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Brand Names: Colocort, Cortenema, Cortifoam

Generic Name: hydrocortisone rectal (foam, enema) (Pronunciation: hye dro KORT i zone REK tal)

• What is hydrocortisone rectal foam or enema (Cortenema)?
• What are the possible side effects of hydrocortisone rectal foam or enema (Cortenema)?
• What is the most important information I should know about hydrocortisone rectal foam or enema (Cortenema)?
• What should I discuss with my health care provider before using hydrocortisone rectal foam or enema (Cortenema)?
• How should I use hydrocortisone rectal foam or enema (Cortenema)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Cortenema)?
• What happens if I overdose (Cortenema)?
• What should I avoid while using hydrocortisone rectal foam or enema (Cortenema)?
• What other drugs will affect hydrocortisone rectal foam or enema (Cortenema)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is hydrocortisone rectal foam or enema (Cortenema)?

Hydrocortisone is a steroid medicine that reduces inflammation in the body.

The information in this medication guide is specific to hydrocortisone rectal foam or enema.

Hydrocortisone rectal is used to treat hemorrhoids and itching or swelling of the rectal area caused by hemorrhoids or other inflammatory conditions of the rectum or anus.

Hydrocortisone rectal is also used together with other medications to treat ulcerative colitis, proctitis, and other inflammatory conditions of the lower intestines and rectal area.

Hydrocortisone rectal foam or enema may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of hydrocortisone rectal foam or enema (Cortenema)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
• swelling of your ankles or feet;
• muscle weakness;
• rapid weight gain, especially in your face and midsection;
• severe rectal pain or burning;
• bleeding from your rectum;
• severe stomach pain;
• sudden and severe headache or pain behind your eyes; or
• seizure (convulsions).

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild rectal pain or burning;
• acne;
• changes in your menstrual periods;
• increased sweating; or
• increased facial or body hair growth.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about hydrocortisone rectal foam or enema (Cortenema)?

The information in this medication guide is specific to hydrocortisone rectal foam or enema.

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.

Call your doctor at once if you have any bleeding from your rectum, feeling short of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling of your ankles or feet, or rapid weight gain.

There may be other drugs that can interact with hydrocortisone rectal. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

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