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Treatments and drugs
By Mayo Clinic staffIf you receive an early diagnosis of Addison's disease, treatment may involve taking prescription corticosteroids. Because your body isn't producing sufficient steroid hormones, your doctor may have you take one or more hormones to replace the deficiency. Cortisol is replaced using hydrocortisone (Cortef), prednisone or cortisone acetate. Fludrocortisone (Florinef) replaces aldosterone, which controls your body's sodium and potassium needs and keeps your blood pressure normal.
You take these hormones orally in daily doses that mimic the amount your body normally would make, thereby minimizing side effects. If you're facing a stressful situation, such as an operation, an infection or a minor illness, your doctor will suggest a temporary increase in your dosage. If you're ill with vomiting and can't retain oral medications, you may need corticosteroid injections.
In addition, your doctor may recommend treating androgen deficiency with an androgen replacement called dehydroepiandrosterone. Some studies indicate that, for women with Addison's disease, androgen replacement therapy may improve overall sense of well-being, libido and sexual satisfaction.
Addisonian crisis
An addisonian crisis is a life-threatening situation that results in low blood pressure, low blood levels of sugar and high blood levels of potassium. This situation requires immediate medical care. Treatment typically includes intravenous injections of:
- Hydrocortisone
- Saline solution
- Sugar (dextrose)
