How do you counsel patients with Addison’s disease? List 5 items.
- It is very important to take your medications (cortef, florinef) every day
- If you get sick:
- Double or triple your dose of cortef until you are well
- See a doctor if you still need a higher dose after 3-5 days
- If you cannot keep medications down despite Gravol, go to emergency room for intravenous steroids
- Get a Medic Alert bracelet
- High dose of steroids will be needed for bad accidents or surgery
- Fill a prescription for injectable dexamethasone and needles if going to remote areas
