Cortef® Tablets for Adrenal Insufficiency

This prescription steroid helps replace cortisol and calm immune inflammation. It is available with US shipping from Canada through Border Free Health. Many patients compare Cortef cost without insurance when planning long-term therapy.

What Cortef Is and How It Works

Cortef® contains hydrocortisone, the same hormone your adrenal glands naturally make. As a glucocorticoid, it supports blood pressure, metabolism, and stress response. At anti-inflammatory doses, it reduces swelling and immune activity across many conditions. At physiologic doses, it replaces missing cortisol in adrenal insufficiency.

Border Free Health connects U.S. patients with licensed Canadian partner pharmacies; prescriptions are verified with prescribers before dispensing.

Cortef Hydrocortisone is absorbed by mouth and then converted in the liver. It binds glucocorticoid receptors to regulate gene expression and dampen inflammatory pathways. Effects vary by dose, condition, and treatment duration. Your prescriber will tailor a regimen to match your clinical needs and response. Follow the approved label and clinic guidance for safe use.

For inflammatory disorders, this medicine can reduce symptoms such as pain, stiffness, itching, wheezing, or bowel irritation. For adrenal insufficiency, it helps restore daily energy, appetite, and stress resilience. Because hydrocortisone influences fluid balance, clinicians may also use mineralocorticoids separately for salt retention when indicated.

Who It’s For

This therapy is commonly prescribed for primary or secondary adrenal insufficiency, including Addison’s disease and certain pituitary disorders. It may also be used short term for allergic, dermatologic, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and rheumatic flares when a corticosteroid is warranted. Selection depends on the condition, severity, comorbidities, and prior response to steroids.

People with active systemic fungal infections, known hypersensitivity to hydrocortisone, or uncontrolled serious infections should generally avoid systemic steroids. Caution is advised with diabetes, osteoporosis, glaucoma, cataracts, peptic ulcer disease, hypertension, or mood disorders. Discuss vaccines, recent exposures, and any planned surgeries with your clinician before starting therapy. See our overview of Adrenal Insufficiency, plus related categories for Allergic Disorders and Inflammatory Disorders.

Dosage and Usage

Hydrocortisone dosing is individualized. For adrenal replacement, doses are often split during the day to mimic natural rhythms. For inflammatory conditions, initial doses may be higher and then tapered. Take tablets with food or milk if stomach upset occurs. Swallow with water and follow the exact schedule on your prescription label.

Hydrocortisone tablets 10 mg may be combined with other strengths to reach a prescribed total. Do not stop suddenly if you have used this therapy for more than a short course, as abrupt cessation can precipitate adrenal insufficiency. Stress dosing may be needed during illness, fever, or procedures; your care team will provide specific instructions based on your diagnosis.

Keep a steroid treatment card or medical alert as advised. If vomiting or severe diarrhea prevents oral intake, seek medical care promptly to discuss rescue options per your plan.

Strengths and Forms

This medicine is supplied as oral tablets in commonly published strengths. Availability may vary by partner pharmacy and manufacturing source.

• 5 mg tablets
• 10 mg tablets
• 20 mg tablets

Some patients require precise splitting under a clinician’s guidance for tailored dosing. Hydrocortisone 20 mg tablets are not the only option; your prescriber will choose the most appropriate combination. If a specific strength is unavailable, an equivalent daily total using alternative strengths may be recommended.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a dose, take it when remembered unless it is close to the next scheduled time. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not double up. For adrenal replacement, consistent timing supports stable cortisol coverage. If you miss multiple doses or feel unwell, contact your healthcare professional for advice.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store tablets in a tightly closed container at typical room temperature, away from moisture and direct light. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not store in a bathroom. When traveling, carry your medication in original labeled packaging along with a copy of your prescription. A travel letter or steroid card may be helpful for security checks and emergency care.

Pack an extra supply in your carry-on in case of delays. If your clinician has provided an emergency plan for illness or surgery, keep those instructions with you. Protect the tablets from heat and humidity, and do not use them past the labeled expiry date.

Benefits

As a glucocorticoid, this treatment can relieve inflammatory symptoms across many organ systems. It also replaces cortisol in adrenal insufficiency, supporting daily function and stress resilience. Oral dosing offers flexible schedules that clinicians can tailor to changing needs. For many, the therapy allows a gradual reduction from high initial doses to the lowest effective maintenance.

For localized inflammation, non-systemic options may suffice. For systemic disease or cortisol replacement, tablets offer predictable absorption in most people. See our category for endocrine conditions at Endocrine Thyroid for related therapies.

