Adrenal Insufficiency Support Group

I went to CVS to refill my cortisone and was told they bo longer carry it! So we wnt to Walmart and they said that the company that makes it has shut down operation and the only thing available is Hydrocortisone. I didnt think they were interchangable and I dont know what to do. My "wonderful" doctor ( an endro I see for my type 1 diabetes and who found the A.I.) says he wont treat my A.I.

Does anyone have any advise? Is anyone else having a problem getting cortisone?

And I've been trying for over a year to find another Dr. but none will take my insurance

what type of cortisol was it that they supposedly are no longer making?

And what type of endo is it that won't treat Addison's?????? I never heard of such. You must find yourself a new endo or go to an emergency room and have them treat you momentarily and write you a new script. The hc is shorter acting and has to be taken more frequently throughout the day, but most patients' script is sort of customed for that patient. And if you live near Atlanta, I can refer you to a great endo who does treat AD! I take pred every day and my scripts are for 90 days at a time and I've never had any problems getting them filled.

You take about 20% less HC.. Not sure if the rate of absorption is any different though.

Bob

are you in the usa? if yes-what part of the country?

Cortisone and HC have the same biologic half life. I have the feeling though that in terms of "fast acting" in the first hour or two, HC may be "faster". This is really on the edge of my knowledge set though, so please don't take my word for it!

My prescription is for Cortef, I have no problem getting it, so I'm not really sure what the pharmacist is talking about.

Post edited by: tpocicat, at: 06/19/2012 02:33 PM

Cortef is a brand name for Hydrocortisone. In Australia the most common brand name is Hysone.

Cortrate and Cortisone are not HC. ie a different drug chemically.

There are quite a few AI drugs available. "The above mentioned are "short acting". There are maybe 5 Pred variants as well! They are "intermediate acting".