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 Anusol Hc. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Anusol Hc with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Anusol Hc. 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
• thin, fragile skin
• 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 check with your doctor or 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
• Diarrhea
• false sense of well-being
• Fever
• infection
• painful, red, or itchy pus-containing blisters in hair follicles
• rectal bleeding, burning, dryness, itching, or pain not present before treatment
• sensation of pins and needles
• stabbing pain

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 Anusol Hc.

Ointment

Each tube contains zinc sulfate monohydrate 0.5% and Hydrocortisone acetate 0.5% in a petroleum ointment base. Nonmedicinal ingredients: calcium phosphate, methylparaben, mineral oil, petrolatum, poloxyl-2-oleyl ether, and propylparaben.

Suppositories

Each suppository contains zinc sulfate monohydrate 10 mg, hydrocortisone acetate 10 mg in a triglyceride base. Nonmedicinal ingredients: calcium phosphate, magnesium stearate, methylparaben, propylparaben, and triglyceride base.

Do not use hydrocortisone - zinc sulfate if you:

• are allergic to hydrocortisone, zinc sulfate, or to any of the ingredients of the medication
• have Tuberculosis, fungal, bacterial, or viral infections of the skin

There may be an interaction between hydrocortisone - zinc sulfate and any of the following:

• other medications that are being applied or used rectally
• other topical medications that contain corticosteroids or that have irritating effects

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Anusol Hc. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

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 Anusol Hc.

Tell all health professionals involved in your care that you have been using topical (skin-applied) corticosteroids.

Adverse effects: Although side effects from using Anusol Hc are uncommon and should not occur with ordinary use, there have been rare instances of sensitization, irritation, and failure of therapeutic response. Stop using Anusol Hc and call a doctor if you experience irritation, an allergic reaction, or sensitization.

Bleeding from rectum: Call your doctor right away if you notice bleeding from the rectum.

Infection: Topical corticosteroids may increase the risk of developing a skin infection. Contact your doctor if you notice any increased redness, swelling, heat, or pain around the area where the medication is applied, as these are possible signs of infection.

Pregnancy: Anusol Hc should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while using Anusol Hc, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: Anusol Hc may pass into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are using Anusol Hc, talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.