Hysone (Hydrocortisone)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Hysone Used For?
Hysone contains hydrocortisone, a hormone naturally produced by the adrenal glands located near your kidneys. This medication helps replace the hydrocortisone your body needs when your adrenal glands aren’t producing enough on their own.
Primary Uses
Hysone is used to replace hydrocortisone in patients whose adrenal glands do not 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
Hysone belongs to a group of medicines called corticosteroids. It works by replacing the natural hormone hydrocortisone that your adrenal glands should be producing.
Good to know: There is no evidence that Hysone is addictive.
How to Take Hysone
Your doctor will determine the right dose for you based on your specific condition and other medications you may be taking. The amount varies from patient to patient.
Dosage Instructions
Your doctor will tell you how many tablets you need to take each day and when to take them. This depends on your condition and whether you are taking any other medicines. Swallow the tablets with a glass of milk, or take Hysone with food to lessen the chance of stomach upset. Follow all directions given by your doctor and pharmacist carefully.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss your dose at the usual time, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then go back to taking your tablets as you would normally. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to. Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
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, weight gain
- dizziness
- headaches
- insomnia (trouble sleeping)
- skin rashes, acne or blotchy skin
- thin fragile skin
- bruising or bleeding more easily than normal, purplish-blue spots or lines under the skin
- facial redness
- increase in 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 or convulsions, loss of consciousness
- weakness, loss of muscle mass
- wounds that will not or take longer to heal
- increased thirst and frequent urination
- severe indigestion with stomach pain and discomfort
- signs of infection such as fever, chills, sore throat or mouth ulcers
- blurred vision, changes in vision
- swelling of the face, hands, ankles or feet
- confusion, hallucinations, depression or mood swings
- swelling and redness along a vein which is tender to touch
Important Warnings
Before taking Hysone, it’s important to discuss your medical history and current health conditions with your doctor to ensure this medication is safe for you.
Who Should Not Take Hysone
Do not use Hysone if you are allergic to hydrocortisone or any of the ingredients listed. Do not use if the expiry date has passed or if the packaging shows signs of tampering. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips or tongue which may cause difficulty swallowing or breathing, wheezing or shortness of breath.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have or have had: current or recent infections (including tuberculosis, chicken pox, herpes, measles or eye infections), high blood pressure, recent heart attack or heart failure, kidney or liver problems, stomach or duodenal ulcers, inflammation of the colon, diabetes mellitus, blood clotting problems, osteoporosis or other bone diseases, chronic back problems, convulsive disorders like epilepsy, underactive thyroid, Cushing’s syndrome, cancer that has spread, mental illness, or skin rashes.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of taking Hysone during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed, as Hysone passes into breast milk and may affect your baby.
Elderly Patients: If you are over 65 years of age or are a postmenopausal woman, you may have an increased chance of getting side effects.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Hysone and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you are taking.
- oral contraceptives (birth control pill)
- medicines used to treat epilepsy, such as phenytoin and barbiturates
- rifampicin, an antibiotic used to treat and prevent infections
- diuretics, also called fluid tablets
- digoxin, a medicine used to treat heart conditions
- aspirin
- live vaccines
- insulin or oral medicines for diabetes
Alcohol & Driving
While taking Hysone, you should be aware of certain precautions regarding activities and lifestyle choices.
Infections
Avoid contact with people who have infections, such as chicken pox, measles or herpes. Infections are easier to get and harder to spot while you take Hysone. Tell your doctor immediately if you think you may have picked up an infection while taking Hysone.
Blood Sugar Monitoring
If you are diabetic, monitor your blood sugar levels regularly. Your doctor may need to adjust your dose of insulin or tablets.
Storage
Keep your tablets in the bottle until it is time to take them. Store in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 30°C. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills as heat and dampness can destroy the medicine. Keep where young children cannot reach it – a locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is a good place to store medicines.
Overdose Information
If you think you have used too much Hysone, you may need urgent medical attention. Immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (Australia telephone 13 11 26) for advice, contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. Overdose symptoms may include weakness, dizziness, convulsions, headache, nausea, vomiting and blurred vision.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, there is no evidence that Hysone is addictive.
Yes, you should swallow the tablets with a glass of milk or take Hysone with food to lessen the chance of stomach upset.
Do not stop taking Hysone without checking with your doctor. Stopping Hysone suddenly may cause unwanted side effects. Your doctor will want you to gradually reduce the amount you are taking before stopping completely.
Do not have any vaccinations without first checking with your doctor. If you are taking Hysone, vaccines may not work as well and there is an increased risk of complications.
In children, Hysone may slow or stop their growth, especially if it is used for a long time. Your child’s doctor will discuss the risks and benefits involved.
If you miss your dose at the usual time, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then go back to taking your tablets normally. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
If you are over 65 years of age or are a postmenopausal woman, you may have an increased chance of getting side effects. Long term therapy with Hysone may affect bone density, making you more likely to get fractures or osteoporosis.
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.