Hydrocortisone Suppository – Anucort-HC, Anusol-HC, Cort-Do

Medication Uses How To Use Side Effects Precautions Drug Interactions Overdose Notes Missed Dose Storage USES: This medication treats hemorrhoids, itching/swelling in the rectum and anus, and certain intestinal problems. It helps relieve rectal pain, itching, bloody diarrhea, and bleeding by reducing inflammation directly in the rectum and anus. Hydrocortisone belongs to a class of drugs called corticosteroids. HOW TO USE: Use this product in the rectum as directed by your doctor, usually 2 or 3 times daily. The dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not touch the suppository for too long because it will melt. Unwrap the suppository and moisten the tip with a few drops of water. Lie down on your left side with your right knee bent. Gently push the suppository, pointed end first, into the rectum with your finger, deep enough so it does not slide back out. Remain lying down for a few minutes. Avoid having a bowel movement for at least 1 hour to give the medication time to work. Wash your hands after each use. Note that this medication may stain fabric. Use this medication regularly as prescribed. Do not use more or more frequently than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects may increase. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may worsen when the drug is suddenly stopped. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or worsens. SIDE EFFECTS: Burning, itching, dryness, skin/hair follicle irritation, and changes in skin color around the rectal area may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Rarely, this medication may be absorbed into the bloodstream, leading to side effects of too much corticosteroid. Tell your doctor right away if any of these side effects occur: unusual/extreme tiredness, weight loss, headache, swelling ankles/feet, increased thirst/urination, vision problems. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: new or persistent rectal bleeding, unusual bruising/bleeding, black/tarry stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, stomach/abdominal pain, bone pain, easily broken bones, mental/mood changes, muscle weakness/pain, irregular heartbeat, signs of infection. 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. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. PRECAUTIONS: Before using hydrocortisone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or other corticosteroids, or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: other stomach/intestinal problems, infections, eye conditions, heart problems, high blood pressure, liver disease, kidney disease, thyroid problems, diabetes, bone loss, bleeding/blood clotting problems, mental/mood conditions, low potassium blood level. Limit alcoholic beverages while using this medication. Rarely, using corticosteroid medications for a long time can make it more difficult for your body to respond to physical stress. Therefore, before having surgery or emergency treatment, or if you get a serious illness/injury, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication or have used it within the past few months. Do not have immunizations, vaccinations, or skin tests without the consent of your doctor. Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines. Rarely, this drug can make you more likely to get infections or may worsen any current infections. Therefore, wash your hands well to prevent the spread of infection. Avoid contact with people who have infections that may spread to others. Though it is unlikely, this medication may slow down a child’s growth if used for a long time. See the doctor regularly so your child’s height can be checked. During pregnancy, use this medication only when clearly needed and not for prolonged periods. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. However, it is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. DRUG INTERACTIONS: The effects of some drugs can change if you take other drugs or herbal products at the same time. This can increase your risk for serious side effects or may cause your medications not to work correctly. These drug interactions are possible, but do not always occur. Your doctor or pharmacist can often prevent or manage interactions. To help your doctor and pharmacist give you the best care, be sure to tell them about all the products you use before starting treatment with this product. While using this product, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any other medicines you are using without your doctor’s approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: aldesleukin, "blood thinners", vaccines. Check all medicine labels carefully as many medications contain pain relievers/fever reducers that may increase your risk of bleeding when taken with corticosteroids. However, if your doctor has directed you to take low-dose aspirin for heart attack or stroke prevention, continue taking it unless instructed otherwise. OVERDOSE: This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. MISSED DOSE: 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. STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from heat. You may store this medication in the refrigerator to keep it from melting, but do not freeze it. 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.

QUESTION

OVERDOSE: This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If swallowing or overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. MISSED DOSE: 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. STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from heat. You may store this medication in the refrigerator to keep it from melting, but do not freeze it. 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.