HYDROCORTISONE 1%

BITE AND STING RELIEF CREAM

PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET

Read this leaflet carefully because it contains important information for you.

•    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 after 3 days.

IN THIS LEAFLET:

1.    What this medicine is for

2.    Before you use the medicine

3.    How to use the medicine

4.    Possible side effects

5.    Storing the medicine

6.    Further information

WHATTHIS MEDICINE IS FOR

Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid, or 'steroid', which is applied to the skin to treat inflammation, and should not be confused with 'anabolic steroids' or 'sex steroids'. The cream is used to treat insect bite and sting reactions ONLY.

Q BEFOREYOU USETHE MEDICINE

DO NOT use this cream:

•    on the face, eyes or around the anus or genitals

•    on broken or infected skin (including scabies, infected bites or stings, cold sores, athletes foot, acne or chickenpox)

•    for other bites or stings (not from insects) e.g. animal bites or nettle stings

•    for other skin conditions e.g. dermatitis or eczema

•    under occlusive dressing

•    on children under 10 years of age

•    if you are allergic to hydrocortisone or any of the other ingredients listed in section 6 (see also 'Important Information' below)

Take special care with Hydrocortisone Cream

•    Stop using this cream and consult a doctor immediately if you experience any allergic type reactions after using this cream or if your condition does not improve even after using this cream.

Taking other medicines

•    Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding

•    If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breast-feeding, ask your doctor for advice before using this medicine.

Driving and using machines

•    Hydrocortisone cream is not expected to affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.

Important information about one of the ingredients

•    The cream contains Chlorocresol which may cause allergic reactions.

gj HOWTO USETHE MEDICINE

For use on the skin.

Use this cream only as described in this leaflet and on the carton or tube.

Before first use pierce the tube by inverting the cap over the end of the tube and press. Wash your hands before applying the cream.

Further information overleaf.

Wash your hands after applying the cream unless used to treat bites or stings on the hands.

Age	How to use
Adults and children age 10 years and over.	Apply sparingly to a small area once or twice daily to thinly cover the affected area and gently rub into the skin until the cream disappears.
DO NOT use on children under 10 years.
Use the cream for a maximum period of 3 days. CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR if the condition does not improve or worsens.

If you use more Hydrocortisone Cream than you should

If you have squeezed out too much cream, wipe off the excess with a paper towel.

If you forget to use Hydrocortisone Cream

If you forget to apply Hydrocortisone Cream, apply it as soon as possible and carry on as before. If it is 4 hours or less to the next application, then ignore the missed dose.

If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Q POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS

Like all medicines, hydrocortisone cream can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.Most people use hydrocortisone cream without any problems but, like all medicines, it can have side effects.

If the following happens, stop using the cream and tell your doctor immediately or go to the casualty department at your nearest hospital:

• an allergic reaction (swelling of the lips, face or neck leading to severe difficulty in breathing; skin rash or hives).

If your condition becomes worse during treatment, you may have an allergy to one of the ingredients of the cream or an infection. Stop using hydrocortisone cream and tell your doctor as soon as possible.

Use of this cream may cause stretch marks on skin.

If any of the side effects get serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.

gj STORING THE MEDICINE

Do not use after the expiry date shown on the carton or tube.

Do not store above 25°C.

Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

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.

p| FURTHER INFORMATION

What is in this medicine

The active ingredient is: Hydrocortisone 1.0% w/w.

The other ingredients are: Chlorocresol, Cetomacrogol Emulsifying Wax, White Soft Paraffin, Liquid Paraffin and Purified Water.

What this medicine looks like and contents of the pack

Hydrocortisone 1% Bite and Sting Relief Cream is a smooth, white cream.

The tube contains 10g of cream.

Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer:TEVA UK Limited, Eastbourne BN22 9AG England.

This leaflet was last revised: March 2011 PL 00289/0599

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