Cortate

Hydrocortisone topical preparations (i.e., cream, lotion, or ointment) should be applied to the affected area in a thin film not more than 2 to 3 times a day. Your doctor may also suggest to apply only 1 to 2 times a day. Take care not to get Cortate (Hydrocortisone-topical) in your eyes. Wash your hands after applying the medication. Do not use a non-breathing wrapping on the area where the medication has been applied unless instructed to do so by your doctor. Use Cortate (Hydrocortisone-topical) for a maximum of 4 weeks. If symptoms persist longer than 7 days, consult your doctor.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.

In all cases, the smallest amount of topical hydrocortisone that provides relief from the skin condition should be used for the shortest possible length of time, to avoid unnecessary side effects.

It is important to use Cortate (Hydrocortisone-topical) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Cortate (Hydrocortisone-topical) at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

In addition to its desired action, this medication may cause some adverse effects, notably: it may cause spots or redness of the skin; it may lighten the skin where it is applied. Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing adverse effects (including those described here, or others), talk to your health care professional. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.

Cortate (Hydrocortisone-topical) is available as a 0.5% cream, a 0.5% ointment, and a 0.5% lotion.

Do not use hydrocortisone topical if you:

• are allergic to hydrocortisone or any ingredients of the medication
• are allergic to other corticosteroid medications
• have certain viral infections such as herpes simplex, Chickenpox, or vaccinia
• have untreated Tuberculosis, fungal, or bacterial infections of the skin

There may be an interaction between hydrocortisone topical and any of the following:

• Aldesleukin
• hyaluronidase
• Ceritinib
• Deferasirox

If you are applying additional medications to the area of the skin being treated, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Cortate (Hydrocortisone-topical). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Cortate (Hydrocortisone-topical).

Dressings: Do not use dressings or bandages over hydrocortisone unless recommended by your doctor. This includes diapers or plastic pants if hydrocortisone is applied to the diaper area.

Eye: Be careful when applying hydrocortisone on lesions near the eye because absorption into the blood may cause increased eye pressure, Glaucoma, or Cataracts. Wash your hands after applying hydrocortisone and avoid touching your eyes.

Infection: A proper anti-infective should be used to treat an infection while hydrocortisone may be used to treat the symptoms of inflammation, redness, and itching. At times, the use of corticosteroids may mask the signs and symptoms of infections.

Medical conditions: Do not use Cortate (Hydrocortisone-topical) to treat itching of the vulva (vaginal lips) that is associated with vaginal discharge.

Overuse: Long-term use of Cortate (Hydrocortisone-topical) over large areas of the body or under dressings that don't breathe could lead to the absorption of hydrocortisone into the body's blood circulation. This could produce effects similar to those seen after taking oral steroid medications, such as Prednisone, for long periods of time. These side effects include:

• acne
• cataracts
• Diarrhea or Constipation
• fluid retention (bloating)
• hallucinations
• increased blood sugar
• increased body hair growth
• increased risk of infections
• irregular menstrual cycles
• nausea
• seizures
• slow healing of wounds
• stomach ulcers
• thin skin
• vomiting

Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

Skin: Prolonged use of corticosteroids can cause thinning of the skin, especially on the face, armpits, inner arm, back of the leg, and skin folds. If this occurs, talk to your doctor.

Pregnancy: The use of topical hydrocortisone is generally considered to be compatible with pregnancy. If you are pregnant, speak to your doctor about the benefits and risks of using Cortate (Hydrocortisone-topical).

Breast-feeding: The use of topical hydrocortisone is generally considered to be compatible with breast-feeding. If you are breast-feeding, speak to your doctor about the benefits and risks of using Cortate (Hydrocortisone-topical).

Children: Children may absorb more of the medication than adults and may experience more side effects. Speak to your doctor about the benefits and risks of using Cortate (Hydrocortisone-topical) on children.

This medication is to be applied on the skin. To use: Clean the affected area. Apply a small quantity, and limit the application to the affected area. Wash your hands after applying the medication - unless, obviously, you applied the medication on your hands! Do not let this product come in contact with your eyes. This medication is typically used twice a day. However, your pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. Continue applying the product to complete the prescribed course of treatment, even after improvement is seen or felt. Important: Follow the instructions on the label. Do not use more of this product, or more often, than prescribed. Cortisone products can thin the skin and increase the risk of skin infections. Do not use for longer than necessary.