U-Cort

This medication is a combination of hydrocortisone and urea. It is used to treat a variety of skin conditions (e.g., dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, rash). Hydrocortisone reduces swelling, itching, and redness (symptoms of inflammation, allergic reactions). This medication is a mild corticosteroid. Urea is an emollient that softens and moisturizes the skin, decreasing itching and flaking. Dry skin is caused by a loss of water in the upper layer of the skin. Emollients/moisturizers work by forming an oily layer on the top of the skin that traps water in the skin.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Wash your hands before applying the medication. Clean the affected area with mild soap and water, rinse well, and pat dry. Gently rub a small amount of the medication into the affected area in a thin layer, usually 2-4 times a day or as directed by your doctor. How often the medication is applied and for how long depends on your condition and response to treatment. Wash hands immediately after use unless the area being treated includes the hands. Use this medication on the skin only. Avoid getting the product in your eyes, nose, ears, or mouth. If the medication gets in these areas, rinse immediately with clean water. Avoid any areas of broken/cut/infected/scraped skin unless your doctor directs otherwise. Do not cover the area with plastic or waterproof bandages unless directed to do so by your doctor. If used in the diaper area on an infant, do not use tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants. 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. 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.

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 your doctor or pharmacist first. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription or nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: corticosteroids taken by mouth (e.g., prednisone), drugs that lower the immune system (e.g., cyclosporine). 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.

Do not share this medication with others. This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for other skin problems unless told to do so by your doctor. A different medication may be necessary in that case.

This medication may be harmful if swallowed. If swallowing or overdose 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 urea; or to other corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone, triamcinolone); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (including sulfites such as sodium metabisulfite), 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: asthma, poor blood circulation, diabetes, immune system problems, infections (especially skin sores/infections, fungal infection such as athlete's foot). Some ingredients (e.g., preservatives, fragrance) may make you more sensitive to the sun. Check the label for any warnings or ask your doctor or pharmacist if you need to take any special precautions when in the sun. Your doctor/pharmacist may suggest using a sunscreen, wearing protective clothing when outdoors, and avoiding prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths, and sunlamps. Some products may stain/discolor clothing. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Children may be more sensitive to the effects of too much corticosteroid medication. Consult your doctor for more details. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk when applied to the skin. Similar medications pass into breast milk when taken by mouth. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Avoid freezing. Do not store in the bathroom. 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.

Burning, stinging, redness, or irritation at the application site may occur when this medication is first applied to the skin. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because 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: stretch marks, skin thinning/discoloration, acne, unwanted hair growth, "hair bumps" (folliculitis). Skin infections can become worse when this medication is used. Notify your doctor promptly of any signs of infection such as: fever, skin redness/tenderness/pus. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: 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.