Cortifoam (foam, enema)

Cortifoam (foam or enema) is a steroid medicine that is used along with other medicines to treat ulcerative colitis and its effects on the lower intestines and rectal area.

Cortifoam may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all instructions on your medicine label and package. Inform all your healthcare providers about your medical conditions, allergies, and all the medicines you are taking.

You should not use Cortifoam if you are allergic to hydrocortisone, or if you have:

• a fungal infection;
• an intestinal infection;
• a fistula (abnormal opening) or perforation (a hole or tear) in your intestines;
• a bowel obstruction or severe constipation;
• if you need certain vaccinations;
• if you recently had surgery on your intestines; or
• if you are allergic to propylene glycol, parabens or other ingredients in the rectal foam or enema.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• any type of infection, including tuberculosis or a parasite infection that causes diarrhea (such as threadworms);
• a stomach ulcer, diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, or intestinal surgery;
• unexplained diarrhea;
• heart problems, high blood pressure, or a heart attack;
• problems with your adrenal gland;
• vision problems such as cataracts, glaucoma, or herpes simplex of the eyes;
• diabetes, or a thyroid disorder;
• osteoporosis or low bone mineral density;
• myasthenia gravis;
• kidney disease; or
• cirrhosis.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

Get emergency medical help if you notice signs of an allergic reaction: hives; trouble breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Cortifoam may lead to serious side effects. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:

• severe rectal pain or burning, bleeding from your rectum;
• fever or other signs of infection;
• changes in your vision;
• muscle weakness, joint pain, bone pain;
• unusual changes in mood or behavior;
• severe headaches, ringing in your ears, pain behind your eyes;
• a seizure;
• heart problems—chest pain, irregular heartbeats, swelling, rapid weight gain;
• low potassium level—leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, increased thirst or urination, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or feeling limp;
• low calcium level—muscle spasms or contractions, numbness or tingling (around your mouth, or in your fingers and toes); or
• signs of stomach bleeding—bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

Common side effects of Cortifoam may include:

• stomach pain, bloating;
• acne, rash, redness, dryness;
• changes in your menstrual periods;
• increased sweating; or
• changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your face, neck, and waist).

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed. Use this medicine in the smallest amount and for the shortest time needed to treat your condition.

Do not take by mouth. Rectal medicine is for use only on your rectum.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Try to empty your bowel and bladder before using rectal medicine.

Wash your hands before and after using this medicine.

Use only the applicator provided with this medicine to insert it into your rectum.

Do not insert the applicator tip too deeply or you could damage your rectum.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

Your dose needs may change during times of illness or unusual stress. Do not change your dose or stop using Cortifoam without your doctor's instructions.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not refrigerate.

The rectal foam is flammable. Keep away from open flame or high heat. The canister may explode if it gets too hot. Do not puncture or burn an empty foam canister.

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at the same time.

Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Using high doses or using steroid medicine for a long time can cause thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), more acne or facial hair, menstrual issues, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.

Do not get a "live" vaccine while using Cortifoam. Live vaccines may include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), varicella (chickenpox), nasal flu vaccine, and others.

Stay away from people who are sick or have infections. Contact your doctor for preventive treatment if you come into contact with chickenpox or measles. These illnesses can be serious or even deadly for people using steroid medicine.

Sometimes, it is not safe to use certain medications together. Some drugs can change the levels of other drugs in your blood, which may increase side effects or make the medications work less effectively.

Many drugs can affect Cortifoam. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you are currently taking and any medicine you start or stop using.