Explanation

Hydrocortisone (also called other names including Solu-Cortef® and Efcortisol) is a type of medicine called a corticosteroid, which is sometimes used to treat asthma attacks in hospitals.

What does hydrocortisone do?

Hydrocortisone works by blocking the chemicals that cause inflammation. If you're having an asthma attack, an injection of hydrocortisone can help reduce inflammation in your lungs so that you can breathe more easily.

What does hydrocortisone look like?

Hydrocortisone is a liquid that is given to you through one of your veins as either an injection or an infusion (drip).

How much do I have, and when?

Your doctor will decide how much hydrocortisone you need before injecting you. This will depend on how much you weigh and how bad your asthma is. You may need to have more injections or infusions depending on how much better your asthma gets.

But what if I don't feel like having it?

A doctor or nurse will give you your hydrocortisone. It's really important to have the injection or infusion if you need it as it will help control your asthma attack and let you breathe more easily.

What should I do if I forget to have it?

Your doctor or nurse will give you your injection or infusion so you don't need to worry about forgetting to have it! If you think you have missed aninjection, tell your doctor or nurse.

What are the most likely side effects I might get if I'm given hydrocortisone?

Like any medicine, hydrocortisone can cause side effects. You might get some side effects or you might not get any at all. It's unlikely, but you could have an allergic reaction to hydrocortisone. The signs to look out for are:

trouble swallowing or breathing

swelling of your face, throat, hands, or feet

a bad rash, itching, or hives (bumpy patches of red or pale skin that are itchy)

If you notice any of these signs go to the hospital straight away. If you know you're allergic reaction to hydrocortisone, it's very important to tell your doctor before he or she gives it to you.

Some of the side effects you might get from hydrocortisone injection or infusions are:

a sore tummy or pain that may go to round to your back

indigestion

blood in your poo

catching infections easier - this could mean getting a temperature or feeling unwell

headaches or vomiting

painful, swollen veins in your legs

glaucoma

If you notice these or any other side effects, tell your doctor straight away.

Hydrocortisone could cause other side effects but they are extremely unlikely. So, it's important to tell your doctor straight away if you notice these or anything else strange. Also tell him or her if you become confused, irritable, very sad or have thoughts about hurting yourself.

Is it safe for me to be having hydrocortisone?

Before you're treated with hydrocortisone, tell your doctor about any other medical problems that you know you have, or have had in the past, including any allergic reactions .

It's important that you tell your doctor before you start taking hydrocortisone if you need to have any vaccinations. Hydrocortisone can weaken your immune system, which could make a vaccination less effective or even dangerous.

It's also important to tell him or her if you have been near someone who has measles or chicken pox and you haven't had them before. You could become very sick if you get these while you are being treated with hydrocortisone.

You must tell your doctor before you start using hydrocortisone if you have an infection in your eye caused by fungi, bacteria or a virus.

You should also tell your doctor if you have:

type 1 diabetes

problems with your heart, liver or kidney

high blood pressure

glaucoma

epilepsy

a stomach ulcer or other stomach or digestive system problems

muscle problems

any infection including tuberculosis (TB) or abscesses

problems with your thyroid gland

If you need this medicine again when you are older, it's very important to tell your doctor if you think you are pregnant or might be pregnant.

Is it OK for me to have hydrocortisone if I am taking other medicines?

You should tell your doctor about any other medicines that you are taking or have taken recently, including herbal medicines or ones you got from the pharmacy without a prescription.

What if I have any more questions?

If you have any other questions, you can ask your doctor, or chat to other people about hydrocortisone and Asthma in the Medikidz forums and virtual world, Mediland.