Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Cortifoam (Hydrocortisone-rectal). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Cortifoam (Hydrocortisone-rectal) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Cortifoam (Hydrocortisone-rectal). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• dizziness
• dry, scaly skin
• increased appetite
• increased sweating
• lightened skin colour
• sensation of spinning
• thin, fragile skin
• thinning hair on scalp
• unusual weight gain

Although most of these side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• 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 treatment
• sensation of "pins and needles"
• stabbing pain

Some side effects may occur only if the medication is used for long periods of 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 of 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
• non-elevated 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 healing of wounds
• stunting of growth (in children)
• swelling of feet or lower legs
• tearing of eyes
• trouble sleeping
• unusual decrease in sexual desire or ability in men
• unusual increase in hair growth (especially on the face)
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• unusual weight loss
• weak pulse

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Cortifoam (Hydrocortisone-rectal).