Cortifoam ratings & reviews

Hydrocortisone
Company: Viatris
Brand: Cortifoam
+10 more
Cortifoam, Cortef, Cortizone, Proctocort, Pandel, Aveeno, Locoid Lipocream, Procto-Med HC, Aquaphor, Locoid, Solu-Cortef
Drug class: Alimentary Tract and Metabolism
+5 more
Alimentary Tract and Metabolism, Dermatologicals, Antihemorrhoidal Agents, Topical Corticosteroids, Plain Topical Corticosteroids, Topical Anti-hemorrhoidals with Corticosteroids
Overall rating
3.6
full star full star full star half star empty star
Ranked #77
Physician ratings
  • Efficacy: effective for its intended use
  • Safety: safe to use in humans
  • Tolerability: low drug side effects
  • Accessibility: insurance/payer coverage, cost, affordability,formulary coverage, availability in your hospital or practice setting
  • Adherence: patient compliance with treatment
Efficacy
3.4/5
Safety
3.6/5
Tolerability
3.6/5
Accessibility
3.7/5
Adherence
3.4/5

Sermo AI Overview

  • Cortifoam has generally been perceived to have weak efficacy across multiple conditions, particularly among specialists, with numerous reports of low effectiveness ratings, which suggests it may not be a preferred treatment option for many skin and respiratory issues.
  • There are consistent reports of variability in patient adherence to Cortifoam treatment, indicating that some individuals may struggle with consistent application, which could impact overall treatment effectiveness.
  • Some healthcare professionals do acknowledge Cortifoam as a viable option for specific conditions like severe allergic rhinitis and Crohn's disease, though opinions on its efficacy can vary significantly depending on patient group and condition.
  • Both positive and negative feedback suggest Cortifoam's efficacy differs across various specialties, with some dermatologists and rheumatologists expressing skepticism about its overall effectiveness, while others have noted particular benefits in narrower use cases.
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Based on insights from Sermo’s triple verified physicians

Description

Cortifoam contains hydrocortisone acetate as its active ingredient, which is a synthetic adrenocortical steroid. It is formulated as a 10% rectal foam with each application delivering 80 mg of hydrocortisone. The foam includes key inactive ingredients such as propylene glycol, emulsifying wax, and cetyl alcohol. Cortifoam is designed to decrease inflammation.

Source: This information is sourced from FDA and powered by AI

Dosage & Administration

How should I use this medication?

This medication is only for use in the rectum. Do not take by mouth. Wash hands before and after use. Shake the container well. Use the special applicator. Do not insert any part of the aerosol container in the rectum. Hold canister upright and insert into the opening of the tip of the applicator. Make sure the applicator plunger is drawn all the way out. Fill the applicator by pressing down slowly on the canister cap. When the foam reaches the fill line in the applicator, it is ready for use. Remove the applicator from the container, let some foam remain on the applicator tip. Hold the barrel of the applicator and insert the tip into the rectum. Push the plunger in to expel the foam into the rectum. Withdraw the applicator. Thoroughly clean the applicator with warm water. Do not use your medication more often than directed. Do not suddenly stop using your medication because you may develop a severe reaction. Your care team will tell you how much medication to use. If your care team wants you to stop using the medication, the amount that you use may be slowly lowered over time to avoid any side effects.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Do not refrigerate. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Side Effects

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Cushing syndrome—increased fat around the midsection, upper back, neck, or face, pink or purple stretch marks on the skin, thinning, fragile skin that easily bruises, unexpected hair growth
  • High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)—increased thirst or amount of urine, unusual weakness or fatigue, blurry vision
  • Increase in blood pressure
  • Infection—fever, chills, cough, sore throat, wounds that don't heal, pain or trouble when passing urine, general feeling of discomfort or being unwell
  • Low adrenal gland function—nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness
  • Mood and behavior changes—anxiety, nervousness, confusion, hallucinations, irritability, hostility, thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression
  • Stomach bleeding—bloody or black, tar-like stools, vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds
  • Swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • General discomfort and fatigue
  • Irritation at application site
  • Rectal pain, burning, or bleeding after use

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings & Precautions

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • Any active infection
  • Decreased immune function
  • Diabetes
  • Glaucoma or cataracts
  • High blood pressure
  • Previous heart attack
  • Rectal obstruction, abscess, perforation, or fistula
  • Stomach or intestine problems
  • Thyroid disease
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to hydrocortisone, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breastfeeding

What may interact with this medication?

  • Aminoglutethimide
  • Amphotericin B
  • Aspirin
  • Barbiturates, such as phenobarbital
  • Carbamazepine
  • Certain antibiotics, such as clarithromycin or erythromycin
  • Cholestyramine
  • Cyclosporine
  • Digoxin
  • Diuretics
  • Estrogen or progestin hormones
  • Isoniazid
  • Ketoconazole
  • Medications for Alzheimer disease
  • Medications for diabetes
  • Medications that improve muscle strength or tone for conditions such as myasthenia gravis
  • NSAIDs, medications for pain and inflammation, such as ibuprofen or naproxen
  • Phenytoin
  • Rifampin
  • Toxoids and vaccines
  • Warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Consult your care team if you do not start to get better after several days of use. Do not use if there is blood in your stools. Report rectal bleeding, pain, burning, itching, blistering, or any other sign of irritation to your care team.

This medication may increase your risk of getting an infection. Stay away from people who are sick. Tell your care team if you are around anyone with measles or chickenpox.

This medication may increase blood sugar. Ask your care team if changes in diet or medications are needed if you have diabetes.

Source: This information is sourced from Elsevier Inc.

Disclaimer

The reviews, ratings, comments, and opinions expressed on this platform are solely those of the individual medical professionals who posted them and do not reflect the views or positions of Sermo, Inc. Sermo does not endorse, verify, or validate the content of individual reviews. The information provided is user-generated and reflects personal clinical experiences, which may not be complete, accurate, or applicable to your specific health needs. It is not intended as medical advice.

Prescription medications affect individuals differently, and what works for one person may not work for another. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed applies to your personal circumstances. Only a licensed healthcare provider can advise you on what is safe and effective for you.

Keep all medications out of the reach of children, never share your medicine with others, and use each medication only as prescribed. Your reliance on any information provided on this platform is at your own risk.

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