Health Alert:

Adrenal Crisis Causes Death in Some People Who Were Treated With hGH

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Prevention of Adrenal Crisis
If you are always tired, feel weak, and have lost weight, ask your doctor if you might have a shortage of adrenal hormones.

If you take hydrocortisone, prednisone, or dexamethasone, learn how to increase the dose when you become ill.

If you are very ill, especially if you are vomiting and cannot take pills, seek emergency medical care immediately. Make sure you have a hydrocortisone injection with you at all times, and make sure that you and those around you (in case you're not conscious) know how and when to administer the injection.

Carry a medical ID card and wear a bracelet telling emergency workers that you have adrenal insufficiency and need cortisol. This way, they can treat you right away if you are injured.

Remember: Some people who lacked growth hormone may also lack cortisol, a hormone necessary for life. Lack of cortisol can cause adrenal crisis, a preventable condition that can cause death if treated improperly. Deaths from adrenal crisis can be prevented if patients and their families recognize the condition and are careful to treat it right away. Adrenal crisis is a medical emergency. Know the symptoms and how to adjust your medication when you are ill. Taking these precautions can save your life.

Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service
6 Information Way
Bethesda, MD 20892-3569
Phone: 1-888-828-0904
Fax: 1-703-738-4929
Email: endoandmeta@info.niddk.nih.gov

The Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service is an information dissemination service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). The NIDDK is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

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