Cortisol Pump101: A Patient’s Guide to Managing the Cortisol Pumping Method

Cortisol Pumping is the use of solu-cortef used in an infusion pump programmed to dispense cortisol according to the natural circadian rhythm by programming rates of delivery into the pump. This method bypasses the gastric passage and is able to deliver cortisol 24/7. With the pumping method, an adrenal insufficient patient can receive a constant supply of cortisol and can lesson the instability experienced with oral steroid cortisol replacement. Side effects due to malabsorption can be decreased and patients have reported increased quality of life. This method has also been shown to lessen the prevalence of adrenal crises and hospitalizations due to low cortisol. This book is a patient’s guide to managing the cortisol pumping method.