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Hydrocortisone (Cortef)
Virtual visit

Hydrocortisone (Cortef)

With our quick and easy online prescription process, you can manage your health effortlessly — whether you need a first-time prescription for Hydrocortisone (Cortef) or a refill of an existing one.

Licensed providers in all 50 states

Expert-guided, evidence-based treatments

Skip the trip to the doctor's office

Visit options

Costs shown are for the visit only. You'll pay for medication at your preferred pharmacy.

Video Visit

$25

Est. or $100 w/o insurance

Chat Visit

$30

w/o insurance

Most insurance accepted

Board-certified

No hidden fees

Available nationwide

What is Hydrocortisone (Cortef)?

Cortef is an oral hydrocortisone tablet used as hormone replacement therapy for people whose adrenal glands don't produce enough cortisol—a condition called adrenal insufficiency or Addison's disease. Cortisol is essential for regulating metabolism, managing stress responses, controlling inflammation, and maintaining blood pressure. When the adrenal glands can't produce it, Cortef replaces what the body is missing. It's also used for a wide range of inflammatory and autoimmune conditions at higher doses. Replacement dosing is typically divided across the day to mimic the body's natural cortisol rhythm.

Cortisol replacement

Provides bioidentical hydrocortisone to replace the cortisol that adrenal-insufficient patients cannot produce—restoring the hormonal foundation needed for normal metabolism, stress response, blood pressure regulation, and immune function.

Physiologic dosing rhythm

Replacement therapy is typically split into morning and afternoon doses to mirror the body's natural cortisol pattern—higher levels in the morning, tapering through the day—supporting more natural hormonal balance.

Stress dosing requirement

Patients with adrenal insufficiency must increase their dose during illness, surgery, or significant physical stress—when the body normally demands higher cortisol—to prevent adrenal crisis, a potentially life-threatening emergency.

Virtual visit with clinician

Ongoing support, always available.

You’ll be supported by experienced clinicians who care for a wide range of health needs, from everyday concerns to more complex conditions.

Our clinicians track your progress over time and adjust your care as needed. If medication is prescribed, we’ll manage dosing and monitor for side effects. If lab testing is recommended, we review results and refine your plan accordingly. You’re never left to navigate care on your own.

All your care in one place. That’s the General Medicine difference.

We help you understand your options, connect you to the right clinicians, manage prescriptions, coordinate any needed evaluations, and keep an eye on your overall health along the way. It’s comprehensive care that looks at the full picture — your goals, your history, your lifestyle — and makes it simple to move forward with confidence.

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What our customers have to say

“I feel like I’m finally on the right path to improving my health with the right support now! It’s so refreshing and reassuring.”

Emerald

“My experience with General Medicine was amazing. The understanding and care that was taken to figure out what is exactly going on with me. I feel like a weight has been lifted off of me.”

Kaylee

“I couldn’t be happier with my experience with General Medicine! They are fast, responsive, kind and knowledgeable. It is much easier, more affordable and faster.”

Nika

Get the care you need, without the wait.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cortef prescribed for?

Cortef is an oral hydrocortisone tablet used as hormone replacement for adrenal insufficiency — conditions where the adrenal glands can't produce enough cortisol. It's also used for various inflammatory conditions at higher doses.

How should I take Cortef to mimic natural cortisol?

The dose is typically split — a larger morning dose and a smaller afternoon dose — to mimic the natural cortisol rhythm, which peaks in the morning and tapers through the day. Taking it at consistent times is important.

What do I do if I'm sick while taking Cortef?

During illness, injury, or significant stress, the body normally produces more cortisol. People on Cortef must follow sick day rules — typically doubling or tripling the dose — and contact their clinician or seek emergency care for severe illness.

What side effects might I experience?

At replacement doses for adrenal insufficiency, side effects are minimal when the dose is correctly calibrated. Signs of too much cortisol — weight gain, fluid retention, elevated blood sugar — indicate the dose may need adjustment.

Is there a risk of adrenal crisis?

Yes. Adrenal crisis — a life-threatening drop in cortisol — can occur if doses are missed during illness, surgery, or extreme stress. People on Cortef should carry a medical alert and know when to seek emergency treatment.
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