Cortifoam
Cortifoam (hydrocortisone) is a rectal steroid foam that's used with other medications to treat symptoms of ulcerative proctitis (inflammation or swelling in the lower intestine). Typically, your symptoms will start to get better in about a week. This medication tends to have fewer side effects when compared with oral steroids. But it might be more difficult for some people to use because it has to be inserted into the rectum.
What is Cortifoam (hydrocortisone)?
What is Cortifoam (hydrocortisone) used for?
- Add-on treatment for ulcerative proctitis
How Cortifoam (hydrocortisone) works
Cortifoam (hydrocortisone) is a steroid that is like cortisol, a natural hormone your body makes. Cortifoam (hydrocortisone) lowers certain chemicals in your body that cause swelling and pain in the lower intestine to treat symptoms of ulcerative proctitis.
Drug facts
Side effects of Cortifoam (hydrocortisone)
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
- Rectal pain or burning
Less Common Side Effects
- Dizziness
- Feeling bloated
- Swelling
- Stomach pain
- Difficulty sleeping
Cortifoam (hydrocortisone) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Damage to stomach or intestines: nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, bloody stools, a change in how often you have bowel movements, fever
The following Cortifoam (hydrocortisone) 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
false sense of well-being
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
backache
coughing up blood
decreased resistance to infection
dryness of mouth
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.
Get your GoodRx coupon
Pros and cons of Cortifoam (hydrocortisone)
Pros
- Symptoms typically improve in 5 to 7 days
- Works directly in your lower intestine to relieve symptoms
- Generally has fewer side effects than oral steroids
- Good option for people who can't hold in rectal enemas
- Stored at room temperature
Cons
- Available only as a brand-name, which can be expensive
- Might be difficult for some people to administer correctly
- Not a first-choice medication for treating ulcerative proctitis
- Can't be used in children younger than 18 years old
- Not meant to be used long-term because of risk of serious side effects
Pharmacist tips for Cortifoam (hydrocortisone)
- Don't suddenly stop Cortifoam (hydrocortisone) without talking to your provider first. Doing so could result in withdrawal symptoms, such as lightheadedness, severe tiredness, body aches, and vomiting. If you want to stop this medication, ask your provider how you can do so safely.
- Don't insert any part of the aerosol container directly into the anus because you can injure yourself. You must use the applicator provided by the manufacturer to apply this medication.
- Leave the cap on the Cortifoam (hydrocortisone) container. The cap is meant to stay on the bottle the whole time. Removing it can cause the medication to not come out properly.
- Make sure to use the manufacturer's directions for how to use Cortifoam (hydrocortisone) carefully before you start.
- Shake the foam container for 5 to 10 seconds before each use. Hold the container upright on a level surface and place the tip of the applicator onto the nose of the container cap.
- To fill the applicator with medication, pull the plunger past the fill line on the applicator barrel. When you pump the Cortifoam (hydrocortisone) into the applicator, hold the cap for 1 to 2 seconds, and then release. Pause 5 to 10 seconds to allow the foam to expand and fill the applicator. Repeat until foam reaches the fill line. Then, remove the applicator from the container cap.
- After each use, make sure to pull apart the applicator parts, container cap, and tip, and clean them with warm water. This prevents the foam from building up and clogging the applicator.
- Don't heat up or store the Cortifoam (hydrocortisone) aerosol container higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Be careful not to damage or puncture the container. The container is under pressure and you might insure yourself if you heat or damage it.
Common questions about Cortifoam (hydrocortisone)
Ulcerative proctitis is a condition where there's redness and swelling (inflammation) in the lowest part of your intestines (rectum), which can lead to open sores (ulcers). Symptoms of ulcerative proctitis include diarrhea, painful bowel movements, and rectal bleeding. Cortifoam (hydrocortisone) helps with ulcerative proctitis by lowering the inflammation in the rectum.
Your symptoms should start to get better about 5 to 7 days after you start Cortifoam (hydrocortisone). But if you don't notice any difference in your symptoms after 2 to 3 weeks or if you notice your symptoms getting worse, let your provider know because you might have to stop taking Cortifoam (hydrocortisone).
No, don't stop taking Cortifoam (hydrocortisone) without talking to your provider first. Just because your symptoms go away, it doesn't mean you're completely healed. Your provider will still likely recommend that you get a sigmoidoscopy to check your lower intestines for any inflammation or ulcers. If your provider tells you that you're able to stop Cortifoam (hydrocortisone), ask them how you can do so safely and slowly over time. Stopping a steroid too quickly might lead to symptoms of withdrawal, such as fever, poor appetite, nausea, and tiredness.
No, Cortifoam (hydrocortisone) contains hydrocortisone 10% foam and it's only FDA-approved to treat ulcerative proctitis. You can only get this medication with a prescription from your provider. There are topical forms of hydrocortisone that can be used for itching or insect bites. They're typically available as creams or ointments and are much lower in strength (usually hydrocortisone 1% or 2.5%). If you need a topical medication for itching or insect bites, ask your provider or pharmacist.
