Germoloids Hc Spray
Read all of this leaflet carefully because it contains important information for you.
This medicine is available without prescription. However, you still need to use Germoloids HC Spray carefully to get the best results from it. Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again. Ask your pharmacist if you need more information or advice. You must contact a doctor if your symptoms worsen or do not improve. If you have any unusual effects after using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist.
IN THIS LEAFLET:
1. What is Germoloids HC Spray and what is it used for?
2. Before you use Germoloids HC Spray
3. How to use Germoloids HC Spray
4. Possible side effects
5. How to store Germoloids HC Spray
6. Further information
1. WHAT IS GERMOLOIDS® HC SPRAY AND WHAT IS IT USED FOR?
Haemorrhoids (also known as piles) are swollen or enlarged blood vessels, which can cause discomfort, itching and irritation, particularly after a bowel movement. They may be either internal (inside the anus) or external (outside the anus).
Germoloids HC Spray is used to relieve the symptoms of external haemorrhoids, which include pain, itching and irritation immediately around the anus.
The Spray contains two active substances:
• Hydrocortisone - a steroid that occurs naturally in the body. When applied to the skin, steroids have been shown to reduce itching, redness and inflammation associated with certain skin problems.
• Lidocaine hydrochloride - a local anaesthetic that relieves pain.
2. BEFORE YOU USE GERMOLOIDS® HC SPRAY
This medicine should only be sprayed outside the anal area (not inside the anus).
DO NOT use Germoloids HC Spray:
• If you are allergic (hypersensitive) to hydrocortisone or lidocaine hydrochloride, or any of the other ingredients in the product (see section 6, Further information).
• On broken or infected skin.
• If you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
• If you are under 16 years of age.
Before using Germoloids HC Spray, see your doctor if:
• You have persistent pain or bleeding from the anus, especially if there has been a change in your bowel habits.
• Your stomach is swollen or bloated.
• You have abdominal pain.
• You are losing weight.
Consult your doctor immediately if you have any of these symptoms, as you may require prompt treatment.
Using other medicines:
Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are using or have recently used any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription.
Do not use Germoloids HC Spray if you are already using another product containing a steroid (e.g. prednisolone, beclometasone, betamethasone, dexamethasone), unless your doctor has said that you can use both products together.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding:
Do not use Germoloids HC Spray if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Ask your doctor before taking any medicine.
3. HOW TO USE GERMOLOIDS® HC SPRAY
Follow the directions below carefully. If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Wash your hands before and after using the spray.
Adults and children aged 16 years and over:
1. Before the first application, prime the pump by pressing its top down once or twice. The spray is then ready for use.
2. The spray can be used at any angle. Parting your buttocks if necessary, spray once over the affected area. You can repeat the treatment up to three times a day, depending on how serious your condition is.
3. Replace the cap firmly after use and wash your hands.
Germoloids HC Spray should be used for limited periods only and should not be used continuously for more than 7 days.
If your condition does not improve or gets worse consult your doctor.
Germoloids HC Spray is only for external use around the anus.
Keep the spray away from your eyes, nose and mouth. If you accidentally get the spray in your eyes, nose or mouth, wash immediately with water and tell your doctor straight away or contact your nearest Accident and Emergency Department.
If you use more Germoloids HC Spray than you should:
In exceptional circumstances, if steroids such as hydrocortisone are used excessively, thinning of the skin may occur. If you think this may have happened to you, tell your doctor at once. The symptoms (skin thinning) are normally reversible when treatment is stopped.
How to help reduce the occurrence and/or severity of haemorrhoids:
Constipation and straining during bowel movement can make haemorrhoids worse. To help avoid this, the following steps can be taken:
• Eat a high fibre diet of fruits, vegetables and whole grain food.
• Drink plenty of fluids, at least eight glasses a day (preferably water).
• Go to the toilet immediately when you need to pass stools and try to avoid straining during bowel movement.
• Exercise regularly as it can help to stimulate regular bowel movement.
4. POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
Like all medicines, Germoloids HC Spray can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
You may experience tingling at the site of application when the spray is first applied. This is normal and only temporary. Rarely, some people experience more persistent discomfort and irritation. If this occurs stop using Germoloids HC Spray and consult your doctor.
It is possible to develop an allergy to either lidocaine or hydrocortisone, in which case the use of Germoloids HC Spray will make the skin even more sore and itchy. If this occurs stop using Germoloids HC Spray and consult your doctor.
If you experience any of these symptoms or react badly to this product in any other way, stop using Germoloids HC Spray and tell your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.aov.uk/vellowcard.
By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
5. HOW TO STORE GERMOLOIDS® HC SPRAY Keep out of the reach and sight of children.
Do not store above 25°C.
This product should be stored in its original carton.
Do not use Germoloids HC Spray after the expiry date which is stated on the end of the tube and on the carton. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment.
6. FURTHER INFORMATION
What Germoloids HC Spray contains:
The active substances are hydrocortisone (0.2% w/w) and lidocaine hydrochloride (1.0% w/w).
The other ingredients are macrogol cetostearyl ether, citric acid, sodium citrate, propyl gallate, phenoxyethanol and purified water.
What Germoloids HC Spray looks like and contents of the pack:
Germoloids HC Spray is supplied in a tube fitted with a metered dose pump spray, which is ozone-friendly. The tube contains 30ml of the colourless to pale yellow liquid.
Marketing Authorisation Holder: Bayer pic, Consumer Care Division, Bayer House, Strawberry Hill, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 1JA.UK
Manufacturer: Fleet Laboratories Limited, 94 Rickmansworth Road, Watford, Hertfordshire WD18 7JJ, UK This leaflet was last revised in June 2015.
Remember if you have any doubts about using Germoloids® HC Spray correctly, seek the advice of your doctor or pharmacist
UK residents only: if you have any questions or would like more information on haemorrhoids, call the Germoloids Advice line on 0845 60 10 901*
‘calls charged at local rate.
® = Registered Trademark of Bayer AG, Germany.
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