Hydrocortisone User Reviews & Ratings
Brand names: Cortef, Solu-Cortef, Cortenema, Cortifoam, Alkindi Sprinkle
Hydrocortisone has an average rating of 7.6 out of 10 from a total of 27 reviews on Drugs.com. 71% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 13% reported a negative experience.
Condition | Avg. Rating | Reviews | Compare |
---|---|---|---|
Addison's Disease | 8 reviews for Addison's Disease | 39 medications | |
Adrenocortical Insufficiency | 12 reviews for Adrenocortical Insufficiency | 47 medications | |
Inflammatory Conditions | 4 reviews for Inflammatory Conditions | 120 medications | |
Ulcerative Colitis | 2 reviews for Ulcerative Colitis | 87 medications | |
Ulcerative Proctitis | 1 reviews for Ulcerative Proctitis | 16 medications | |
Add your review |
Reviews for Hydrocortisone
- Anonymous
- September 23, 2011
Cortef (hydrocortisone) for Adrenocortical Insufficiency "After a long chronic stress, my adrenals were in 'burnout.' This medicine, until now, has worked great. The progression has been very slow but with satisfaction. The only side effects were an upset stomach (which have gone) and frequent urination (which has been reduced)."
- Anonymous
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- July 18, 2013
Cortef (hydrocortisone) for Adrenocortical Insufficiency "Made stomach upset early on, gurgly/hungry feeling. Goes away. Severe prolonged subclinical hypothyroidism resulted in needing this medicine. Makes my Cytomel work. And reduced my anxiety to manageable levels. Even the little painful scab bumps I used to get on my scalp are gone... gone! Those things were as painful as a bee sting the day after."
Frequently asked questions
- Can you use hydrocortisone cream for vulvar itching?
- Can I use hydrocortisone cream on shingles rash?
- What are steroid injections (cortisone shots)?
- Can you put hydrocortisone cream on hemorrhoids?
- MrMis...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- October 27, 2019
Cortef (hydrocortisone) for Adrenocortical Insufficiency "Started experiencing fatigue a few years ago and passed out suddenly. Rushed to hospital with normal cardiac workup and blood tests. After seeing a long list of doctors one finally came to the realization I had adrenal insufficiency. Prescribed 10mg hydrocortisone daily and feel much better."
- EllyBee
- Taken for 5 to 10 years
- September 12, 2019
Cortef (hydrocortisone) for Addison's Disease "Cortef has saved my life Diagnosed with Addison’s 7 years ago after months of declined health (deathly thin, anxious, random cry spells, brain fog, intense nausea, lower back pain) and eventually slipping into a coma. Once the doctors figured out it was Addison they put me on Cortef. It was a bit of a challenge at first, trying to figure out the right amount for my body however after about 2 years of trail and error I found the right dosage and the proper times to take them as I found that was extremely important. I was also put on Cytomel which I would highly suggest for anyone who’s struggling with Addison’s disease. With those combined meds, Addison’s became controllable. Until I started premenopausal symptoms and now it feels like the first year of my addison diagnosis. I’ve been taking a bit more Cortef as of late to help me through the premenopause which can become more of an issue for the body and brain."
Are you taking this medicine?
- Anonymous
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- October 3, 2017
For Addison's Disease "This medication is life sustaining. I take a total of 20 mg divided into several doses throughout the day. It has supported muscle development so that now, after a year of treatment I am a healthy weight for my height and am able to live an active life. No digestive issues. No sleep issues. No other side effects. My blood pressure has increased to a healthy level. I no longer have spells of dizziness or see stars."
- Anonymous
- April 12, 2009
For Adrenocortical Insufficiency "I was put on this for 3 months. It's been 2 years now and I can't ween off it. My immune system is in bad shape and I'm developing side effects. I wish I'd been put on something else. It was nice at first thinking it was only short term, but now its becoming a bigger problem than help."
More FAQ
- Can hydrocortisone cream be used on sunburn?
- What is the difference between hydrocortisone and cortisone?
- How long does it take for neomycin, polymyxin b and hydrocortisone ear drops to work?
- Can you use hydrocortisone cream on babies?
- Aaron
- December 23, 2020
For Adrenocortical Insufficiency "I’m on 20mg daily split into 3 doses 10mg/ 5mg/5mg Keep my blood pressure stable and blood sugar’s levels But got long term muscle weakness in my legs now So got to use crutches now With out this medication I wouldn’t be here to speak about this. So I’m really gratefull I’m still here."
- Anonymous
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- June 13, 2018
For Addison's Disease "Since being on hydrocortisone I have retained a lot of fluid in my face, neck, arms, legs and stomach!! Before this medication I was happy size 9 and had an athletic physique!! Now I’m a whopping miserable, depressed size 16!! After just one year on this medication!!!!"
- Pete
- October 16, 2020
For Adrenocortical Insufficiency "I believe Hydrocortisone is much better than Prednisone. With Hydrocortisone in pill form side effects were minimal to none. Prednisone at 1 pill daily, after three weeks came irregular weight gain, stomach, face, arm, hands & fingers very noticeable swelling. Very painful back and side pain. Salt and water retention, headaches."
- Louise
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- October 25, 2021
For Adrenocortical Insufficiency "It worked great for me. As sometimes I would have attacks where I couldn't breathe and the air would go in just in time before I passed out. I was intubated 2 times. My Oxygen was normal and then there was no air at all, it was good I was in the emergency department. THEN ,I went on the cortisone and haven't had any attacks since."
