Colocort (Hydrocortisone)

Use exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Do not take COLOCORT 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 COLOCORT.

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 for at least 1 hour, or 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 at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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 a serious side effect such as:

•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.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use this medicine 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.

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 COLOCORT will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

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.

Before using COLOCORT, tell your doctor if you also use insulin or take oral diabetes medication.

There may be other drugs that can interact with COLOCORT Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.