Cortenema (Hydrocortisone Enema)

Do’s

• Use Cortenema exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider, typically once nightly before bed. The treatment duration varies depending on your condition, ranging from 2-3 weeks to 2-3 months.
• For best results, try to empty your bowels before using Cortenema. Shake the bottle well before use.
• Lie on your left side with your right knee bent towards your chest for easier insertion.
• Carefully insert the applicator tip into the rectum and squeeze the bottle gently but firmly to release all the medication.
• Remain on your left side for at least 30 minutes, ideally for an hour or even overnight if possible, to allow the medication to work effectively.
• Use Cortenema regularly as prescribed for maximum benefit. Improvement may take 3-5 days.
• If you've been using Cortenema for more than 3 weeks, consult your healthcare provider before stopping. Abrupt cessation might worsen your condition. Your healthcare provider may recommend gradually reducing the dosage.
• Tell your healthcare provider if your symptoms don't improve after 2-3 weeks or if they worsen.

Don'ts

• Don't use more Cortenema, use it more often, or use it for longer than prescribed. It won't accelerate improvement and might increase side effects.
• Don't suddenly stop using Cortenema after extended use (over 3 weeks) without consulting your healthcare provider.

Common Side Effects:

• Temporary burning or itching of the rectal area
• Headache
• Vertigo
• Rectal bleeding
• Rectal burning
• Rectal pain

Serious Side Effects:

• Rare but serious allergic reactions, including hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights
• Signs of infection such as fever, persistent sore throat, painful urination, worsening redness or irritation near the anus
• Abdominal or stomach pain
• Acne
• Backache
• Coughing up blood
• Decreased resistance to infection
• Dryness of mouth
• Eye pain
• Filling or rounding out of the face
• Unusual weight loss

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Cortenema,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Tell your healthcare provider about any allergies, especially to other corticosteroids or any ingredients in Cortenema.

Inform your healthcare provider about your medical history, particularly:

• Stomach/intestinal problems (ulcers, blockage, bleeding, infection)
• Infections (tuberculosis, fungal infections)
• Certain eye conditions (cataracts, glaucoma, herpes infection)
• Heart problems (heart failure, recent heart attack)
• High blood pressure
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• Thyroid problems
• Diabetes
• Bone loss (osteoporosis)
• Bleeding or blood clotting problems
• Mental/mood conditions (psychosis, depression)
• Low potassium or calcium blood levels
• Myasthenia gravis

Cortenema may cause dizziness. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or activities requiring alertness until you know how you react. Limit alcohol and marijuana use, which can worsen dizziness.

Long-term use of Cortenema may weaken your body's response to stress. Inform your healthcare provider about Cortenema use before surgery, emergency treatment, or serious illness/injury.

Report unusual tiredness, weight loss, or if you've used Cortenema in the past year. Carry a warning card or medical ID bracelet if using long-term.

Tell your healthcare provider before having any immunizations, vaccinations, or skin tests. Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines.

Cortenema can increase your risk of infections. Stay away from people with contagious infections and tell your healthcare provider if you've been exposed.

If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar regularly and report any changes to your healthcare provider. Your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet may need adjustment.

Older adults are more susceptible to side effects like bone loss, stomach bleeding, and mental/mood changes.

Long-term use may slow children's growth. Consult your healthcare provider for monitoring.

Cortenema should only be used during pregnancy if needed. Discuss risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.

Infants born to mothers who used Cortenema for a long time may have low corticosteroid levels and require monitoring. Report symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or weakness in your newborn.

Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding as the safety of Cortenema in breast milk is unknown.