hydrocortisone sodium succinate-injection (cont.)
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: any allergies (especially to corticosteroids such as prednisone), thyroid conditions (e.g., hyperthyroid, hypothyroid), bone loss (e.g., osteoporosis), stomach problems (e.g., ulcers, ulcerative colitis), heart problems (e.g., congestive heart failure), current infections (e.g., tuberculosis, fungal, parasitic infection), eye problems (e.g., herpes infection, cataracts, glaucoma), nerve problems (e.g., myasthenia gravis), bleeding problems (e.g., hypoprothrombinemia), liver problems, high blood pressure, seizures, diabetes, recent vaccinations, mental/mood problems, kidney problems. This medication can lower the body's ability to fight an infection. Notify your doctor promptly if you develop any signs of an infection such as fever, chills, or sore throat. Also, contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge, or any other new symptoms. Avoid contact with people currently infected with chicken pox or the measles. Consult your doctor immediately if you think you have been exposed to the chicken pox or measles virus. Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor and avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (e.g., oral polio vaccine). This medication is not recommended for use in premature infants. Caution is advised when prescribing or using this drug in children since they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug. A preservative (benzyl alcohol) which may be found in this product or in the liquid used to mix this product (diluent) can infrequently cause serious problems (sometimes death), if given in large amounts (more than 100 mg/kg daily) to an infant during the first months of life (neonatal period). The risk is also greater with low birth weight infants. Symptoms include sudden gasping, low blood pressure, or a very slow heartbeat. Report these symptoms to the doctor immediately should they occur. If possible, a preservative-free product should be used when treating neonates. Caution is advised when prescribing or using this drug in the elderly since they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
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