Drugs & Vitamins

Hemril-HC Uniserts Active Ingredients: Hydrocortisone Suppositories Representative Names: Anucort-HC, Anumed HC, Anusol-HC, Cort-Dome High Potency, Hemorrhoidal HC, Hemril-HC Uniserts, Proctocort Available Product Images: What are hydrocortisone suppositories? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I use this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with hydrocortisone? What side effects may I notice from receiving hydrocortisone? What should I watch for while taking hydrocortisone? Where can I keep my medicine? What are hydrocortisone suppositories? (Back to top) HYDROCORTISONE (Anusol-HC®, Anucort-HC®, Cort-Dome High Potency®, Proctocort™) is a corticosteroid. It helps to reduce swelling, redness, itching, and allergic reactions in the anal region. Generic hydrocortisone suppositories are available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •blood clotting disorder •Cushing's syndrome •diabetes •high blood pressure •infection, including chicken-pox, herpes, measles, or tuberculosis •liver disease •myasthenia gravis •osteoporosis •previous heart attack •psychosis •rectal obstruction, abscess, perforation or fistula •seizures (convulsions) •stomach or intestinal disease •under-active thyroid •an unusual or allergic reaction to hydrocortisone, corticosteroids, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I use this medicine? (Back to top) Hydrocortisone suppositories are only for use in the rectum (back passage). Do not take by mouth. Wash hands before use. Remove foil before using. Dip the suppository in water to ease insertion. Lie on your left side and pull your knees toward your chest. Apply gentle pressure to insert the suppository completely into the rectum, pointed end first; hold in place briefly. Wash hands thoroughly after use. Do not use more often than directed. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses. What drug(s) may interact with hydrocortisone? (Back to top) •antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen) •aspirin •barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions) •bosentan •carbamazepine •female hormones, including contraceptive or birth control pills •heart medicine •medicines for diabetes •medicines that improve muscle strength or tone for conditions like myasthenia gravis •phenytoin •rifampin •toxoids and vaccines •water pills Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from receiving hydrocortisone? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •bloody or black, tarry stools •confusion, excitement, restlessness, a false sense of well-being •eye pain, decreased or blurred vision, or bulging eyes •fever, sore throat, sneezing, cough, or other signs of infection •frequent passing of urine •hallucinations (seeing and hearing things that are not really there) •increased thirst •irregular heartbeat •menstrual problems •mental depression, mood swings, mistaken feelings of self-importance, mistaken feelings of being mistreated •muscle cramps or muscle weakness •nausea, vomiting •pain in hips, back, ribs, arms, shoulders, or legs •rectal pain, burning or bleeding after use of medicine •rounding out of face •skin problems, acne •stomach pain •swelling of feet or lower legs •unusual bruising or red pinpoint spots on the skin •unusual tiredness or weakness •weight gain or weight loss •wounds that will not heal Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •diarrhea or constipation •change in taste •headache •increased appetite or loss of appetite •increased sweating •nervousness, restlessness, or difficulty sleeping •unusual increased growth of hair on the face or body •upset stomach What should I watch for while taking hydrocortisone? (Back to top) Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Consult your prescriber or health care professional if there is no improvement after several days of use. Do not use if there is blood in your stools. Report rectal bleeding, pain, burning, itching, blistering, or any other sign of irritation to your prescriber or health care professional. If you use corticosteroids for a long time, avoid contact with people who have an infection. You may be at an increased risk from infection while using hydrocortisone. Tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are exposed to anyone with measles or chickenpox, or if you develop sores or blisters that do not heal properly. People who are taking certain dosages of hydrocortisone may need to avoid immunization with certain vaccines or may need to have changes in their vaccination schedules to ensure adequate protection from certain diseases. Make sure to tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking hydrocortisone before receiving any vaccine. If you are diabetic, hydrocortisone can affect your blood sugar. Check with your prescriber or health care professional if you need help adjusting the dose of your diabetic medicine. If you are going to have surgery tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are using hydrocortisone, or have used it within the last 12 months. Alcohol can increase the risk of getting serious side effects while you are using hydrocortisone. Avoid alcoholic drinks. Elderly patients have an increased risk of side effects from hydrocortisone. Hydrocortisone can interfere with certain lab tests and can cause false skin test results. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children. May store at room temperature between 15—30 degrees C (59—86 degrees F), but preferably store in a refrigerator; do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Last Updated:03/04/2004 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above 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 the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.