What is Proctofoam HC? Uses, warnings & side effects

Take this medication as instructed. 

Please read and follow the Patient Instructions that come with this medication.

Apply doses three to four times daily.

The container should provide a minimum of 14 doses.

Try to clean the affected area (or around the affected area) with soap and water before each application.

For anal application:

• Use the applicator. Never use the foam container to apply doses inside the anus.

• Shake the container vigorously for five to ten seconds before each use. Make sure the cap is on the container.

• With the container upright, place the tip of the applicator onto the nose of the cap.

• Lift the plunger so the bottom of the plunger lines up at the fill line.

• Prime the container by pulling down on the cap flanges and then releasing. It may take two pulls to start getting foam.

• When foam is coming out of the container, fill the plunger by pressing down and holding the flanges for one to two seconds.

• Wait five to ten seconds to allow the foam to expand.

• Do this a second or third time until the expanded foam reaches the fill line.

• Remove the applicator.

• Gently place the tip of the applicator inside the anus.

• Push the plunger in until all the foam has been injected.

• Remove the applicator.

• Take apart the applicator and wash each part with warm water.

• Remove the container cap and rinse it in warm water. 

• Wash your hands.

For perianal application:

• Use tissues.

• Wash your hands.

• Place the cap on the container and shake vigorously for five to ten seconds.

• Prime the container.

• Apply a small amount of foam to a tissue.

• Gently rub the foam in the skin around the anus.

• Dispose of the tissue.

• Take off the canister cap and rinse it in warm water.

• Do not cover the area with a bandage unless instructed to do so.

• Wash your hands.

Store the Proctofoam HC canister at room temperature. Do not refrigerate.

Keep the Proctofoam HC container away from extreme heat.

Do not burn or puncture the canister.

Ask the prescriber how to manage missed doses.

Do not use extra medicine to compensate for a missed dose.

This medicine is not right for everyone. 

Do not use it if you have had an allergic reaction to hydrocortisone or pramoxine.

Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are using this medicine.

Follow-up care is limited, but the doctor may need to visit with you during the course of treatment. Keep all appointments.

Tell your prescriber if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Call the prescriber if symptoms do not improve or get worse.

• Report any adverse effects to the prescriber.

Do not use this medication for any other purpose than prescribed. 

• Do not put it on any other part of the body than the anus or around the anus.

Do not allow this medicine to get on other parts of the skin, in the mouth, or in the eyes. 

• Wash your hands after each use. 

• Don’t touch any part of your body until you’ve washed your hands. 

• If this medicine gets on the skin, immediately rinse it off.

This medicine usually doesn’t cause serious side effects unless it gets into the bloodstream or is swallowed. If that happens repeatedly, Proctofoam can cause serious steroid-related problems including:

• Adrenal gland problems

• Cushing’s syndrome

Proctofoam HC has no major drug interactions.