can be taken orally via tablets, inhaled via spray or aerosol and intravenously, in severe cases such as anaphylactic shock.

It can have serious side effects, so always contact your doctor before taking it and do not forget to communicate the intake of any other drugs or supplements, in order to avoid interactions.