Hydrocortisone versus Prednisone

[vaderdev68]

My wife was diagnosed with addison's disease, she started using predsinose up to 7.5mg daily and 0. 2mg of fludrocortisone, after starting the treatment she had a slight improvement, she came out of the crisis she had when she was diagnosed with the disease, but to have a slow pace of life, she did not finish improving with the passing of the weeks, then, We decided to visit another endocrinologist/internist doctor to get a second opinion, to the initial tests he added some more tests that he wanted to analyze, but in the meantime the results of the new tests were ready and only after the tests were done, he suggested a change from prednisone to hydrocortisone, as follows: 20mg at 8am and 10mg at 4pm, additional 0. 1mg fludrocortisone at 8am. The result, my wife managed to improve as we were expecting with hormone replacement therapy, so far her quality of life has improved, she returned to the balance she had before starting the crisis where she was diagnosed with addison's, and so far she feels very good with the change. In addition she maintains a diet based on proteins, legumes and green vegetables, plus a lot of daily hydration. In this case the hydrocortisone worked perfectly for my wife, the change is evident, she already feels that she can start working again, make her normal life. Thanks to God. We hope that this story will help others to improve their quality of life with this disease.

[SheffieldJane]

Hydrocortisone behaves more like our natural cortisol production in that it lasts for a shorter period of time and is given in 3 or 4 daily doses. I am glad your wife is on the mend. I have an emergency Hydrocortisone injection kit for possible adrenal crisis as I was once diagnosed with an inadequate cortisol production.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Thank you very much - but everyone here requires pred for another condition and their adrenal insufficiency is secondary to that, unlike your wife's primary adrenal insufficiency. This means that often we are balancing managing the other inflammatory condition as well as the adrenal problem. Unfortunately, HC doesn't work as well for that condition.

I hope your wife continues to do well.

[piglette]

I think you may be better finding a group that concentrates on Addison’s disease. As the others say we do take steroids, but your wife would probably be better of with a group concentrating on her illness. You could try the UK group addisonsdisease.org.uk

[Hrblock57]

I am glad it worked for your wife. My case was different , I was diagnosed with GCA and put on high dose of Prednisone of 60mg . Gradually was tapered off currently I am on 1 mg after 2 years. I am being monitored monthly for CRP and Sed Rate . Happy to hear your wife's treatment worked well. Good luck