If you're pregnant, ask your provider if you can use Cortifoam (hydrocortisone). This medication hasn't been studied in pregnancy, but animal studies show that corticosteroids can cause harm to unborn babies. In general, corticosteroids are only used during pregnancy if the benefit is greater than the risk.
How to save using GoodRx
Risks and warnings for Cortifoam (hydrocortisone)
Cortifoam (hydrocortisone) 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.
Heart and kidney problems
- Risk factors: Taking higher doses of corticosteroids | Kidney problems | Recent heart attack
Taking higher doses of corticosteroids, including Cortifoam (hydrocortisone), can raise your blood pressure, cause your body to hold onto more salt and water, and cause your body to get rid of more calcium and potassium (electrolytes). These side effects can cause swelling in your arms and legs, and your body fluids and electrolytes to be out of balance. To lower your risk for these side effects, you might need to eat a low salt diet and take certain supplements. Talk with your provider if you have kidney problems or notice swelling in your body.
In addition, let your provider know if you've recently had a heart attack. Using Cortifoam (hydrocortisone) when you've had a recent heart attack can raise your risk for more damage to parts of your heart.
Hormone problems
- Risk factors: Using Cortifoam (hydrocortisone) for a long time | Using higher doses of Cortifoam (hydrocortisone) | Thyroid problems
Using corticosteroids, like Cortifoam (hydrocortisone), can cause your body to make less of its own stress hormones. This is more likely to happen if you use higher corticosteroid doses or use this type of medication for a long time. If you stop using Cortifoam (hydrocortisone) all of a sudden, you might experience symptoms of low stress hormone, such as weakness, nausea, and diarrhea. This problem is usually temporary and your body's natural stress hormone level should return to normal over time. If you want to stop Cortifoam (hydrocortisone), ask your provider how you can do so safely.
Let your provider know if you have thyroid problems, your dose of Cortifoam (hydrocortisone) might need to be raised or lowered, depending on your thyroid hormone level.
Damage to stomach or intestines
- Risk factors: Stomach ulcers | Damage to intestines | Recent stomach or intestine surgery
Let your provider know if you have any damage to your stomach or intestines, or any recent surgeries in those areas. Symptoms of damage to these areas include nausea, vomiting, bloating, bloody diarrhea, and pain in the rectum. Taking Cortifoam (hydrocortisone) can cause more damage to your stomach or intestines.
Bone weakness
- Risk factors: Menopause | Bone loss | Taking corticosteroids for a long time | Taking higher doses of corticosteroids
Using medications similar to Cortifoam (hydrocortisone) for a long time and at higher doses can weaken your bones. If you're already at risk for bone loss, ask your provider if this medication is a good option for you.
Mood or muscle problems
- Risk factors: Other mood and muscle problems | Taking medications that affect mood or muscles
Although rare and less common with rectal corticosteroids, using Cortifoam (hydrocortisone) can affect mood or cause muscle problems. Symptoms of muscle problems include weakness in your limbs or difficulty moving your eyes. Signs of mood problems include changes to your personality, mood swings, and trouble sleeping. Let your provider know if you've experience any of these symptoms.
Higher risk of infections
Using Cortifoam (hydrocortisone) can weaken your immune system and raise your risk of infections. This medication can also dull some signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, and pain, so that you might not even know that you're sick. Talk with your provider if you think you might have a fungal, bacterial, or viral infection. Also, let them know if you've recently traveled to areas that have a high risk for any type of infections. If you start to experience any symptoms of an infection, including fever, tiredness, chills, cough, or trouble breathing contact your provider right away.
Live vaccines
- Risk factors: Taking higher doses of Cortifoam (hydrocortisone)
Don't get live or live-attenuated vaccines while you're using Cortifoam (hydrocortisone). Because this medication can lower your immune system, you might get sick from these types of vaccines. You can still get killed (inactivated) vaccines, such as the flu shot, because you won't get sick from this type of vaccines. Let your provider or pharmacist know you're using Cortifoam (hydrocortisone) before you get any vaccines.
Vision problems
- Risk factors: Long-term use of Cortifoam (hydrocortisone)
Though rare, using Cortifoam (hydrocortisone) can cause problems in your eye, such as cataracts, glaucoma, damage to the nerves in your eye, and eye infections. If you have any eye problems, ask your provider whether this medication is a good option for you.
Cortifoam (hydrocortisone) dosage
Can of foam| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15g of 10% | 1 can | $469.81 | $469.81 |
Typical dosage for Cortifoam (hydrocortisone)
The typical dose is to insert 1 applicatorful rectally once or twice daily for 2 to 3 weeks, then every other day. Your provider will adjust your dose based on how well your body responds to this medication.
Interactions between Cortifoam (hydrocortisone) and other drugs
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.
How much does Cortifoam (hydrocortisone) cost?
$469.81
Cortifoam (hydrocortisone) 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 Cortifoam (hydrocortisone) will not be safe for you to take.
- Rectal blockage
- Collection of pus (abscess) in your rectum
- Holes in your rectum
- Inflammation (swelling) of the lining of your stomach
- Recent procedure in the intestines
What are alternatives to Cortifoam (hydrocortisone)?
Cortifoam (hydrocortisone) images
