Hydrocortisone Enema (HYDROCORTISONE ENEMA - RECTAL)

For inflammatory bowel disease.

Generic Name: Hydrocortisone

Instructions

This medicine is for use in the rectum. DO NOT take this medicine by mouth.

Shake the bottle well before using the medicine.

Use the applicator that is supplied with this medicine to insert the medicine into the anus.

Follow the instructions on the package to use this medicine correctly.

Wash your hands before and after using this medicine. However, do not get up right away to wash your hands if you are supposed to lie down for a period of time to give the medicine time to work.

Lie on left side with knee bent OR kneel and lower your head down until it touches the floor or onto your folded arm.

Remove the cap from the bottle, and insert the tip of the enema bottle gently into the anus, pointing it toward your belly button. Squeeze the bottle until most of the liquid is out, then remove the bottle.

Next, lie on your left side for at least 30 minutes, and keep the medicine in your rectum for at least 1 hour or, preferably, overnight.

Keep the medicine at room temperature. Avoid heat and direct light.

Inspect the applicator (syringe) tip carefully. Do not use if cracked or broken.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.

If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.

Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Do not take the medicine more than once during 24 hours.

Cautions

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Please check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while on this medicine.

This medicine may reduce your body's ability to fight infections. Try to avoid contact with people with colds, flu or other infections.

Wash your hands often and avoid close contact with people with infections such as colds and flu.

Speak with your health care provider before receiving any vaccinations.

It is unknown if this medicine passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor before breastfeeding.

During pregnancy, this medicine should be used only when clearly needed. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

  • agitated feeling or trouble sleeping
  • dizziness
  • nausea
  • rectal burning or irritation

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

  • bleeding from rectum
  • swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
  • fever
  • headaches
  • red, burning, or itchy skin
  • blood in stool
  • unusual or unexplained tiredness or weakness
  • blurring or changes of vision

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.