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Overview: Cortisone acetate is used to treat a variety of inflammatory, autoimmune, and hormonal conditions. It works by suppressing the body’s immune response and reducing inflammation. It also replaces low levels of steroid hormones in people with reduced adrenal gland function. Common side effects include fluid retention, high blood sugar, increased blood pressure, behavior and mood changes, increased appetite, and weight gain. Serious side effects of cortisone acetate include an increased risk of infections.

Uses

What is cortisone acetate used for?

Cortisone acetate is commonly used for various inflammatory, autoimmune, hormonal, and other conditions where a corticosteroid may be used, which include the following.

  • Severe allergic conditions
  • Certain disorders of your skin, hormonal system, digestive tract, blood, nervous system, eyes, kidneys, or lungs
  • Certain types of cancer (to ease symptoms)
  • Rheumatic diseases (such as rheumatoid arthritis), which are painful and inflammatory conditions that affect your joints, tendons, ligaments, bones, and muscles

Cortisone acetate may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does cortisone acetate work (mechanism of action)?

Cortisone acetate belongs to a group of medicines called corticosteroids. Cortisone can replace low levels of steroid hormones in people with reduced adrenal gland function. It has anti-inflammatory effects and can regulate the body’s metabolism and immune response.

How is cortisone acetate supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Cortone

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 25 mg oral tablets

How should I store cortisone acetate?

Cortisone acetate should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Protect from light and moisture. Keep the container tightly closed.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of cortisone acetate?

The most common side effects of cortisone acetate are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Increased blood pressure (see below)
  • Fluid retention
  • Increased blood sugar
  • Increased appetite or weight gain
  • Mood changes (see below)

There may be other side effects of cortisone acetate that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of cortisone acetate?

While less common, the most serious side effects of cortisone acetate are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Cortisone acetate may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking cortisone acetate and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Reduced Adrenal Function. Cortisone acetate can cause your body’s adrenal glands to stop making as much cortisol (the stress hormone). This is known as adrenal insufficiency. Adrenal insufficiency can get worse if your body is under stress because of fever, surgery, or trauma. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of adrenal insufficiency.

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Weakness, tiredness, or lack of energy
  • Low blood pressure

Infections. Cortisone acetate may increase your risk of infections, including serious infections. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have an infection or any of the following symptoms.

  • Burning or stinging when you pee 
  • Cough or coughing up blood
  • Fever, sweats, chills, or muscle aches
  • Shortness of breath
  • Diarrhea or stomach pain
  • Weight loss

Reactivated Infections. Some types of microbes that cause infections (such as bacteria or viruses) can remain in the body after you recover from that infection. When a microbe stays in the body but does not cause an infection, it is called a “latent” microbe. Cortisone acetate may increase your risk of a latent microbe becoming active again, causing an infection. Before you start treatment with cortisone acetate, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had tuberculosis (TB), hepatitis B, or any other serious infections.

Vision Problems. Cortisone acetate may cause cataracts and glaucoma, which can lead to blindness. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Cloudy or foggy vision
  • Nearsightedness
  • Changes in how you see colors
  • Problems with glare (such as traffic lights when driving at night)
  • Loss of vision
  • Eye pain or redness
  • Severe headache or vomiting
  • Seeing bright, colorful circles around lights (vision halos)

Increased Blood Pressure (Hypertension). Cortisone acetate may increase your blood pressure or make it worse if you have a history of high blood pressure. Call your healthcare provider if your blood pressure increases while using this medicine.

If you measure your blood pressure and the top number (systolic) is 180 mm Hg or higher or the bottom number (diastolic) is 120 mm Hg or higher, get medical attention right away. Increases in blood pressure may not be noticeable, but look out for and tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of severely high blood pressure.

  • Sudden severe headache
  • Chest pain
  • Dizziness or confusion
  • Trouble breathing
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Blurry or other changes to vision
  • Anxiety
  • Buzzing in the ears
  • Nosebleed
  • Feeling of skipped heartbeats

Mood Changes. Cortisone acetate can cause changes in your mental status, including mood swings, personality changes, and depression. Tell your healthcare provider if you notice any changes in mood, thoughts, or behaviors.

Slowed Growth in Children. Cortisone acetate, when used by children, can slow down growth. The risk may be higher in children who use it for a long time. Tell your child’s healthcare provider if you have concerns about your child’s growth.

Effect on Sperm. Cortisone acetate may increase or decrease sperm count and sperm motility. Tell your healthcare provider if this is a concern for you.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use cortisone acetate?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take cortisone acetate.

  • Cortisone acetate
  • Cortone
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific cortisone acetate products they stock.

Whole-Body Fungal Infections. People who have fungal infections in their body should not take cortisone acetate.

What should I know about cortisone acetate before using it?

Do not take cortisone acetate unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share cortisone acetate with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep cortisone acetate out of the reach of children.

Do not stop taking cortisone acetate without talking to your healthcare provider. Stopping too quickly may cause serious side effects. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Joint or muscle pain
  • Lightheadedness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Vomiting
  • Weight loss
  • Headaches

Avoid exposure to chickenpox or measles while you are taking cortisone acetate. If you think you have been exposed to chickenpox or measles, tell your healthcare provider right away.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using cortisone acetate?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if cortisone acetate is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Cortisone acetate may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking cortisone acetate, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Vaccines. Talk with your healthcare provider about any vaccines that you may need. You may not be able to receive certain vaccines right before or while taking cortisone acetate. Tell your healthcare provider about any vaccines you have recently received or have scheduled.

Other Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • Heart disease, such as a recent heart attack
  • High blood pressure
  • Infections, including serious infections you had in the past (such as hepatitis B)
  • Kidney problems
  • Bone problems, including osteoporosis
  • Stomach or bowel problems, including ulcers
  • Thyroid problems, such as hypothyroidism
  • Liver damage and scarring (cirrhosis)
  • Myasthenia gravis
  • Mental health problems
  • Diabetes

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how cortisone acetate could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Do not take cortisone acetate while you are breastfeeding. Cortisone acetate can pass into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does cortisone acetate interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between cortisone acetate and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect cortisone acetate.

Does cortisone acetate interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking cortisone acetate.

  • Warfarin, which is a blood thinner
  • Phenobarbital, which is a medicine that may be used to treat seizures
  • Phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek, and others), which is a medicine to control seizures
  • Rifampin (Rifadin), which is a medicine commonly used to treat an infection called tuberculosis
  • Ephedrine, which is a medicine that may be used to relieve symptoms of asthma
  • Aspirin, which is in many prescription and OTC products, including those for pain, swelling, and fever
  • A diuretic, also called a water pill, which is a medicine used to reduce edema (fluid retention) and blood pressure
  • A medicine for diabetes

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with cortisone acetate. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much cortisone acetate?

If you or someone else has used too much cortisone acetate, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of cortisone acetate?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.