A name change for Solu-Cortef

When picking up your next prescription, you might notice a slight packaging difference for your emergency injection medication. The previously branded ‘Solu Cortef’ hydrocortisone injection will now be known as ‘Hydrocortisone 100mg Powder for Solution for Injection or Infusion 1x2ml (vial with diluent)’ as it changes to the generic version.

No changes to the formulation

The generic version is identical to the branded version of Solu-Cortef in terms of formulation and presentation as you can see from our picture – the only change is to the name.

How the ADSHG will respond to the name change

Whilst the roll out of the new name on the packaging has already begun, you may still receive prescriptions with ‘Solu Cortef’ on while previous supplies are used up by your pharmacy. We wanted to let you know about this change as we will be updating our emergency injection training materials to reflect this name change.

As so many of us in the community refer to the injection as “Solu Cortef”, to avoid confusion we will include “ex/previously Solu-Cortef” in our communications about Hydrocortisone 100mg Powder for Solution for a period of time. This worked well for our community when the former branded product Efcortesol injection was relaunched as generic, and is often still referred to in the community as “ex Efcortesol”.

Remember practise make perfect, so if you would like to remind yourself of how to prepare the emergency injection, please watch our ‘How To’ videos on our YouTube channel and use our written guidance (picture instructions) in your kit.

You will see other patient support charities; The Pituitary Foundation, Alex TLC (The Leukodystrophy Charity) CAH (congenital adrenal hyperplasia) Support Group, who also support people who use hydrocortisone, updating their support materials. We have been working with these fantastic charities, along with the Society for Endocrinology and the Pfizer Ltd team on communicating this change. Together we are stronger!

Why do medications change names when they revert to the generic version?

Many medicines have at least 2 different names:

the brand name – this is created by the pharmaceutical company. So Pfizer Ltd who made the medicine, gave it the brand name “Solu-cortef”.
the generic name – this is the name of the active ingredient in the medicine, so in this case ‘hydrocortisone 100mg powder for solution’.

Companies take out exclusive rights called patents on drugs, branding the medicine. Once the patent expires, as it has in this case, now other manufacturers can market generic versions so the generic name is used (the name of the active ingredient).

Will my prescription change?

In terms of prescribing, you may not notice a difference as your GP or hospital may already have the generic name in their systems. Pfizer and the Society for Endocrinology have also been informing endocrinologists, endocrine nurse specialists, and pharmacists of this change, so this may have been updated automatically for you.

If you have any issues when renewing your injection kit materials on your NHS prescription, please pass on the details below to your GP.

Product

EAN Code

PIP Code

Hydrocortisone 100mg Powder for Solution for Injection or Infusion 1 x 2ml (vial with diluent)

Note: medicine for emergency injection kits.

5415062387238

540 0718

Hydrocortisone 100mg Powder for Solution for Injection or Infusion (10 vials)

Note: no diluent provided. Mostly prescribed for infusion pumps users.

5415062387207

540 1013

We have been assured by the medical team at Pfizer Ltd that there will be no disruptions in the production and distribution of injectable hydrocortisone.

The UK Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) and the Package leaflet for hydrocortisone will be unchanged and can be found at:

Report any suspected adverse reactions

Whilst the generic version is identical to the branded version of Solu Cortef in terms of formulation, if you feel you have a suspected adverse drug reaction please inform your GP or Endocrinologist as they know your individual medical circumstances, and if required report to MHRA through the Yellow Card Scheme online at https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/

When reporting please provide as much information as possible, including information about medical history, any concomitant medication, onset, treatment dates, and product brand name.

Support

If you do have any concerns about your condition it is very important to speak to your GP surgery or endocrine healthcare team. We are also here to support you. If you feel you need more emotional support, please read our reducing the stress of a long-term condition page or reach out to The Wren Project.

If you would like to speak to others with Addison's disease and adrenal insufficiency, our online forum is here for you 24/7. Click here to speak more with our community.

If you're a healthcare professional and would like more resources for people with Addison's and adrenal insufficiency please visit our dedicated webpage here.

Whether you're newly diagnosed or have lived with the condition for years - please join our community and support our cause! You'll receive the latest expert advice, guidance and ADSHG news, whilst being part of our inspiring and supportive community. Become a member today!

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