Side Effects and Safety

• Upset stomach or heartburn
• Increased appetite and weight changes
• Mood changes, irritability, or trouble sleeping
• Fluid retention or swelling
• Headache or dizziness
• Skin thinning or slow healing with longer use

Serious risks can include elevated blood pressure, high blood sugar, infection risk, adrenal suppression, glaucoma or cataracts, bone loss, and rare allergic reactions. Call your prescriber if you develop fever, severe weakness, vision changes, black stools, severe mood shifts, or swelling of the face or throat. Hypoglycemia can occur when used with insulin or sulfonylureas due to dose adjustments; your diabetes care team may monitor and adapt your plan.

Live vaccines are usually avoided during significant systemic steroid use. Non-live vaccines may be less effective. Always review your full medication list and medical history before starting therapy. For general safety tips, see our Side Effects Guide.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Hydrocortisone interacts with CYP3A4 inducers and inhibitors. Medicines such as rifampin, carbamazepine, or phenytoin may reduce steroid levels; azole antifungals, macrolides, or some antivirals can increase exposure. NSAIDs or alcohol can raise gastrointestinal risk when combined with steroids. Anticoagulant effects may vary; careful monitoring is common. Estrogens and certain diabetes medications may require attention to clinical response.

Tell your clinician about all medicines, supplements, and vaccines. Do not change doses on your own. If long-term systemic therapy is required, discuss bone health, eye checks, and infection prevention. When uncertain, defer to official labeling and your prescriber’s instructions.

What to Expect Over Time

Replacement therapy may restore daily energy, appetite, and blood pressure stability. Inflammatory symptoms can improve as the immune response settles. Your prescriber may adjust the dose to the lowest effective amount. Some people notice sleep or mood changes early; these often improve as the regimen stabilizes. Do not stop suddenly after longer courses; tapering plans are used to reduce adrenal suppression risk.

During illness or procedures, you may need a temporary increase per your medical plan. Keep emergency contacts handy and wear medical identification if you have adrenal insufficiency. Consistent timing, food pairing, and adherence help maintain steady control.

Compare With Alternatives

For adrenal crisis or when oral intake is not possible, injectable hydrocortisone is used under medical supervision. We offer Solu Cortef Vial 100mg for prescriber-directed emergency use. For certain inflammatory flares, a clinician may consider other systemic steroids. One example is Kenalog®, which has different indications and dosing approaches. Your clinician will select therapy based on diagnosis, severity, and treatment goals. Do not interchange steroids without clinical guidance.

Pricing and Access

Our marketplace reflects Canadian pharmacy partners and transparent listings. Canada sourcing can help many patients compare options conservatively. We use encrypted checkout and verify prescriptions before dispensing. This service Ships from Canada to US to support cross-border access.

People often review Cortef price alongside alternatives and dosing plans. If you pay out of pocket, you may also consider Hydrocortisone cash price when budgeting. To see current offers, visit our Promotions page for any available codes. Final costs depend on strength, quantity, and manufacturer, as directed by your prescription.

Availability and Substitutions

Stock can vary by strength and manufacturer. If a specific tablet strength is unavailable, your prescriber may recommend an equivalent total using other strengths. When medically appropriate, a pharmacist may dispense a therapeutically equivalent generic. If you plan to Buy hydrocortisone tablets online, review your exact strength and quantity with your clinic to avoid delays.

For background on telepharmacy and online purchasing, see our article on Buy Online. We coordinate with your prescriber to ensure the dispensed product matches your prescription.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

This medicine may suit adults diagnosed with adrenal insufficiency or those needing systemic steroid treatment when benefits outweigh risks. It may not suit people with uncontrolled infections or those experiencing serious side effects on prior steroids. Discuss your history of ulcers, diabetes, eye disease, mood changes, or bone loss with your prescriber.

• Multi-month fills: ask about 60–90 days when appropriate
• Strength combinations: use the fewest tablets to meet the daily plan
• Consistent timing: set phone reminders to support adherence
• Food pairing: take with meals if stomach upset occurs
• Check interactions: review new medicines with your clinic
• Clinic follow-up: schedule periodic reviews for dose and safety

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Primary goal: cortisol replacement, flare control, or both?
• Dose plan: daytime split, taper schedule, and stress dosing?
• Monitoring: blood pressure, glucose, eyes, and bone health?
• Vaccines: which are appropriate while on systemic steroids?
• Rescue plan: what to do for illness, surgery, or vomiting?
• Travel: documents and supplies to carry for emergencies?

Authoritative Sources

Ready to proceed? Place your order with prompt, express shipping and US delivery from Canada. Prescription required. This content is for general information and does not replace medical advice from your healthcare professional.