Addison's disease Q&As
Published by Bupa's health information team, May 2009.
Answers to questions about Addison's disease
This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.
- Do I have to pay for my medicines?
- Can I play sports if I've got Addison's disease?
- Can I have a baby if I have Addison's disease?
- Should I increase my dose of medicine if I have a cold?
Do I have to pay for my medicines?
No, you are entitled to receive all your prescription medicines free of charge in the UK if you have Addison's disease.
Explanation
In order that you can receive your prescription medicines free of charge, your GP has to authorise a Medical Exemption Certificate for you, to confirm that you have Addison's disease.
When you ask your GP for this certificate, you will need to complete a form and get this signed by your GP or endocrinologist. Your certificate will be posted to you. It will start one month before your application form is received.
Your medical exemption certificate will probably last for five years, after which you will need to renew it. It's your responsibility to remember to renew your certificate.
Sources
- Addison's disease owner's manual. Addison's Disease Self Help Group, 2003. www.addisons.org.uk
- Help with health costs. NHS, April 2008
Can I play sports if I've got Addison's disease?
Yes, once you are stabilised on treatment for your condition, there is no reason why you can't take part in exercise and sports as normal.
Explanation
If you are undertaking strenuous physical exercise, such as training for a marathon or playing competitive sports, you will need to take more medicine than usual. You may need to take up to double the dose you would normally take, when you train/compete. Ask your endocrinologist if you're unsure how much to take. You do not usually need extra medicine for gentle exercise such as walking or recreational swimming.
If the activity is associated with a risk of physical injury - such as horseriding or skiing, you should keep one of your emergency injections with you and make sure one of your team-mates/companions knows how to administer it if necessary.
Sources
- Managing Addison's disease. Addison's Disease Self Help Group, 2006. www.addisons.org.uk
Can I have a baby if I have Addison's disease?
There's no reason why your Addison's disease should stop you from having a baby. In general, Addison's disease doesn't affect a woman's fertility.
Explanation
If you are receiving adequate treatment, your Addison's disease shouldn't affect your fertility. It's possible to have a healthy pregnancy and normal childbirth, so long as you receive good medical care throughout your pregnancy and follow your medication regime carefully.
Most women just need to carry on taking their medicine as usual during pregnancy. However, some women may find that they need more or less than normal, especially during the last three months, when it's common to need slightly more. Your GP or midwife should arrange for you to have specialist monitoring throughout your pregnancy, from the moment you become pregnant.
You will need extra treatment during childbirth as this is a hugely demanding physical activity. Usually, you will be given an injection of hydrocortisone when you begin the second stage of labour. You will also need extra treatment if you are having a caesarean.
Sources
- Addison's disease owner's manual. Addison's Disease Self Help Group, 2003. www.addisons.org.uk
Should I increase my dose of medicine if I have a cold?
You should always follow your endocrinologist's advice on when to increase your dose of hydrocortisone; usually this will include whenever you are feeling unwell.
Explanation
It is usually safest to double your dose of hydrocortisone whenever you are feeling ill. However, follow the advice given to you by your endocrinologist and check with him or her if you're not sure. You can return to your normal dose when you are feeling well again.
If you have been taking the higher dose of hydrocortisone for less than three weeks, you can usually go straight back to your normal dose. However, if you have been taking the higher dose for more than three weeks, you will need to lower your dose back to normal gradually. Your endocrinologist can give you advice on how to taper down your dose.
Sources
- Personal communication, Dr Jonathan Katz, MD MRCP, Consultant Endocrinologist, Barnet Hospital, 5 February 2009
- Addison's disease owner's manual. Addison's Disease Self Help Group, 2003. www.addisons.org.uk
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
Publication date: May 2009
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