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 Cortenema (Hydrocortisone-rectal).

Diabetes: Corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone may cause an increase in blood sugar levels. People with diabetes may find it necessary to monitor their blood sugar more frequently while using Cortenema (Hydrocortisone-rectal). If you have diabetes or are at risk for developing diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Cortenema (Hydrocortisone-rectal) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

General precautions: Advise all doctors involved in your care that you have been using Cortenema (Hydrocortisone-rectal).

Glaucoma: Corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone may cause glaucoma to worsen. If you have glaucoma or are at risk for developing glaucoma, discuss with your doctor how Cortenema (Hydrocortisone-rectal) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Cortenema (Hydrocortisone-rectal), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Medical conditions: Corticosteroid therapy may aggravate a large number of medical conditions, including peptic ulcer, acute glomerulonephritis, myasthenia gravis, osteoporosis, diverticulitis, thrombophebitis, psychic disturbances, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, high blood pressure, and certain types of heart disease. If you have any of these conditions, discuss with your doctor how Cortenema (Hydrocortisone-rectal) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Cortenema (Hydrocortisone-rectal), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Severe bowel disease: People with severe ulcerative disease should be cautious about using Cortenema (Hydrocortisone-rectal) because they are predisposed to perforation of the bowel wall. If you have severe ulcerative disease, discuss with your doctor how Cortenema (Hydrocortisone-rectal) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Cortenema (Hydrocortisone-rectal), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Stopping medication: Stopping Cortenema (Hydrocortisone-rectal) suddenly may cause symptoms of the illness to return. Do not stop using Cortenema (Hydrocortisone-rectal) abruptly without checking with your doctor first.

Pregnancy: Cortenema (Hydrocortisone-rectal) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Cortenema (Hydrocortisone-rectal), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: Cortenema (Hydrocortisone-rectal) may pass into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are using hydrocortisone retention enema, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The active ingredient in this medication, hydrocortisone, belongs to the family of medications known as corticosteroids. Children may be more likely to experience the side effects encountered by using large amounts this class medication for long periods of time (e.g., slowing down of growth, delayed weight gain). The use of this medication by children should be limited to the smallest amount that will be effective. Discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of the use of Cortenema (Hydrocortisone-rectal) by children.