Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

HYDROCORTISONE - RECTAL SUPPOSITORY

(hi-dro-KORT-ih-sown)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Anucort-HC, Anusol-HC, Cort-Dome

Uses

This medication is used to treat swelling, inflammation, or itching due to conditions such as hemorrhoids.

How To Use

If the suppository is too soft to insert, put it in cold water or refrigerate for 30 minutes before removing the foil wrapper. Unwrap the foil and moisten the suppository with a little water. Lie down on your left side with right knee bent. Push the suppository into the rectum with your finger. Remain lying down for a few minutes and avoid having a bowel movement for an hour or longer so the drug will be absorbed. Wash hands after using this medicine. Do not use this more often or in different amounts than prescribed by your doctor. Follow doctor's directions exactly.

Side Effects

This medication may cause burning, stinging, itching, or redness when first applied. This should disappear in a few days as your body adjusts to the medication. If these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor. Skin infections can become worse when using this medication. Notify your doctor if redness, swelling or irritation does not improve. Notify your doctor of: rectal bleeding, pain. Very unlikely to occur but report promptly the following side effects: unusual weakness, weight loss, nausea/vomiting, fainting, dizziness, vision changes. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, breathing trouble. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Before you use this drug, tell your doctor your medical history, especially: sores or infections of or near the area being treated, stomach or intestinal problems, eye problems, any allergies. Though very unlikely, it is possible this medication will be absorbed into your bloodstream. This may have undesirable consequences that may require additional corticosteroid treatment. This is especially true for children and for those who have used this for an extended period if they also have serious medical problems such as serious infections, injuries or surgeries. This precaution applies for up to one year after stopping use of this drug. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Hydrocortisone suppositories should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication may be excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all over-the-counter and prescription medications you may use, especially: oral corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), other rectal medicines. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. This medicine may be harmful if swallowed.

Notes

This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another problem or give it to someone else. A different medication may be needed in those cases. Inform all your doctors you use, or have used, this medication.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as remembered; do not apply if it is almost time for the next dose. Instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. Suppositories may be refrigerated.