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Hydrocortisone Enema Coupon - Hydrocortisone Enema 60ml of 100mg/60ml enema

hydrocortisone enema

Generic Cortenema (no prices on price page)
Used for Ulcerative Colitis
Used for Ulcerative Colitis

Hydrocortisone (Cortenema) is a steroid enema used with other medications to treat symptoms of ulcerative colitis (inflammation or swelling in the lower intestine). Although it tends to have fewer side effects when compared to oral steroids, it's more difficult to use because it has to be given in your rectum.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Daisy Chau, PharmD
Last reviewed on October 26, 2021
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesImagesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Hydrocortisone (Cortenema)?

What is Hydrocortisone (Cortenema) used for?

  • Add-on treatment for ulcerative colitis (UC)

How Hydrocortisone (Cortenema) works

Hydrocortisone (Cortenema) is a steroid that is like cortisol, a natural hormone your body makes. It lowers certain chemicals in your body that cause swelling and pain in the lower intestine to treat symptoms of ulcerative colitis.

Are you looking for information on Cortifoam (hydrocortisone) rectal foam, hydrocortisone suppository, or hydrocortisone cream instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsCortenema
Drug ClassCorticosteroid
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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$143.16

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$41.25

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What are the side effects of Hydrocortisone (Cortenema)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Skin bruising
  • Skin thinning
  • High blood pressure
  • Weight gain

Other Side Effects

  • Rectal pain or burning
  • Bleeding in the rectum
  • Weakened bones
  • Dizziness
  • Feeling bloated

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Seizures
  • Bleeding in the stomach

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common or rare

Burning and itching of skin

chills

depression

diarrhea

false sense of well-being

fever

infection

mood swings

painful, red or itchy, pus-containing blisters in hair follicles

personality changes

rectal bleeding, burning, dryness, itching, or pain not present before therapy

sensation of pins and needles

stabbing pain

straining while passing stool (with tixocortol only)

Additional side effects may occur if you use this medicine for a long time. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Abdominal or stomach pain

acne

backache

coughing

coughing up blood

decreased resistance to infection

dryness of mouth

eye pain

filling or rounding out of the face

gradual blurring or loss of vision

headache

hunchback

increased thirst

irregular heartbeat

loss of appetite

menstrual irregularities

mood or mental changes

muscle cramps or pain

muscle weakness

nausea or vomiting

nonelevated blue or purplish patch on the skin

osteoporosis or bone fractures

pain in joints

pain or discomfort in the area of a vein

rapid weight gain

reddish purple lines on arms, face, legs, trunk, or groin

redness of eye

sensitivity of eye to light

shortness of breath

skin rash

slow wound healing

stunting of growth (in children)

swelling of feet or lower legs

trouble in sleeping

unusual decrease in sexual desire or ability in men

tearing of eyes

unusual increase in hair growth (especially on the face)

unusual tiredness or weakness

unusual weight loss

weak pulse

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common or rare

Dizziness

dry, scaly skin

increase in appetite

increased sweating

lightened skin color

passing of gas (with budesonide only)

sensation of spinning

thin, fragile skin

thinning hair on scalp

unusual weight gain

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Hydrocortisone (Cortenema)

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Pros

Works directly in your lower intestine to relieve symptoms

Symptoms should improve within 3 to 5 days

Generally has fewer side effects than oral steroids

Good option for people who can't, or prefer not to take, oral steroids

Available as a less expensive, generic form

thumbs-down

Cons

Long-term use raises your risk of serious side effects

Might be difficult for some people to administer correctly

Can't be used if you have a fungal infection or a recent procedure in the intestines

Can't be used alone for treating ulcerative colitis

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Hydrocortisone (Cortenema)

pharmacist

  • Hydrocortisone (Cortenema) is available as a solution in a bottle with an applicator tip. One bottle represents one dose. After administering your dose, make sure to throw away the used bottle. It should be stored at room temperature.

    • Hydrocortisone (Cortenema) should only be used in your rectum. Don't take this medication by mouth because it won't work properly and might also make you sick.

      • If you've taken hydrocortisone (Cortenema) for more than 3 weeks, you will need to be weaned off by slowly lowering the dose. Don't stop taking it suddenly without talking to your provider first. Doing so could result in withdrawal symptoms, such as lightheadedness, severe tiredness, body aches, and vomiting.

        • The best time to use hydrocortisone (Cortenema) is right before you go to bed. Don't go to the bathroom for at least 1 hour (preferably all night) to keep the medication in your lower intestine. If you have trouble with this, let your provider know. You might need to take additional medications, such as anti-diarrheal medication or sedatives to help you sleep through the night.

          Steps for using hydrocortisone (Cortenema):

          • Try to go to the bathroom and empty your bowel to allow for the most medication possible to reach your rectum.

            • Shake the bottle well and remove the protective cap. Do not squeeze the bottle or else some of the medication might spill out.

              • For the best results, lie down on your left side with your left leg straight and your right leg bent forward for balance. Otherwise, you can do the "knee-chest" position.

                • To give yourself the medication, insert the applicator tip into your rectum and point the tip towards your belly button.

                  • Hold the bottle firmly, then tilt slightly so that the nozzle is pointing toward your back.

