Anucort-HC 25mg Rectal Suppos 12s

Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid that acts by binding to glucocorticoid receptors in the cytoplasm, leading to a cascade of effects that modulate gene expression. This results in potent anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and vasoconstrictive actions. It inhibits the release of hydrolytic enzymes from leukocytes, prevents the accumulation of macrophages at sites of inflammation, interferes with the adhesion of leukocytes to capillary walls, reduces the permeability of capillary membranes, and inhibits the formation of edema.

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away

Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical attention immediately:

Signs of an allergic reaction: rash, hives, itching, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever), wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, difficulty breathing, swallowing, or talking, unusual hoarseness, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of high blood sugar: confusion, drowsiness, excessive thirst or hunger, frequent urination, flushing, rapid breathing, or fruity-smelling breath
Signs of a weak adrenal gland: severe nausea or vomiting, extreme dizziness or fainting, muscle weakness, fatigue, mood changes, decreased appetite, or weight loss
Signs of Cushing's syndrome: weight gain in the upper back or abdomen, moon face, severe headache, or slow wound healing
Signs of infection: fever, chills, severe sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, increased or discolored sputum, painful urination, mouth sores, or a wound that won't heal
Changes in vision
Severe headache
Irritation at the site of application
Severe rectal bleeding or pain
Unexplained bruising or bleeding
Swelling
Bone or joint pain
Skin changes (acne, stretch marks, slow healing, or excessive hair growth)
Thinning of the skin

Other Possible Side Effects

Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. If you experience any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms that bother you or persist, contact your doctor for guidance:

Burning or stinging sensation
Dryness
* Tingling

This is not an exhaustive list of potential side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:

Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction you experienced, including any symptoms that occurred.
Certain health conditions, including:
+ Bowel blockage
+ Fistula
+ Fungal infection
+ Holes, sores, or wounds in the rectal area
+ Peritonitis (inflammation of the lining of the abdominal cavity)
+ Recent bowel surgery

Please note that this list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all your health problems and medications with your doctor.

To ensure your safety, inform your doctor and pharmacist about:
All prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications you are taking
Any natural products or vitamins you are using
* All your health problems

It is vital to verify that it is safe to take this medication with all your other medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor.

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication.

Regular monitoring is crucial, so be sure to undergo blood tests and bone density checks as directed by your doctor. If you are using this medication long-term, you should also have your eye pressure checked periodically. Discuss the schedule for these checks with your doctor.

As this medication may increase your risk of developing infections, it is vital to practice good hygiene by washing your hands frequently. Additionally, try to avoid close contact with individuals who have infections, colds, or flu. If you are exposed to someone with chickenpox or measles and you have not had these diseases or been vaccinated against them, consult your doctor promptly.

If you have diabetes (high blood sugar), inform your doctor, as this medication may cause an increase in blood sugar levels. Monitor your blood sugar as instructed by your doctor.

Before using any other medications or products in the rectal area, consult your doctor to ensure safe use. Be aware that this medication can stain clothing and fabrics, so take precautions to protect them.

In case of accidental ingestion, seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control center. Do not use this medication for an extended period beyond what your doctor has prescribed, as prolonged use may increase the risk of developing cataracts or glaucoma. Discuss these risks with your doctor.

When administering this medication to children, exercise caution, as the risk of certain side effects may be higher in this age group. In some cases, this medication can affect growth in children and teenagers, making regular growth checks necessary. Discuss this with your doctor.

Note that some formulations of this medication may not be suitable for all age groups of children. If you have any questions or concerns, consult your doctor.

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, inform your doctor. It is crucial to discuss the potential benefits and risks of using this medication during these periods to ensure the best outcome for both you and your baby.

• Live or live attenuated vaccines (risk of disseminated infection with systemic absorption)
• CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, ritonavir, clarithromycin) - may increase systemic hydrocortisone levels and risk of adverse effects.

• NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen) - increased risk of gastrointestinal ulceration/bleeding if significant systemic absorption occurs.
• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin) - corticosteroids may alter anticoagulant effects; monitor INR.
• Diuretics (e.g., thiazides, loop diuretics) - increased risk of hypokalemia.
• Antidiabetic agents (e.g., insulin, oral hypoglycemics) - corticosteroids may increase blood glucose levels, requiring dose adjustments.
• Cardiac glycosides (e.g., digoxin) - increased risk of toxicity if hypokalemia occurs.

• Not available

• Rectal pain
• Rectal itching
• Rectal bleeding
• Inflammation/swelling in the rectal area
• Signs of infection (e.g., fever, pus)
• Signs of systemic corticosteroid effects (e.g., increased thirst/urination, swelling in ankles/feet, unusual weight gain, mood changes, muscle weakness)

Category C. Use only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Animal studies have shown adverse effects, but there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Systemic absorption can occur.

L3 (Moderately Safe). Hydrocortisone is excreted in breast milk in small amounts. While systemic effects on the infant are unlikely with typical rectal doses, caution is advised. Monitor infant for signs of adrenal suppression (e.g., poor weight gain).

Use with caution. Children may absorb proportionally larger amounts of topical corticosteroids and thus be more susceptible to systemic toxicity, including HPA axis suppression and Cushing's syndrome. Prolonged use should be avoided. Not recommended for infants.

Use with caution. Elderly patients may be more susceptible to the systemic adverse effects of corticosteroids, especially with prolonged use, due to age-related thinning of the skin and potential for co-morbidities (e.g., diabetes, osteoporosis, glaucoma).

• Instruct patients on proper insertion technique for rectal suppositories.
• Advise patients to lie down for 15-20 minutes after insertion to ensure retention.
• Emphasize that this medication is for short-term use (typically up to 7 days) unless directed otherwise by a physician, to minimize risk of systemic absorption and adverse effects.
• Warn patients about potential for local irritation or burning upon insertion.
• If symptoms do not improve within 7 days, or worsen, patients should contact their healthcare provider.

• Topical anesthetics (e.g., lidocaine, pramoxine)
• Astringents (e.g., witch hazel)
• Protectants (e.g., zinc oxide, petrolatum)
• Oral stool softeners or fiber supplements (for hemorrhoids)
• Other corticosteroids (e.g., budesonide rectal foam for proctitis)

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it's essential to contact your doctor for further guidance. To ensure your safety, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so be sure to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide details about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it happened.