hydrocortisone-acetate

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: May 03, 2023

Common Questions


Common Questions about Hydrocortisone Acetate


What is the best time to take hydrocortisone acetate?

The best time to take hydrocortisone acetate is with meals. Try to take your doses at around the same times every day. If you are taking hydrocortisone acetate once a day, it’s a good idea to take it in the morning because this medicine can cause trouble sleeping. If you are taking divided doses 2-3 times a day, take the last dose at least 2-3 hours before bedtime to avoid trouble sleeping.



Is hydrocortisone acetate a strong steroid?

Hydrocortisone acetate is a low-strength steroid. Prednisone and methylprednisolone are 4-5 times stronger, and dexamethasone is up to 25 times more potent than hydrocortisone.



Can I drink alcohol while on hydrocortisone acetate?

It is best to avoid drinking alcohol while on hydrocortisone acetate because alcohol can increase the risk of stomach irritation.



Why can’t I stop taking hydrocortisone acetate if I feel well?

If you have been on the medication for more than a week, you should not stop taking hydrocortisone acetate suddenly, even if you feel well. The use of external hormones can cause adrenal suppression (where your adrenal glands stop making natural hormones). As a result, stopping hydrocortisone acetate suddenly can cause serious symptoms. Your doctor will tell you how to lower the dose gradually.



Does hydrocortisone acetate affect the heart?

Hydrocortisone acetate can affect the heart because it raises blood pressure. Talk to your doctor about the risks versus benefits of taking this corticosteroid drug if you have hypertension or heart disease.



What is the price of hydrocortisone acetate without insurance?

Without insurance, hydrocortisone acetate can be as high as $271.68, but with a free BuzzRx prescription discount coupon, you could pay as low as $41.92 for the most common version of this medication. Use the BuzzRx drug price look-up tool to find the lowest discounted price, and be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity for the most accurate pricing. While generics tend to have the best savings, you can also use your BuzzRx card and coupons to purchase brand-name versions. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescription drugs—whether you have insurance or not.



What is the price of hydrocortisone acetate with insurance?

Ask your pharmacist or insurance provider for your copay price on hydrocortisone acetate—Copay amounts vary depending on the type of insurance plan you have and if there is a deductible to reach before prescription drug coverage begins.

You could save up to 80% on your prescription medication with a free BuzzRx discount coupon for hydrocortisone acetate. When using the BuzzRx lookup tool to find the price of your medicine, be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity to receive the most accurate discounted pricing. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescriptions—whether you have insurance or not.