                    • Squeeze slowly to administer the entire bottle. Then, gently take out the enema. It is best to not move for at least 30 minutes to allow the medication to move throughout your lower intestine. Throw away the enema after using it.

                      faqs

                      Frequently asked questions about Hydrocortisone (Cortenema)

                      What is ulcerative colitis?
                      Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a condition that causes inflammation in your lower intestine (colon and rectum). This can lead to the formation of open sores (ulcers). Symptoms of ulcerative colitis include diarrhea, bloody bowel movements, rectal bleeding, and stomach pain. Hydrocortisone (Cortenema) helps with UC by lowering the inflammation in your lower intestine.
                      Do I stop taking hydrocortisone (Cortenema) when my symptoms go away?
                      No. Your provider will need to examine your lower intestine to make sure it looks healthy before you stop taking hydrocortisone (Cortenema). Usually, your symptoms will get better before your lower intestine shows physical improvement. Talk to your provider about when you can stop taking the medication.
                      When should I begin to feel better after starting hydrocortisone (Cortenema)?
                      Your symptoms should get better after 3 to 5 days. Depending on how severe your condition is, you might need to take hydrocortisone (Cortenema) for 2 or 3 months. If you are not any better after 3 weeks of taking hydrocortisone (Cortenema), let your provider know because you might have to stop taking it.
                      Can hydrocortisone (Cortenema) be taken by mouth instead of rectally?
                      No. While some forms of hydrocortisone can be taken by mouth, this specific kind is called an enema and is for rectal use only. If you feel hydrocortisone (Cortenema) is not the best medication for you, speak to your provider about other options.
                      Can I stop taking hydrocortisone (Cortenema) suddenly?
                      No. If you've taken hydrocortisone (Cortenema) longer than 3 weeks, you'll need to slowly lower the dose to 1 enema every other night for 2 or 3 weeks before you can completely stop. When you take steroid medications like hydrocortisone (Cortenema), it can cause your body to stop making its own cortisol. Slowly lowering the dose of hydrocortisone (Cortenema) gives your body time to start making this hormone again. Suddenly stopping hydrocortisone (Cortenema) will cause you to have a low amount of cortisol, causing withdrawal symptoms, such as lightheadedness, severe tiredness, body aches, and vomiting. This can lead to a serious condition called adrenal crisis, which is a medical emergency and requires treatment with steroids right away.
                      Can hydrocortisone (Cortenema) be used in children?
                      It's not known if hydrocortisone (Cortenema) is safe or if it works in children younger than 18 years of age. Using steroid medications like hydrocortisone (Cortenema) for a long duration might affect the growth and development of a child. Do not give this medication to a child without talking to a provider first.
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                      What are the risks and warnings for Hydrocortisone (Cortenema)?

                      Hydrocortisone (Cortenema) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                      risk-warning

                      Rectal wall damage

                      Incorrect use of hydrocortisone (Cortenema) can damage your rectum. Make sure you understand how to properly use hydrocortisone (Cortenema). Before you use the medication, read the Patient Instructions carefully and talk to your provider or pharmacist if you have any questions.

                      risk-warning

                      Higher risk of infections

                      Hydrocortisone (Cortenema) can weaken your immune system, which means it can hide some signs of infections and also raise your risk of getting an infection. If you have symptoms of an infection, including fever, tiredness, chills, cough, trouble breathing, or congestion, contact your provider right away.

                      risk-warning

                      Vision problems

                      • Risk factors: Long-term use of hydrocortisone (Cortenema)

                        Using hydrocortisone (Cortenema) for a long time can cause problems in your eye, such as cataracts, glaucoma, damage to the nerves in your eye and eye infections. Only use hydrocortisone (Cortenema) for the length of time prescribed by your provider.

                        risk-warning

                        Fluid retention and high blood pressure

                        • Risk factors: Taking higher doses of hydrocortisone (Cortenema)

                          Taking hydrocortisone (Cortenema) at high doses can cause your body to hold onto more salt and water, which can lead to swelling in your legs or arms and sudden weight gain. This can also raise your blood pressure. You might need to eat a low salt diet while taking hydrocortisone (Cortenema) to lower your risk for high blood pressure.

                          dosage

                          Hydrocortisone (Cortenema) dosage forms

                          enema
                          Enema
                          DosageAs low as
                          60ml of 100mg/60ml$41.25 for 7 enemas

                          Typical dosing for Hydrocortisone (Cortenema)

                          The typical dose is one enema every night for 21 days, or until both your symptoms and intestines have shown improvement.

                          interactions

                          Interactions between Hydrocortisone (Cortenema) and other drugs

                          Hydrocortisone (Cortenema) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Hydrocortisone (Cortenema). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                          Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

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                          How much does Hydrocortisone (Cortenema) cost?

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                          Hydrocortisone (Cortenema) (generic)
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                          contraindications-icon

                          Hydrocortisone (Cortenema) contraindications

                          Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Hydrocortisone (Cortenema) will not be safe for you to take.

                          • Active fungal infection

                          • Procedure in the intestines

                          alternatives

                          What are alternatives to Hydrocortisone (Cortenema)?

                          There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Hydrocortisone (Cortenema). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                          Hydrocortisone (Cortenema)
                          Used for:

                          • Add-on treatment for ulcerative colitis (UC)

                          $41.25 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                          Mesalamine
                          Used for:

                          • Ulcerative colitis (UC)

                          $74.01 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                          Prednisone
                          Used for:
                          $4.63 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                          images

                          Hydrocortisone (Cortenema) images

                          white - Hydrocortisone 100mg/60ml Rectal Enema Suspension
                          This medicine is White Enema.white - Hydrocortisone 100mg/60ml Rectal Enema Suspension

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