Hemmorex-HC 30mg Suppositories

Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid that acts locally to reduce inflammation, pruritus, and swelling. It binds to glucocorticoid receptors in the cytoplasm, forming a complex that translocates to the nucleus and modulates gene expression. This leads to the synthesis of anti-inflammatory proteins (e.g., lipocortins) and inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators (e.g., prostaglandins, leukotrienes, cytokines).

Serious 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, trouble 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 adrenal gland problems: 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 non-healing wounds
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. Many people experience no side effects or only mild ones. If you notice any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms, contact your doctor for advice:

Burning or stinging sensations
Dryness
* Tingling

This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns, 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 is not an exhaustive list of all potential interactions with this medication. Therefore, it is crucial to discuss all of your:

Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications
Natural products
Vitamins
Health problems

with your doctor and pharmacist to ensure safe use. Do not initiate, discontinue, or modify the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor to confirm that it is safe to do so in conjunction with this medication.

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 frequency of 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. 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 levels 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 potential risks with your doctor.

When administering this medication to children, exercise caution, as they may be at a higher risk of experiencing certain side effects. In some cases, this medication can affect growth in children and teenagers, so regular growth checks may be necessary. Consult your doctor to determine the best course of action.

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 to discuss the potential benefits and risks of using this medication to you and your baby.

• CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin): May increase systemic exposure to hydrocortisone if significant absorption occurs, leading to potential for systemic corticosteroid side effects. Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

• Rectal pain
• Rectal itching
• Rectal bleeding
• Rectal irritation or burning
• Signs of infection (fever, pus, increased pain)
• Signs of systemic corticosteroid effects (e.g., increased thirst/urination, swelling, mood changes, weight gain, fatigue, muscle weakness - rare with rectal use)

Category C. Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. While systemic absorption is limited, corticosteroids can cross the placenta. Studies in animals have shown teratogenic effects.

L3 (Moderately Safe). Hydrocortisone is excreted in breast milk following systemic administration. While systemic absorption from rectal use is limited, caution is advised. Monitor the infant for potential adverse effects (e.g., growth suppression, adrenal suppression), though unlikely with typical rectal doses.

Not generally recommended for children under 12 years of age without specific medical advice and careful monitoring due to the potential for systemic absorption and adverse effects (e.g., growth retardation, adrenal suppression), especially with prolonged use or in infants/young children who may have a higher surface area to weight ratio.

No specific dose adjustments are typically required. However, elderly patients may be more susceptible to systemic corticosteroid side effects if significant absorption occurs, especially with prolonged use, due to age-related thinning of the skin/mucosa or comorbidities. Monitor for adverse effects.

• Hydrocortisone rectal suppositories are for local action; systemic absorption is minimal but can occur, especially with prolonged use or damaged mucosa.
• Emphasize proper administration technique: insert pointed end first, push gently, and remain lying down for a few minutes to ensure retention.
• Patients should be advised not to use this medication for longer than prescribed (typically 2-4 weeks) to minimize the risk of local and potential systemic side effects.
• If symptoms do not improve within 7 days or worsen, the patient should contact their healthcare provider for re-evaluation.
• This medication is not for internal hemorrhoids that are prolapsed or thrombosed, or for infections unless specifically treated concurrently.

• Topical anesthetics (e.g., lidocaine, pramoxine)
• Astringents (e.g., witch hazel pads)
• Protectants (e.g., zinc oxide, petrolatum)
• Oral pain relievers (e.g., NSAIDs, acetaminophen)
• Dietary modifications (fiber supplements, stool softeners) for constipation-related symptoms.

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 reporting the incident, be prepared to provide details about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.