Emo Cort Cream (Hydrocortisone)

For topical use only and not for use in the eyes.

Usual dose:

Apply a thin film to the affected areas once or twice a day for a maximum of 4 weeks.

It is important to not stop using EMO-CORT suddenly or your skin condition could flare up again. If your condition does not improve within 2-4 weeks of treatment, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

If you use EMO-CORT regularly make sure you talk to your doctor before you stop using it.

How to Apply EMO-CORT:

• Apply a thin layer and gently rub in, using only enough to cover the entire affected area.
• Wash your hands after use unless treating the hands.
• Excess product should not be returned to the container, since it may cause contamination.
• A moisturizer should be used as maintenance therapy.

EMO-CORT should be used for the minimum amount of time required to achieve the desired results, but always use EMO-CORT exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

Overdose:

In case of drug overdose, contact a health care practitioner, hospital emergency department or regional Poison Control Centre immediately, even if there are no symptoms.

Missed dose:

If you forget to use EMO-CORT, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time scheduled to apply your next dose, wait and apply your next scheduled dose and then continue as before. Do not apply extra EMO-CORT to make up for missed doses.

Like all medicines EMO-CORT can have side effects although not everybody gets them. Side effects will affect your skin and may have an effect on other parts of your body if a sufficient quantity of medicine is absorbed through the skin and enters your blood stream.

If your skin condition gets worse or your skin becomes swollen during treatment. You may be allergic to the medicine or need other treatment. Stop using EMO-CORT and tell your doctor as soon as possible.

The following side effects have been reported in patients using EMO-CORT and other corticosteroids:

• local hypersensitivity
• contact dermatitis/dermatitis (a type of eczema)
• redness
• rash
• hives
• itching
• skin burning
• skin pain
• skin dryness or flaking
• skin thinning or softening
• stretch marks
• changes in the colour of your skin
• increased body hair
• the appearance of blood vessels under the surface of your skin (telangiectasia)
• worsening of condition
• secondary infection
• application site irritation or pain

The following have been observed with the use of airtight dressings:

• pus-filled bumps (pustules), heat rash (miliaria), inflammation of the hair follicles (folliculitis), non-healing wounds (pyoderma)

Serious side effects such as Cushing’s syndrome may be associated with absorption in the body of topical corticosteroids (for example, from long-term, improper or excessive use). Symptoms include: increased weight, moon face/rounding of the face and obesity. Other side effects may include weight loss, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea and abdominal pain (steroid withdrawal syndrome). Also, look out for delayed weight gain and slow growth in children.

Other symptoms that may only show in blood tests or when your doctor gives you a medical examination are: decreased hormone cortisol levels in your blood, increased sugar levels in your blood or urine, high blood pressure, cloudy lens in the eye (cataract), increased pressure in the eye (glaucoma), as well as weakening of the bones through gradual mineral loss (osteoporosis) and additional tests may be needed after your medical examination to confirm whether you have osteoporosis.

If any of the side effects listed becomes severe or troublesome, tell your doctor or pharmacist.

Topical corticosteroids when used over large areas, on sensitive areas such as the face, in skin-fold areas like the armpit and groin, on broken skin, for prolonged periods or under an airtight dressing are more likely to be absorbed into the bloodstream and cause side effects. Apply only enough to cover the affected areas. EMO-CORT should not be applied over large areas unless advised by a physician.

Only use EMO-CORT for as long as your doctor recommends.

Inform your doctor if you have previously used corticosteroids.

Before using EMO-CORT, talk to your doctor or pharmacist if:

• you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
• you are breastfeeding. If you do use EMO-CORT when breastfeeding, do not use on your breast area to ensure that the baby does not accidentally get it in their mouth.
• you have other inflammatory skin diseases in the leg as a result of impaired circulation (such as stasis dermatitis).
• you have problems with your kidney or liver. You may need to use a smaller amount of EMO-CORT or use it less often.

While using EMO-CORT, talk to your doctor or pharmacist if:

• you develop any skin infection
• you have an allergic reaction
• you develop significant skin irritation
• you experience skin thinning or softening
• your condition worsens or does not improve

While using EMO-CORT:

• EMO-CORT should be used with caution on the face, or in skin fold areas, such as the groin or the armpit.
• Avoid EMO-CORT from getting in the eye, or other mucous membranes. In case of contact, wash with water. Absorption in the body may cause increased pressure in the eye (glaucoma), or a cloudy lens in the eye (cataracts).
• Do not use occlusive dressings such as a bandage, nor cover the treated areas tightly.
• If you are over 65 years of age, use EMO-CORT with caution. You may need to use a smaller amount of EMO-CORT or use it less often.
• Children absorb larger amounts of topical corticosteroids and therefore, may be more likely to develop side effects.
• If you have any skin disease around a leg ulcer, use of a topical corticosteroid may increase the risk of an allergic reaction or an infection around the ulcer.

Some medicines may affect how EMO-CORT works, or make it more likely that you’ll have side effects. Examples of these medicines include:

• Ritonavir (for HIV).
• Itraconazole (for fungal infections).

Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all your other medications, including medicines that you bought without prescription and natural health products.