Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summary
The full CMI at the link below has more details. If you are worried about using this medicine, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
View the full CMI (PDF)
1. Why am I being treated with SOLU-CORTEF?
SOLU-CORTEF contains the active ingredient hydrocortisone sodium succinate. It belongs to a group of medicines called corticosteroids. SOLU-CORTEF is used to reduce inflammation (pain, swelling, redness and heat) in certain glandular disorders, rheumatic disorders, skin diseases, allergic conditions, inflammation of the eyes, stomach or gut disorders, respiratory diseases and blood disorders.
For more information, see Section 1. Why am I being treated with SOLU-CORTEF? in the full CMI.
2. What should I know before treatment with SOLU-CORTEF?
Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to hydrocortisone sodium succinate or any of the ingredients listed at the end of the CMI.
Talk to your doctor if you have severe fungal infection, any other medical conditions, take any other medicines, or are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.
For more information, see Section 2. What should I know before treatment with SOLU-CORTEF? in the full CMI.
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
Some medicines may interfere with SOLU-CORTEF and affect how it works.
A list of these medicines is in Section 3. What if I am taking other medicines? in the full CMI.
4. How is SOLU-CORTEF given?
- SOLU-CORTEF is given as an injection into a muscle, or slowly into a vein by a doctor or nurse.
- Your doctor will decide the dose and frequency of SOLU-CORTEF depending on your condition.
More instructions for the preparation of solutions for the plain vial (powder only) or ACT-O-VIAL® (powder and diluent) system can be found in Section 4. How is SOLU-CORTEF given? in the full CMI.
5. What should I know during treatment with SOLU-CORTEF?
Things you should do
If you get an infection or suspect an infection during a course of treatment, tell your doctor as soon as possible.
Tell your doctor if you plan to have surgery; you are about to be given a vaccine or start on any new medicine; you become pregnant during treatment, you are diabetic; or you have liver disease.
Driving or using machines
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how SOLU-CORTEF affects you.
SOLU-CORTEF may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, visual disturbances, and fatigue in some people.
Drinking grapefruit juice
Avoid drinking grapefruit juice while you are being treated with SOLU-CORTEF.
Grapefruit may interact with SOLU-CORTEF and affect the way your body uses the medicine.
Looking after your medicine
Store below 25°C and protect from light. Keep in the original packaging until ready for use.
Store reconstituted diluted solutions at 2°C – 8°C for not more 24 hours. Any solution not used within 24 hours should be discarded.
For more information, see Section 5. What should I know during treatment with SOLU-CORTEF? in the full CMI.
6. Are there any side effects?
Side effects include nausea and vomiting, changes in appetite, weight gain caused by fluid retention, muscle weakness or tenderness, increased sweating, excessive thirst, changes in mood, changes in skin, excessive hairiness, tiredness or drowsiness. Serious side effects are rare and may include sudden signs of allergy, severe stomach pain, vomiting blood, or blood in the stools, convulsions or fits, changes in vision, eye infections, pain and tenderness of the lower leg, ankle and foot, chest pain and breathlessness. Long term treatment with corticosteroids can affect growth and development in children.
For more information, including what to do if you have any side effects, see Section 6. Are there any side effects? in the full CMI.
View the full CMI (PDF)