Cortenema (Hydrocortisone) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

Pill Identifier Search

May 27, 2012

Cortenema

Ulcerative Colitis »

What is Ulcerative Colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammation of the large intestine (colon). The colon is the part of the digestive system where waste material is stored. The rectum is the end of the colon adjacent to the anus. In patients with ulcerative colitis, ulcers and inflammation of the inner lining of the colon lead to symptoms of abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding.

Ulcerative colitis is closely related to another condition of inflammation of the intestines called Crohn's disease. Together, they are frequently referred to as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's diseases are chronic conditions that can last years to decades. They affect approximately 500,000 to 2 million people In the United States. Men and women are affected equally. They most commonly begin during adolescence and early adulthood, but they also can begin during childhood and later in life.

...

Read the Ulcerative Colitis article »

« Previous
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Next »

Cortenema

Adult Skin Problems Slideshow Pictures

How Smoking Affects Your Looks Slideshow Pictures

Weight Gain Shockers Slideshow

font size

Cortenema Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my health care provider before using hydrocortisone rectal foam or enema (Cortenema)?

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have:

congestive heart failure;
a history of tuberculosis;
stomach ulcer or diverticulitis;
a colostomy or ileostomy;
fever or any type of infection;
kidney disease;
high blood pressure; or
myasthenia gravis.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use hydrocortisone rectal foam or enema, or you may need a dose adjustment or special tests during treatment.

Also tell your doctor if you have diabetes. Steroid medicines may increase the glucose (sugar) levels in your blood or urine. You may also need to adjust the dose of your diabetes medications.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether hydrocortisone rectal is harmful to an unborn baby. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether hydrocortisone passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use hydrocortisone rectal foam or enema (Cortenema)?

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger or smaller amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor.

Do not take hydrocortisone rectal by mouth. It is for use only in your rectum.

This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. You may need to use this medication for up to 8 weeks.

Wash your hands before and after using this medicine.

Try to empty your bowel and bladder just before using the hydrocortisone rectal foam or enema.

Use only the applicator provided with the medication to insert it into your rectum.

For best results from the enema, lie down on your left side for at least 30 minutes after using the foam or enema to allow the liquid to distribute throughout your intestines. Try to hold in the enema all night if possible. Avoid using the bathroom during this time.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse after using this medicine for a few days.

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Related Drug Centers