Hydrocortisone

This medication is used to treat minor pain, itching, swelling, and discomfort caused by hemorrhoids and other problems of the anal area (e.g., anal fissures, itching). Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid that reduces redness, itching, and swelling.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Before use, clean the affected area with mild soap and water, rinse well, and pat dry. To apply this product inside the anus, use the applicator tip/cap/nozzle, following all instructions in the product package, or use as directed by your doctor. Fill the applicator with medication from the container as directed. Gently insert the applicator tip just 1/2 to 1 inch (1.5 to 2.5 centimeters) inside the anus and apply in and around the anal opening as directed. Do not insert your finger or any part of the container into the anus, and do not insert the applicator tip/nozzle more than 1/2 to 1 inch (1.5 to 2.5 centimeters) inside the anus. Do not use your finger to apply this medication inside the anus. If you are using a single-use tube and applicator, discard after one use. To apply the product to the outside of the anus only, use your finger to apply a small amount of cream or ointment to the affected area and rub in gently. Do not cover the area with plastic or waterproof bandages unless directed to do so by your doctor. Covering the treated area may increase the absorption of the medication through the skin. This may improve how well the drug works, but it may also increase the risk of side effects. Wash hands immediately after use. Avoid getting the product in your eyes, nose, ears or mouth. If the medication gets in these areas, rinse the area immediately with clean water. This product is usually used 2 to 4 times daily, or after each bowel movement, or as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Do not use more of this product, use it more often, or keep using it longer than prescribed by your doctor. If you have been using this medication for a long time or in high doses, do not suddenly stop using it without your doctor's approval. Some conditions may become worse when this drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased. Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens after 1 to 2 weeks.

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: other corticosteroids/immunosuppressants (e.g., prednisone), other rectal products. This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call 1-800-854-1166 (USA) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).

Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., cortisol levels) may be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details. This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another condition unless told to do so by your doctor. A different medication may be necessary in that case.

This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If overdose or swallowing is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to hydrocortisone; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: diabetes, eye problems, infections (especially rectal sores/infections), liver disease, stomach/intestinal problems. Though very unlikely, it is possible that the hydrocortisone in this medication will be absorbed into your bloodstream. This may have undesirable effects that may require additional corticosteroid treatment. Children and those using this drug for an extended time may be at higher risk, especially if they also have serious medical problems such as severe infections, injuries, or surgeries. This precaution applies for up to 1 year after stopping use of this drug. Tell your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur: vision problems, persistent headache, increased thirst/urination, unusual weakness, unusual weight loss, dizziness. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and inform them that you use (or have used) this medication. Caution is advised when using this drug in children. Do not use this product over a large area or use tight-fitting diapers/plastic pants unless directed by your doctor. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. It should not be used for long periods of time or in large amounts. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Store at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C). Do not refrigerate. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Redness, burning, or itching at the application site may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly. If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: rectal bleeding, change in skin appearance (e.g., color, thickness), skin redness/tenderness/pus or other signs of infection. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: signs of serious infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat). A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.