- Anonymous
- Taken for 10 years or more
- March 24, 2022
For Adrenocortical Insufficiency "I had surgery in 1997 to partially remove a pituitary tumor which damaged the gland, so I have taken 15 mg. of hydrocortisone daily for almost 25 years to replace my adrenal function. It truly has saved my life! I didn't experience any noticeable side effects, thankfully!"
- Ashley
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- April 11, 2021
For Adrenocortical Insufficiency "I have been on oral hydrocortisone for about six months now and trying to decrease the medicine to get completely off of it even though I was on a low-dose before. I have had really bad side effects the whole time taking this drug but I am also very sensitive to medication. My ACTH levels are rising so the drug did it’s job but would not take again unless necessary"
- smiley
- Taken for less than 1 month
- May 13, 2020
For Inflammatory Conditions "I am using the hydrocortisone cream 2.5%, for a lite case of hemorrhoids, lots of burning and itching. This is some great stuff, way better than Prep-H. Only been using for a week two times a day and hemorrhoids all most gone. And the burning and itching is gone and I have only used half a tube, I will try to keep some of this on hand. Good stuff"
- Tamsy...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- May 19, 2022
For Addison's Disease "This drug is awful but it saved my life so I’ll give it some credit. It stabilized my blood pressure and no longer in a critical state but I’ve gained so much weight and I had insane anxiety at a higher dose. It would make me uncontrollable agitated and emotionally. But I’m alive and at a lower dose now but I want the weight gone"
- Bianca
- Taken for less than 1 month
- May 17, 2022
For Addison's Disease "Doing nothing for me. Takes effect in about 10 mins and last about 2 hours. Then, I am back to feeling bad. You know the desperation, the pain everywhere, lights off, no noises, can't breath. I feel like an emergency every day. So fatigued. I have a sudden small cramp inside my right eye every once in a while. It hurts from some time after that like something in the back inside twisted. It comes back another day. Is this a side effect or am I just too far gone?"
- Terrys...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- January 23, 2021
Cortenema (hydrocortisone) for Ulcerative Colitis "My husband has been using the Cortenema for 3 months now. He uses it twice a day and it’s done absolutely nothing for his rectosigmoiditis. They just switched him to budesonide on Wednesday so we’ll see if that at least does something for him."
- DIV
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- December 15, 2021
For Inflammatory Conditions "I’m using this for desqumative inflammatory vaginitis. When I use it I feel better, but when I stop I feel weird again. I’m still trying to figure out if it’s helping or not. I still have a few weeks, so I’ll see."
- Larry...
- September 25, 2014
Cortef (hydrocortisone) for Adrenocortical Insufficiency "Take 25 mg daily - 15 mg morning/10 mg evening for 46 years. No side effects. No symptoms. Restored my well-being!"
- Sinke...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- December 26, 2016
For Adrenocortical Insufficiency "Tests showed my cortisol production was low but I do not feel any better on HC. And I am fatter now than ever before. I even have fat on my mid and lower back."
- Lenna
- October 30, 2008
For Adrenocortical Insufficiency "This medicine has kept me alive for 20 years with very few side effects."
- Anonymous
- February 9, 2015
Hydrocortone (hydrocortisone) for Addison's Disease "Feel better,but getting really fat"
- Anonymous
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- January 10, 2016
Hydrocortone (hydrocortisone) for Addison's Disease "Added so much weight,due to this drugs"
- Ted
- Taken for 10 years or more
- April 29, 2021
For Addison's Disease "Have been on medication for 30 years. I was on Cortef before. One relapse"
- Anonymous
- September 9, 2009
Cortenema (hydrocortisone) for Ulcerative Proctitis "Night sweats. Many trips to bathroom during the night, urinating."
Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.
More about hydrocortisone
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Pricing & coupons
- Drug images
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Support group
- Drug class: glucocorticoids
- Breastfeeding
Patient resources
- Hydrocortisone injection drug information
- Hydrocortisone rectal foam, enema
- Hydrocortisone (Injection) (Advanced Reading)
- Hydrocortisone (Oral) (Advanced Reading)
- Hydrocortisone Enema
Other brands
Cortef, Solu-Cortef, Cortenema, Cortifoam, ... +3 more
Professional resources
- Hydrocortisone, Hydrocortisone Sodium Succinate monograph
- Hydrocortisone Enema (FDA)
- Hydrocortisone Rectal Suspension (FDA)
- Hydrocortisone Tablets (FDA)
Other brands
Cortef, Solu-Cortef, Cortenema, A-Hydrocort, ... +2 more
For Inflammatory Conditions "I was put on prednisone and did NOT react well at all, experiencing most of the horrible side effects. After doing some online googling, I talked to my rheumatologist into prescribing 'plain old' hydrocortisone pills, and it has changed my life for the better! I have been taking it for over a year now (off and on) and have not felt healthier & happier in twenty years. I am not sure why docs always seem to prefer prednisone?! But for me, it was NOT the answer, as the side effects were absolutely nightmarish. On the other hand, I have had ZERO side effects while on a low dose of hydrocortisone. When I learned that hydrocortisone is closer to what our bodies naturally produce, it was a big 'A-ha!' moment for me as I am ultra-sensitive and have a hard time with meds and foods, etc."