Hydrocortisone Viatris 4 and 20 (formerly Hydrocortisone Mylan) (Hydrocortisone)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Hydrocortisone Viatris 4 and 20 (formerly Hydrocortisone Mylan) Used For?
Hydrocortisone Viatris contains hydrocortisone, a hormone naturally produced by the adrenal glands located near your kidneys. This medication belongs to a group of medicines called corticosteroids.
Primary Uses
This medication is used to replace hydrocortisone in patients whose adrenal glands don’t produce enough naturally. This occurs in conditions such as Addison’s disease or when the adrenal glands are damaged or not working properly.
How It Works
Hydrocortisone is a hormone that your adrenal glands normally produce. When your body can’t make enough on its own, this medication provides the replacement hormone your body needs to function properly.
Good to know: There is no evidence that Hydrocortisone Viatris is addictive.
How to Take Hydrocortisone Viatris 4 and 20 (formerly Hydrocortisone Mylan)
The dose varies from patient to patient. Your doctor will determine how many tablets you need to take each day and when to take them based on your condition and other medications you may be taking.
Dosage Instructions
Swallow the tablets with a glass of milk or take with food to reduce the chance of stomach upset. Follow all directions given by your doctor and pharmacist carefully. Your doctor may need to adjust your dose based on changes in your condition during therapy.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss your dose at the usual time, take it as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when scheduled. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Important: Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed. If you’re unsure what to do, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Nausea
- Increased appetite and weight gain
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
- Skin rashes, acne, or blotchy skin
- Thin, fragile skin
- Bruising or bleeding more easily, purplish-blue spots under skin
- Facial redness
- Increased body or facial hair
- Increased sweating
- Irregular menstrual periods
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Severe upper stomach pain with nausea and vomiting
- Fits, convulsions, or loss of consciousness
- Weakness or loss of muscle mass
- Wounds that won’t heal or take longer to heal
- Increased thirst and frequent urination
- Severe indigestion with stomach pain
- Signs of infection (fever, chills, sore throat, mouth ulcers)
- Blurred vision or vision changes
- Swelling of face, hands, ankles, or feet
- Confusion, hallucinations, depression, or mood swings
- Swelling and redness along a vein that’s tender to touch
Important Warnings
Before taking this medication, it’s important to discuss your medical history and current health conditions with your doctor.
Who Should Not Take Hydrocortisone Viatris 4 and 20 (formerly Hydrocortisone Mylan)
Do not use if you are allergic to hydrocortisone or any ingredients listed. Do not use if the expiry date has passed or if the packaging shows signs of tampering. Allergic reaction symptoms may include skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of face/lips/tongue causing difficulty swallowing or breathing, wheezing, or shortness of breath.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: current or recent infections (tuberculosis, chicken pox, herpes, measles, eye infections), high blood pressure, recent heart attack or heart failure, kidney or liver problems, stomach/duodenal ulcers, colon inflammation, diabetes, blood clotting problems, osteoporosis or bone disease, chronic back problems, epilepsy or seizure disorders, underactive thyroid, Cushing’s syndrome, spreading cancer, mental illness, or skin rashes.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of taking this medication during pregnancy. If breastfeeding, discuss with your doctor as this medication passes into breast milk and may affect your baby.
Special Populations: If you are over 65 years of age or are a postmenopausal woman, you may have an increased chance of getting side effects. In children, this medication may slow or stop growth, especially with long-term use.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Hydrocortisone Viatris and affect how it works. Tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, or supplements you’re taking.
- Oral contraceptives (birth control pills)
- Epilepsy medicines such as phenytoin and barbiturates
- Rifampicin (antibiotic)
- Diuretics (fluid tablets)
- Digoxin (heart medicine)
- Aspirin
- Live vaccines
- Insulin or oral diabetes medicines
Alcohol & Driving
While specific alcohol and driving warnings aren’t detailed in the source, be aware that this medication can cause dizziness and other side effects that may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery safely.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol warnings are provided in the source material. Consult your doctor about alcohol consumption while taking this medication.
Driving and Operating Machinery
This medication may cause dizziness, which could affect your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. Be cautious until you know how this medication affects you.
Storage
Keep tablets in the bottle until it’s time to take them, as they may not keep well if removed. Store in a cool, dry place where temperature stays below 30°C. Keep away from moisture, heat, and sunlight – don’t store in bathrooms, near sinks, in cars, or on window sills. Store in a locked cupboard at least 1.5 meters above ground, away from children.
Overdose Information
If you think you’ve taken too much Hydrocortisone Viatris, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Contact the Poisons Information Centre (Australia: 13 11 26), your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department, even if you feel fine. Overdose symptoms may include weakness, dizziness, convulsions, headache, nausea, vomiting, and blurred vision.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, there is no evidence that Hydrocortisone Viatris is addictive.
Yes, you should take the tablets with a glass of milk or with food to reduce the chance of stomach upset.
Do not stop taking this medication without checking with your doctor. Stopping suddenly may cause unwanted side effects. Your doctor will want you to gradually reduce the amount before stopping completely.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Do not have any vaccinations without first checking with your doctor. Vaccines may not work as well while taking this medication, and there’s an increased risk of complications.
Yes, increased appetite and weight gain are common side effects of this medication.
If you are over 65 years of age or are a postmenopausal woman, you may have an increased chance of getting side effects. Your doctor will monitor you more closely.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.