Are you going to give yourself a hydrocortisone injection? Let's be aware of this!

Sometimes, when we get sick, doctors tell us to give ourselves an injection. One such special injection is called `(Hydrocortisone)`. This is often used in emergencies or when other treatments have not helped much. If you also want to know about this medicine, this article will be very important for you. Let's see what it is, what it is used for, and what things to be careful about.

What is this medicine called hydrocortisone?

Simply put, hydrocortisone is a steroid . Yes, yes, some people are afraid of steroids, but this is a medicine that can bring relief to many diseases if used correctly and under the advice of a doctor. It mainly does three things: 1. Reducing inflammation in the body: Inflammation means things like swelling, redness, and pain. Imagine you have arthritis. Then your joints become swollen and painful. This medicine helps reduce that swelling and pain. 2. Controlling an overactive immune system: Our body has an immune system. It is what protects us from diseases. But sometimes this system starts working too much. When that happens, healthy cells can also be damaged. For example, this happens in some allergic reactions, or in diseases like Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Hydrocortisone helps to calm down the overactive immune system. 3. Giving it to people who have low levels of the hormone cortisol: Our bodies naturally produce a hormone called cortisol. This is a very important hormone. When we are stressed, sick, or injured, this cortisol helps us respond properly. Some people do not produce enough of this hormone (for example, those with adrenal gland problems). In such cases, this medicine can help to compensate for that deficiency. So, this medicine is used to treat many conditions, such as asthma, severe allergic reactions, arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases, adrenal gland problems, and some diseases of the blood or bone marrow.

What should I tell the doctor before starting this medication?

Before giving you a hydrocortisone injection, your doctor will ask you a few questions. It is very important that you tell the truth without hiding anything. It is for your safety that the doctor is aware of your other illnesses and the medications you are taking. If you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor:

• You have Cushing's syndrome (a condition that causesIf you have a condition caused by increased cortisol .
• If you have diabetes ( Diabetes Mellitus) .
• If you have glaucoma (increased eye pressure).
• If you have heart disease or any heart-related problems.
• If you have high blood pressure .
• If you currently have or have recently had an infection such as herpes, measles, tuberculosis, or chickenpox .
• If you have kidney disease .
• If you have liver disease .
• If you have mental health problems (e.g. depression, anxiety).
• If you have myasthenia gravis (a disease that weakens muscles).
• If you have osteoporosis (bone loss disease).
• If you have had a heart attack before .
• If you have seizures .
• If you have stomach ulcers, intestinal diseases (e.g. colitis, diverticulitis) .
• If you have a thyroid problem .
• If you are allergic to hydrocortisone, other corticosteroids, benzyl alcohol, other medications, lactose, foods, artificial colors, or preservatives .
• If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
• If you are a breastfeeding mother.

Once you have these things in place, your doctor can decide whether or not it's appropriate to give you this medication, and with what precautions it should be given.

How do you use this medicine?

Hydrocortisone is a medicine that is given as an injection. That is, it is injected into a vein or sometimes into a muscle. This is usually given by medical staff in a hospital or clinic.It's not a medicine you can take home.

Important: This medicine is prescribed by your doctor only. Never share it with anyone else.

If you are giving this medicine to children: Special care should be taken when giving this medicine to children. Your doctor will tell you about this. If you take too much medicine (Overdose): Since this is given in a hospital, the chance of an ``Overdose`` is low. However, if you think that something has happened, that is, if you think that you have been given too much medicine, you should immediately tell a doctor or nurse at the hospital. If you miss a dose (Missed dose): Since this is also given in a hospital, it is not usually the case that you miss a dose of medicine. Because the doctor or nurse will make sure that you give it on time.

Can this medicine interact with other medications?

Yes, there are some medications that can cause problems when taken with hydrocortisone. Therefore, you should tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (not just prescription medications, but also over-the-counter medications, traditional medicines, vitamins, and even herbal products). Do not take hydrocortisone with these medications:

• Mifepristone `(Mifepristone, RU-486)`
• Some types of vaccines (talk to your doctor about this)

These medications may also interact with hydrocortisone:

• Some antibiotics (e.g. clarithromycin, erythromycin, troleandomycin)
• Aspirin and aspirin-like drugs
• Barbiturates (e.g. phenobarbitol)
• Ketoconazole
• Phenytoin `(Phenytoin)`
• Rifampin
• Warfarin (a blood thinner)

This list is not complete. So it's best to tell your doctor about everything you're taking. Also, tell your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. These things can also affect how this medicine works.

What should you be careful about when taking medication?

There are a few things you should be aware of while taking hydrocortisone:

• See your doctor regularly: Be sure to go to your doctor's appointments to see if there is any change in your condition and if the medication is working properly.
• Keep an ID card with you: If you are taking this medication for a long time, it is a good idea to keep an ID card with you that lists your name, address, the name and dosage of the medication, and the name and address of the doctor who is treating you.
• Be careful of infections: Your immunity may be slightly reduced while taking this medicine.So stay away from people who are sick (e.g., people with a cold or fever). If you come into contact with someone who has a disease like measles or chickenpox, tell your doctor immediately.
• If you are having surgery: If you are having any surgery within the next 12 months, tell your doctor that you are taking hydrocortisone.
• Ask about diet: Talk to your doctor about your diet. He or she may tell you to reduce the amount of salt in your food.
• Blood sugar levels: This medicine may slightly increase your blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, ask your doctor if you need to make changes to your diet or the dosage of your diabetes medication.

What are the possible side effects of this medicine?

Like all medicines, hydrocortisone can cause side effects in some people. Don't worry, not everyone gets them. But it's important to be aware of them. If any of these happen, tell your doctor/nurse straight away:

• Allergy symptoms: skin rash, itching, red spots on the skin, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat.
• Cushing's syndrome symptoms: Fat accumulation around the abdomen, upper back, neck, or face, pink/purple stretch marks, thinning skin that bruises easily, and unwanted hair growth.
• High blood sugar (Hyperglycemia): Excessive thirst, frequent urination, unusual tiredness, blurred vision.
• Increased blood pressure.
• Symptoms of infection: fever, chills, cough, sore throat, wounds that do not heal, pain or difficulty urinating, and a feeling of discomfort.
• Symptoms of low adrenal gland function: nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, unusual tiredness, dizziness.
• Mood and behavior changes: anxiety, restlessness, confusion, hallucinations, irritability, hostility, suicidal thoughts, worsening of mental status, depressed mood.
• Signs of stomach bleeding: black or tarry stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, or vomit blood.
• Swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet.

These side effects are usually not dangerous, but if they persist or become bothersome, tell your doctor:

• Acne
• Feeling generally unwell and tired
• Headache
• Increased appetite
• Nausea
• Insomnia
• Weight gain

This list may not include all possible side effects. If you notice anything unusual, consult your doctor.

Where do you keep this medicine?

As mentioned earlier, hydrocortisone injections are given in a hospital or clinic. Therefore , you will not be able to take it home, nor will you need to keep it at home.

Finally, things to remember (Take-Home Message)

Hydrocortisone is a very useful medication. However, it should only be used under the supervision of a doctor.

• Be sure to tell your doctor about any other illnesses you have and any other medications you are taking.
• Be careful of infections when taking medication.
• If you experience any unusual side effects, inform your doctor immediately.
• Don't be afraid to ask your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse any questions you have about this medicine.

Wishing you a speedy recovery!

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