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

hydrocortisone enema

Generic Cortenema
Used for Ulcerative Colitis
Used for Ulcerative Colitis

Hydrocortisone (Cortenema) is a steroid enema used along with other treatments to manage symptoms of ulcerative colitis (UC) in adults. It works by reducing inflammation or swelling in the lower intestine. The enema is given rectally once per night for 21 days. It's available in both brand-name and generic versions. Side effects include pain and bruising in the rectum.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Daisy Chau, PharmD
Last reviewed on November 16, 2024
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
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What is Hydrocortisone (Cortenema)?

What is Hydrocortisone (Cortenema) used for?

How Hydrocortisone (Cortenema) works

Hydrocortisone (Cortenema) is a corticosteroid. It reduces certain chemicals in your body that cause swelling and pain in the lower intestine, helping to treat ulcerative colitis symptoms.

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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$46.15
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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

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.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Hydrocortisone (Cortenema)

thumbs-up

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 medications

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

Not for use 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.

    • Hydrocortisone (Cortenema) should be used along with a controlled diet and other medications to control your UC symptoms. Speak to your prescriber about how this medication fits in your treatment plan.

      • 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 prescriber 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 prescriber know. You might need to take additional medications, such as antidiarrheal medications or sedatives to help you sleep through the night.

          • Store hydrocortisone (Cortenema) at room temperature.

            How to use hydrocortisone (Cortenema):

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

              • Before you use hydrocortisone (Cortenema), shake the bottle well and remove the protective cap.

                • 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, aiming it toward your belly button. Hold the bottle firmly and tilt it slightly so the nozzle points toward your back.

                    • Squeeze the bottle slowly to release all the medication, then gently remove the enema. Stay still for at least 30 minutes to help the medication spread through your lower intestine. Throw away the enema after use.

                      faqs

                      Frequently asked questions about Hydrocortisone (Cortenema)

                      How long does it take for hydrocortisone (Cortenema) to work?
                      Some people start to notice their symptoms improving after about 3 to 5 days after starting hydrocortisone (Cortenema). But if you have a severe condition, you might need to use the medication for 2 or 3 months. If you're not any better after 3 weeks of using the medication, let your prescriber know because you might have to stop taking it.
                      Does hydrocortisone (Cortenema) cause weight gain?
                      Weight gain is a well-known side effect of steroids, especially when taken by mouth. But keep in mind that gaining weight after starting hydrocortisone (Cortenema) could be a sign that your UC is improving due to having a better appetite. Contact your prescriber if you're concerned about weight gain and this medication.
                      Is hydrocortisone (Cortenema) a steroid?
                      Yes, hydrocortisone (Cortenema) is a steroid. It works by reducing inflammation along lower intestines to help treat symptoms of UC.
                      Can you use hydrocortisone (Cortenema) for hemorrhoids?
                      Hydrocortisone (Cortenema) isn’t usually used to treat hemorrhoids because it hasn’t been specifically studied for that purpose. If treatment is needed, the hydrocortisone suppository is typically recommended.
                      Do I stop taking hydrocortisone (Cortenema) when my symptoms go away?
                      No. Your prescriber 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 prescriber about when you can stop taking the medication.
                      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 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. Speak to your prescriber about when and how to stop taking this medication.
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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

                      Damage to the rectal wall

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

                      risk-warning

                      Higher risk of infections

                      Taking hydrocortisone (Cortenema) can weaken your immune system and raise your risk of infections. This can potentially worsen any infections you already have, such as a viral or fungal infection. Be sure your prescriber knows about any infections you have now or have had in the past. Let them know if you have any symptoms of an infection, such as a fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, body aches, tiredness, or any pain, while you're taking hydrocortisone (Cortenema).

                      risk-warning

                      Vision problems

                      • Risk factors: Long-term use of hydrocortisone (Cortenema) | History of eye problems like glaucoma or cataracts

                        Using hydrocortisone (Cortenema) for a long time can raise eye pressure, worsen glaucoma, and cause cataracts. Talk to your prescriber right away if you experience blurry vision, eye discomfort, or other changes in your vision after using this medication. You might need an eye exam.

                        risk-warning

                        Low stress hormone levels

                        • Risk factors: Using hydrocortisone (Cortenema) for a long time | Using higher doses of hydrocortisone (Cortenema) | Stopping hydrocortisone (Cortenema) suddenly

                          Using corticosteroids, like hydrocortisone (Cortenema), can cause your body to make less of its own stress hormones. This is more likely if you use higher doses of corticosteroids or take this medication for a long time.. If you stop using hydrocortisone (Cortenema) 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 hydrocortisone (Cortenema), ask your prescriber how you can do so safely. You'll likely need to lower the dose to one enema every other night for 2 to 3 weeks before you can fully stop.

                          risk-warning

                          Mood problems

                          Although rare and less common with rectal corticosteroids, using hydrocortisone (Cortenema) can cause mood problems. Signs of mood problems include depression, changes to your personality, mood swings, and trouble sleeping. Let your prescriber know if you've experienced any of these symptoms after taking this medication.

                          dosage

                          Hydrocortisone (Cortenema) dosage forms

                          The average cost for 7 enemas of 60ml of 100mg/60ml of Hydrocortisone (Cortenema) is $46.15 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 72.45% off the average retail price of $167.52.
                          enema
                          Enema
                          DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                          60ml of 100mg/60ml7 enemas$46.15$6.59

                          Typical dosing for Hydrocortisone (Cortenema)

                          Each enema provides 100 mg of hydrocortisone.

                          The typical dose is one enema rectally every night night for 21 days, or until both your symptoms improve and your prescriber confirms that your condition is under control.

                          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.

                          drug-cost

                          How much does Hydrocortisone (Cortenema) cost?

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                          Cortenema (brand)
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                          $46.15

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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:
                          $46.15 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                          Mesalamine
                          Used for:

                          • Ulcerative colitis (UC)

                          $55.78 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                          Prednisone
                          Used for:
                          $2.40 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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                          References

                          Best studies we found

                          ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2022). Cortenema- hydrocortisone enema [package insert]. DailyMed.

                          You and Your Hormones. (2019). Cortisol.

                          GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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