Cortone is made up of cortisone acetate which is a corticosteroid hormone (glucocorticoids). Cortone is an oral tablet and is available in 25mg. This tablet is usually white in color but can vary.

Cortones main purpose is to treat conditions such as arthritis, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis as well as allergic disorders, breathing disorders and skin or eye conditions. The list of conditions that this medication treats is very long but the main ones have been listed.

Cortisone works by lessening the natural defensive response of the body to reduce symptoms of swelling and allergic type reactions.

Always follow directions given to you by your doctor. Instructions can usually also be found on the prescription or prescription bottle/container.

Cortone is taken orally through the mouth.

Take with or milk to prevent an upset stomach.

Swallow the pill with a full glass of water (8 ounces).

If your doctor has you taking this medication daily, take it in the morning before 9am.

Use medication to get the most benefit from it.

Your doses may need to be adjusted if you are having surgery, are ill, under stress or have a fever/infection.

Tell your doctor about all medications you are currently taking including prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, and herbal remedies. Also be sure to mention any drug allergies you may have.

Important diseases to tell your doctor before taking Cortone consists of:

liver disease (such as cirrhosis); kidney disease; a thyroid disorder; diabetes; a history of malaria; tuberculosis; osteoporosis; a muscle disorder such as myasthenia gravis; glaucoma or cataracts; herpes infection of the eyes; stomach ulcers, ulcerative colitis, or diverticulitis; depression or mental illness; congestive heart failure; or high blood pressure

This medication may decrease the effect of vaccines. Avoid having your vaccines done if you are on Cortone.

Make sure you are carrying a medical alert tag at all times when using Cortone.

This is a steroid medicine which means it can weak your immune system and cause infections to happen more easily.

It is not clear if this medicine will harm an unborn baby however it does pass into breast milk sp breast feeding should be avoided while taking Cortone.

Common side effects of Cortone may include: 

sleep problems (insomnia), mood changes; acne, dry skin, thinning skin, bruising or discoloration; slow wound healing; increased sweating; headache, dizziness, spinning sensation; Nausea, stomach pain, bloating; or changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and waist).

Serious side effects of Cortone may include:

problems with your vision; swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath; severe depression, unusual thoughts or behavior, seizure (convulsions); bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood;

Signs to watch for:

Pancreatitis - severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate;

low potassium - confusion, uneven heart rate, extreme thirst, increased urination, leg discomfort, muscle weakness or limp feeling; or

dangerously high blood pressure - severe headache, blurred vision, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, uneven heartbeats, seizure).

What are some signs of an allergic reaction?

Some signs include hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

What is the best way to store this medication?

Protect this medicine from heat and moisture and keep it at room temperature.

What can long-term use of Cortone cause?

There quite a few outcomes that can occur if you are using this medication for a prolonged time. These outcomes include: thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.

What other conditions is this medication used for?

Some conditions not previously listed that are treated with Cortone include asthma, nephrotic syndrome, a blistering skin disorder, muscle pain and stiffness in the shoulder, neck and pelvis problems, rheumatic fever, inflammation of the covering of the heart or pericardium, and nasal polyp. This is still not a complete list of conditions.