Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Cortifoam (Hydrocortisone-rectal).
Cautions regarding the container: Contents are flammable and the aerosol container may explode if heated.
Do not insert any part of the aerosol container into the anus. Do not use in presence of open flame or spark - contents are under pressure. Do not place in hot water or near radiators, stoves, or other sources of heat. Do not puncture or incinerate container or store at temperatures over 50°C. Because the medication is not expelled from the body, hydrocortisone absorption into the bloodstream may be greater from the foam than from corticosteroid enema formulations. If there is no evidence of improvement within 2 or 3 weeks after starting therapy, or if the condition worsens, contact your doctor.
Diabetes: Hydrocortisone may cause an increase in blood sugar levels (may cause a loss of blood glucose control) and glucose tolerance may change. People with diabetes may find it necessary to monitor their blood sugar more frequently while using Cortifoam (Hydrocortisone-rectal).
General precautions: Advise all doctors involved in your care that you have been using Cortifoam (Hydrocortisone-rectal).
Glaucoma: Cortifoam (Hydrocortisone-rectal) may cause the symptoms of glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye) to become worse. If you have glaucoma, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Cortifoam (Hydrocortisone-rectal), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Report any changes in vision to your doctor as soon as possible while you are taking Cortifoam (Hydrocortisone-rectal).
Stopping medication: Do not stop using Cortifoam (Hydrocortisone-rectal) abruptly without checking with your doctor first.
Ulcerative bowel disease: People with severe ulcerative bowel disease who use rectal hydrocortisone may be at increased risk of perforation of the bowel wall. If you have ulcerative bowel disease, discuss with your doctor how Cortifoam (Hydrocortisone-rectal) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Pregnancy: Cortifoam (Hydrocortisone-rectal) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while using Cortifoam (Hydrocortisone-rectal), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: Mothers using hydrocortisone should not breast-feed.