CORTENEMA

Drug Name: CORTENEMA

CORTENEMA DESCRIPTION:
HYDROCORTISONE ENEMA - RECTAL (hi-dro-KOR-tih-sown)

COMMON CORTENEMA BRAND NAME(S):
Cortenema

CORTENEMA SIDE EFFECTS:
Local pain or irritation, indigestion or increased appetite may occur. If these symptoms continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you experience: rectal bleeding, muscle cramps, irregular heartbeat, swelling of the feet or hands, fatigue, mood changes. CORTENEMA can slow the growth process in children if used for long periods. Discuss this with your doctor. Very unlikely to occur but report promptly the following side effects: unusual weakness, weight loss, nausea/vomiting, fainting, dizziness, vision changes. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE CORTENEMA:
CORTENEMA: This is an enema which is administered rectally. It is usually used once in the evening. For best results, use after a bowel movement. Lie on your left side with the left knee bent toward the chest. Shake the enema then unwrap it and gently insert the nozzle into the rectum. Firmly squeeze the bottle to release all of the drug. The whole bottle should be used unless otherwise directed. Continue laying on your left side for at least 30 minutes. Keep the medicine in your rectum as long as possible before having a bowel movement. Use CORTENEMA as directed. Do not use this more often or continue using it for longer than prescribed. Do not stop using CORTENEMA without your doctor's approval. If you have been using this for over a few weeks, your dose may need to be gradually decreased.

CORTENEMA USES:
CORTENEMA reduces inflammation in the bowel. It is used in the treatment of ulcerative colitis.

CORTENEMA PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor if you have a history of: kidney disease, heart or muscle disease, diabetes, infections, any eye problems, stomach disorders, any allergies. Tell your doctor you are using CORTENEMA prior to receiving any vaccinations. Though very unlikely, it is possible CORTENEMA will be absorbed into your bloodstream. This may have undesirable consequences that may require additional corticosteroid treatment. This is especially true for children and for those who have used this for an extended period if they also have serious medical problems such as serious infections, injuries or surgeries. This precaution applies for up to one year after stopping use of this drug. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. CORTENEMA should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if CORTENEMA is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

CORTENEMA DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take especially: medications for diabetes, heart medication, blood pressure drugs, steroids. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

CORTENEMA OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. This medicine may be harmful if swallowed.

CORTENEMA NOTES:
Follow-up appointments are important to ensure effective therapy. Keep all doctor's appointments. Inform all your doctors you use, or have used, CORTENEMA.

MISSED CORTENEMA DOSE:
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as remembered; do not use it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

CORTENEMA STORAGE:
Store CORTENEMA at room temperature away from heat and light.