DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: Hydrocortisone Acetate Suppositories (hye-droe-KOR-ti-sone)
Brand Name: Examples include Anusol-HC and Hemorrhoidal-HC

Anusol-HC Suppositories is used for:

Reducing swelling, itching, and discomfort associated with certain rectal conditions, including hemorrhoids.

Anusol-HC Suppositories is a topical corticosteroid. It works by depressing the formation, release, and activity of different cells and chemicals that cause swelling, redness, and itching.

Do NOT use Anusol-HC Suppositories if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Anusol-HC Suppositories
• you are taking mifepristone
• you have a rectal obstruction, abscess, or perforation; irritation of the peritoneum (lining of the abdomen); or fistulas

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Anusol-HC Suppositories:

Some medical conditions may interact with Anusol-HC Suppositories. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have a parasitic, bacterial, fungal, or viral infection; diabetes; diarrhea; swelling of the esophagus; stomach problems; blockage or the intestine or other intestinal problems; measles; tuberculosis (TB); a positive TB skin test; chicken pox; shingles; herpes infection of the eye; ulcers; kidney problems; high blood pressure; thyroid problems; or you have received a recent vaccination
• if you have a history of heart failure or heart attack

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Anusol-HC Suppositories. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Barbiturates (eg, phenobarbital), carbamazepine, cholestyramine, colestipol, fluconazole, hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), lithium, rifampin, or thioamines (eg, propylthiouracil) because they may decrease Anusol-HC Suppositories's effectiveness
• Aprepitant, clarithromycin, estrogens (eg, estradiol), macrolide immunosuppressants (eg, tacrolimus), nefazodone, or steroidal contraceptives (eg, birth control pills) because side effects such as adrenal gland or central nervous system problems may occur
• Anticholinesterases (eg, pyridostigmine), anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), live vaccines, macrolide immunosuppressants (eg, tacrolimus), nondepolarizing muscle relaxants (eg, vecuronium), ritodrine, or theophylline because their actions and the risk of their side effects may be increased by Anusol-HC Suppositories
• Anticholinesterases (eg, pyridostigmine), anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), interleukin-2, mifepristone, or nondepolarizing muscle relaxants (eg, vecuronium) because their effectiveness may be decreased by Anusol-HC Suppositories

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Anusol-HC Suppositories may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Anusol-HC Suppositories:

Use Anusol-HC Suppositories as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Avoid excessive handling of the suppository. It is designed to melt at body temperature.
• Wash your hands before and after using Anusol-HC Suppositories. If the suppository is too soft to use, put it in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes. You may also run cold water over it. Remove the wrapper. Moisten the suppository with cool water. Lie down on your side. Insert the pointed end of the suppository into the rectum. Use your finger to push it in completely.
• If you miss a dose of Anusol-HC Suppositories and you are using it regularly, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Anusol-HC Suppositories.

Important safety information:

• If your symptoms do not get better within 7 days or if they get worse, check with your doctor.
• Do not use Anusol-HC Suppositories for other rectal conditions at a later time.
• Do not get Anusol-HC Suppositories in your eyes. If you get Anusol-HC Suppositories your eyes, immediately flush them with cool tap water.
• Check with your doctor or pharmacist concerning the use of a stool softener or bulk laxative to help improve your symptoms.
• Check with your doctor before having vaccinations while you are using Anusol-HC Suppositories.
• Anusol-HC Suppositories may lower the ability of your body to fight infection. Avoid contact with people who have colds or infections. Tell your doctor if you notice signs of infection like fever, sore throat, rash, or chills.
• Anusol-HC Suppositories should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Anusol-HC Suppositories while you are pregnant. It is not known if Anusol-HC Suppositories is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Anusol-HC Suppositories, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Anusol-HC Suppositories:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Inflamed hair follicles; loss of skin color; mild irritation or dryness of the skin.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); infection; rectal pain, burning, itching, bleeding, or irritation not present before using Anusol-HC Suppositories.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center ( http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately. Anusol-HC Suppositories may be harmful if swallowed.

Proper storage of Anusol-HC Suppositories:

Store Anusol-HC Suppositories at room temperature, below 86 degrees F (30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not freeze. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Anusol-HC Suppositories out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Anusol-HC Suppositories, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Anusol-HC Suppositories is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Anusol-HC Suppositories. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.