Florinef - are the side effects worth it?

It is a corticosteroid. It is indicated for Salt losing adrenogenital syndrome, Addison's disease, and postural hypertension (this is the one which pertains to your daughter). Some of the adverse reactions are: heart failure, hypertension (or high blood pressure), cardiac hypertrophy, edema, bruising, sodium and water retention, hypokalemia (low potassium), diaphoresis (sweating), allergic rash. She may have to watch her salt intake after starting this drug and she may need a high potassium diet and/or potassium supplements because it depletes potassium. It should not be used in people who are emotionally unstable or who have psychotic tendencies. Some people who are susceptable can get very unstable emotional swings and may even have psychotic episodes. Her blood pressure and electrolytes will need monitoring during therapy. She will need to weigh herself daily and report to prescriber any sudden weight gain.

Expand this post...

She will need to notify prescriber if low blod pressure, weakness, cramping or palpitations worsen or if changes in mental status occur. Mild swelling is common. She needs to avoid exposure to infections (like chickenpox or measles) and notify the prescriber if she is exposed. This will be difficult in a school aged child.