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  1. A glucocorticoid with significant mineralocorticoid activity, isolated from the adrenal cortex, largely inactive in humans until it is converted to hydrocortisone (cortisol). Cortisone, as the acetate ester, is used as an antiinflammatory and immunosuppressant and for replacement therapy in adrenocortical insufficiency; administered orally or by intramuscular injection.
  2. Cortisone, also known as 17α,21-dihydroxypregn-4-ene-3,11,20-trione, is a pregnane (21-carbon) steroid hormone. It is one of the main hormones released by the adrenal gland in response to stress. In chemical structure, it is a corticosteroid closely related to cortisol. It is used to treat a variety of ailments and can be administered intravenously, orally, intraarticularly (into a joint), or transcutaneously. Cortisone suppresses the immune system, thus reducing inflammation and attendant pain and swelling at the site of the injury. Risks exist, in particular in the long-term use of cortisone.