Get Cortef Online
Cortef (hydrocortisone oral) is a prescription corticosteroid used to treat adrenal insufficiency and other conditions requiring glucocorticoid replacement. Doctronic connects you with a licensed physician who can evaluate your symptoms and history and prescribe Cortef when appropriate.
What Is Cortef?
Cortef (hydrocortisone oral) is a prescription medication used to manage adrenal insufficiency, including Addison's disease and secondary adrenal insufficiency. It works by replacing or supplementing the cortisol that the adrenal glands fail to produce in adequate amounts. With the right dose and ongoing monitoring, most patients achieve stable cortisol levels and a significant improvement in daily functioning and quality of life.
- Replaces deficient cortisol to restore normal glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid balance
- Get personalized guidance from doctor-trained AI
- Explore treatment and prescription options
Is Online Cortef Treatment Right for You?
Cortef may be appropriate for adults who have been diagnosed with adrenal insufficiency, including primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease) or secondary and tertiary adrenal insufficiency, and who require ongoing glucocorticoid replacement therapy. A physician will review your diagnosis, current lab results, and any prior corticosteroid use before prescribing.
Because hydrocortisone affects multiple body systems, including the immune, cardiovascular, and endocrine systems, your provider will also consider your history of infections, diabetes, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and other conditions that may be affected by long-term corticosteroid use.
- Diagnosed with adrenal insufficiency or Addison's disease
- Get personalized guidance from AI and clinicians
- Explore treatment and prescription refill options
- Access care from home, often the same day
Medications We Prescribe for Adrenal Insufficiency
Cortef
Hydrocortisone Oral
The standard oral glucocorticoid replacement for adrenal insufficiency, dosed to mimic the body's natural cortisol rhythm.
AvailableMedrol
Methylprednisolone
A synthetic glucocorticoid sometimes used when hydrocortisone is not tolerated or as an alternative anti-inflammatory corticosteroid.
AvailableDeltasone
Prednisone
An oral corticosteroid that may be used as an alternative glucocorticoid replacement in certain adrenal insufficiency management plans.
AvailableOrapred
Prednisolone
A liquid or tablet oral corticosteroid that can serve as an alternative when hydrocortisone formulations are unavailable or not tolerated.
AvailableHow Adrenal Insufficiency Treatment Works at Doctronic
Chat With The #1 AI Doctor
Doctronic answers your health questions with personalized medical insights and helps our doctors create a better treatment plan for you.
Meet With a Licensed Doctor For Treatment
Book a $39 telehealth appointment (or copay) within 30 minutes. Our doctors create personalized treatment plans with prescriptions when needed.
Pick Up Your Prescription
Our doctors prescribe non-controlled medications in all 50 states and send prescriptions to your pharmacy for same-day pickup.
What a Doctronic consultation looks like
Free to start, no account needed. Here's how a real Adrenal Insufficiency consultation unfolds.
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$39 doctor visit · All 50 statesPricing that won't make you sick
Chat for free, see an online doctor for $39/visit, or refill a prescription online for as low as $0
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Available in all 50 states + DC
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Insurance accepted
- 24/7 medical care Free
- Specialist referrals Free
- Lifelong health record Free
- Unlimited questions Free
- Prescription refills Starting as low as $0
- Video visit with real doctors $39/visit
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Frequently asked questions
Cortef is the brand name for oral hydrocortisone, a corticosteroid that replaces cortisol in people whose adrenal glands do not produce enough of it. It is primarily prescribed for adrenal insufficiency, including Addison's disease and secondary adrenal insufficiency caused by pituitary or hypothalamic disorders.
Cortef is usually taken two to three times daily, with the largest dose given in the morning to mimic the body's natural cortisol peak. Your physician will determine the appropriate dose based on your weight, lab results, and clinical response. Doses often need to be temporarily increased during illness, surgery, or other physical stress.
People taking Cortef for adrenal insufficiency should double or triple their daily dose during periods of significant physical stress such as fever, illness, or surgery. Failure to do so can lead to an adrenal crisis, which is a life-threatening emergency. Your prescribing physician will provide specific guidance on sick-day dosing.
At physiologic replacement doses, side effects are generally minimal. However, higher doses or long-term use can cause weight gain, elevated blood sugar, insomnia, mood changes, increased blood pressure, and bone density loss. Regular follow-up and monitoring help minimize these risks.
No. Cortef should never be stopped suddenly without medical guidance, especially if you have been taking it for an extended period. Abrupt discontinuation can trigger adrenal insufficiency symptoms or an adrenal crisis. Your physician will provide a tapering plan if discontinuation is appropriate.
Yes. Cortef can interact with several medications, including drugs that affect liver enzymes (such as rifampin and certain antiseizure medications), blood thinners, diabetes medications, and NSAIDs. Always inform your physician about all medications and supplements you take.
Doctronic uses an AI-guided evaluation to gather your symptoms, medical history, and relevant information before connecting you with a licensed physician. The physician reviews your case, makes a clinical determination, and creates a personalized treatment plan, which may include a prescription when medically appropriate.
Yes. Doctronic works exclusively with licensed physicians whose consultations are doctor-reviewed and audited for quality. The platform is HIPAA-compliant, protecting your personal health information. Doctronic is available to adults 18 and older in any U.S. state.
Top Conditions We Can Help With
People turn to Doctronic and our licensed medical team for support with all types of conditions.