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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Critical Is Addison S Disease?

I was diagnosed with Addison s disease in September 2013, (I am a female & 59 years old). How critical is this disease ? How critical can the disease effect my system, if I stop taking the fludrocortisone and hydrocortisone ? I lost my job 2 months ago because of illness, and have no medical insurance. I am going to run out of meds in about a month. Any suggestions on tapering off medication ?
posted on Sat, 31 May 2014
Twitter Sat, 21 Jun 2014 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 23 Jun 2014 Last reviewed on
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Endocrinologist,  's  Response
Hello,
Good day.
Addison's disease means that your adrenal is not working well. Did you have scans of Adrenal gland to look for the cause of Addison's disease. These hormones are important for life and you will need it lifelong. There is no justification of losing your job. You may argue that you can lead a normal; life while you take Hydrocortisone and Fludrocortisone. You need them life long. Please do not stop it. Stopping them can cause serious consequences like vomiting, nausea, low blood pressure, collapse, and even death.
Please do not taper. On an average, an adult require Hydrocortisone 10 mg in the morning, 5 mg by 12noon and 5 mg at 5 pm.
Fludrocortisone 0.1mg once daily to keep BP and potassium in normal range

Regards
Binu
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How Critical Is Addison S Disease?

Hello, Good day. Addison s disease means that your adrenal is not working well. Did you have scans of Adrenal gland to look for the cause of Addison s disease. These hormones are important for life and you will need it lifelong. There is no justification of losing your job. You may argue that you can lead a normal; life while you take Hydrocortisone and Fludrocortisone. You need them life long. Please do not stop it. Stopping them can cause serious consequences like vomiting, nausea, low blood pressure, collapse, and even death. Please do not taper. On an average, an adult require Hydrocortisone 10 mg in the morning, 5 mg by 12noon and 5 mg at 5 pm. Fludrocortisone 0.1mg once daily to keep BP and potassium in normal range Regards Binu