|
Florinef belongs to a group of medications called mineralcorticoids. It is primarily used to treat Addison's disease, often in combination with other corticosteroid hormones (usually hydrocortisone).
What is Addison's disease?
Addison's disease occurs when the adrenal glands (located above the kidneys) do not produce enough of their required hormones. One hormone that is deficient in Addison's disease is the hormone Aldosterone. This hormone belongs to a class of hormones called mineralocorticoids, also produced by the adrenal glands. Aldosterone helps maintain blood pressure and water and salt balance in the body by helping the kidneys retain sodium and excrete potassium. When aldosterone production falls too low, the kidneys are not able to regulate water and salt balance, leading to a drop in both blood volume and blood pressure. The symptoms of Addison's disease will progress slowly and worsen over a period of time if left untreated. The most common symptoms include the following:
• chronic, worsening fatigue
• muscle weakness
• loss of appetite
• weight loss
• low blood pressure that falls further when standing, causing dizziness or fainting
• irritability and depression
• a craving for salty foods due to salt loss
• hypoglycemia, or low blood glucose
• headache
It is important to treat immediately these symptoms once diagnosed.
How does Florinef work to treat Addison's disease?
Florinef works similar to the hormone Aldosterone that is deficient in Addison's disease. It will cause sodium retention in the kidneys and potassium excretion. The overall result will be the patient’s blood volume and blood pressure returning to normal levels.
What dose of Florinef do I use?
Florinef will usually be used along with a Cortisol hormone (cortisone or hydrocortisone) to treat adrenal insufficency (Addison's disease). Florinef is supplied as a 0.1mg tablet. The usual dose is 0.1mg (1 tablet) daily. Rarely, hypertension (high blood pressure) may develop with a 0.1mg dosage, in this instance, the dose should be reduced to 1/2 tablet or 0.05mg.
How long will it take to see an improvement in my symptoms?
Patients should see an immediate improvement in their symptoms. This is because Florinef will replace existing hormones that are no longer being produced by the patient’s own body.
What are the potential side effects of Florinef?
The most common adverse effects will be nausea or mild stomach upset when initiating therapy.
Florinef will usually be well tolerated in the dosage taken for Addison's disease, however, since it is usually combined with Cortisone in the treatment, the following adverse affects must be taken into consideration. These adverse effects will more likely be observed if the patient takes Florinef for an extended period of time.
-sodium retention leading to high blood pressure, caution in patients with congestive heart failure
-muscle weakness, potential development of osteoporosis and subsequent vertebral fractures
-peptic ulcers
-thinning of the skin, potential hyperpigmentation (increased pigment in the skin), hirsutism (increased hairiness)
-potential development of diabetes
-suppression of growth in children
-impaired response in times of stress (eg. Trauma, surgery)
-increase in intraocular pressure that may lead to glaucoma.
Where can I get more information on Florinef?
For more information on Florinef, Florinef prescribed Patients, who are trying place an order for Florinef from an online pharmacy store can place their prescription order at CanadaDrugsOnline.com which is an online Canadian pharmacy store.
Counselling Points, PRECAUTIONS when taking Florinef?
Generally, Florinef will be well tolerated and most patients will not experience any side effects that will require discontinuation, however, we advise the patients to be proactive in communicating the following points with their health care provider.
1)Regularly monitor blood sugar levels. Florinef belongs to a group of medications that may increase blood sugar levels and may cause diabetes.
2)Regularly monitor bone density. With longterm usage, the patient may develop reduced bone density and potential osteoporosis. With your primary care physician, discuss actively the potential for this to occur.
3)Regularly monitor blood pressure. Florinef works in a manner in which the patient may develop high blood pressure. Your primary care physician may require you to reduce your dosage so that this does not happen.
4)Regularly monitor for any signs of infection. A prolonged fever or general weakness should be reported immediately to your primary care physician. Florinef may mask the signs of a serious infection and may hamper your ability to fight an infection.
5)Regularly monitor intraocular pressure with your optometrist or opthamologist. Florinef has the potential to cause an increase in intraocular pressure and glaucoma. With regular monitoring, this can be identified and/or treated.
|
|
|
