Over the last few weeks, we have received questions from our community about liquid hydrocortisone (hydrocortisone sodium phosphate solution for injection) and news that it has been discontinued. We want to update you with the latest information and reassure you about what this means for you and your safety.
Liquid hydrocortisone has been unavailable in the UK since January 2025. The supply was originally expected to return by May 2026. However Advanz Pharma, the manufacturer, has now confirmed that liquid hydrocortisone (100 mg/1 ml ampoules) has been permanently discontinued due to manufacturing issue. You can find the official statement from Advanz Pharma here.
We understand this may be worrying for you and your family, especially when managing possible adrenal crisis events. We want to reassure you that whilst this product is out of stock, there is a safe and effective alternative form of hydrocortisone that you can use for your emergency injections. Read on below to find out more about this.
What does this mean for people with adrenal insufficiency?
Whilst the hydrocortisone liquid is no longer available, the powdered version is widely available and is safe and effective for emergency use.
If you have been using the liquid hydrocortisone, you will now need to swap to the powdered version. It is important that you contact your GP or endocrine team to request this.
What is the powdered hydrocortisone?
| Name | Hydrocortisone sodium succinate 100 mg powder for solution for injection |
| What it is | A glass vial containing powdered hydrocortisone plus a small vial of water |
| How it works | When needed, you mix the water with the powder to make an injectable solution |
What to do if you are unsure how to use the hydrocortisone powder
It is completely understandable if you don’t feel confident using the hydrocortisone powder. It is important that you familiarise yourself with how to mix and inject this version of hydrocortisone. There are several ways you can build your skills and ensure you are prepared.
Watch our how-to video
Watch this NHS video on how to mix and use the hydrocortisone powder
Watch the video
Read our step-by-step instructions
Our emergency information page has step-by-step instructions on how to mix and use the powdered hydrocortisone injection.
See more
Talk to your endocrine team or GP
Ask your endocrine team or GP to prescribe you the powder version, and show you how to use it.
Come along to our injection training online event
Our injection training online event will show you how to use the powdered hydrocortisone and answer any questions you have.
Sign up
Tell your loved ones what to do!
Talk to friends, family, neighbours and people at work about what to do if you have a crisis and how to use your emergency injection.
Download or order our Adrenal Insufficiency Action Plan
Use this handy leaflet to tell others about your condition and what to do if you have a crisis.
Download or order now
What is The Pituitary Foundation doing to help people affected by this?
We understand that this news will be frustrating and concerning to our community. We want to reassure you that we are working hard to improve the safety and wellbeing of everyone affected by adrenal insufficiency, and this means improving access to emergency medications.
We are actively working with pharmaceutical companies, NHS and government stakeholders, clinicians, and other patient organisations to improve access to emergency medicines and improve patient safety during adrenal crisis. This work is ongoing and any updates will be shared through our website, emails and social media channels.
We have also recently completed our Prescription of Essential Medicines Project which helps people with adrenal insufficiency access longer steroid prescriptions which is important for Sick Day Rules and crisis prevention. To find out more about this and access our new resources, see our page on Prescriptions of Essential Medicines.
When will ready-to-use hydrocortisone injection devices be available?
Many of you have asked about the pre-filled injections or an epi-pen style devices for hydrocortisone. These products are in development, but unfortunately we cannot say when they will be available in the UK.
We recognise how useful these devices could be for people with adrenal insufficiency. We will continue to monitor this and use our voice to push for these positive changes, as we know how important this is for our community.
The Addison’s Disease Self-Help Group also have some useful information on the future of hydrocortisone injections.
