SUMMARY CMI
Cortic-DS 1% cream and ointment
Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summary
The full CMI on the next page has more details. If you are worried about using this medicine, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
1. Why am I using CORTIC-DS?
CORTIC-DS contains the active ingredient hydrocortisone (as hydrocortisone acetate). CORTIC-DS is used for non-infective inflammatory skin conditions e.g. eczema, dermatitis and is used to relieve the redness, swelling, itching and other discomforts of the skin.
For more information, see Section 1. Why am I using CORTIC-DS? in the full CMI.
2. What should I know before I use CORTIC-DS?
Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to CORTIC-DS or any of the ingredients listed at the end of the CMI.
Talk to your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, take any other medicines, or are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.
For more information, see Section 2. What should I know before I use CORTIC-DS? in the full CMI.
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
Some medicines may interfere with CORTIC-DS and affect how it works.
A list of these medicines is in Section 3. What if I am taking other medicines? in the full CMI.
4. How do I use CORTIC-DS?
- Apply a thin smear to affected areas two to four times a day or as directed.
- Your doctor or pharmacist will tell you how long to use CORTIC-DS.
More instructions can be found in Section 4. How do I use CORTIC-DS? in the full CMI.
5. What should I know while using CORTIC-DS?
Things you should do |
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Things you should not do |
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Things to be careful of |
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Looking after your medicine |
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For more information, see Section 5. What should I know while using CORTIC-DS? in the full CMI.
6. Are there any side effects?
Common side effects of CORTIC-DS include itching, burning, dryness and acne-form eruptions. Prolonged use or overuse of this medicine may cause other side effects including high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood, and eye problems e.g. cataracts, glaucoma and blurred vision.
For more information, including what to do if you have any side effects, see Section 6. Are there any side effects? in the full CMI.
FULL CMI
Cortic-DS 1% cream and ointment
Active ingredient: hydrocortisone acetate
Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)
This leaflet provides important information about using CORTIC-DS 1% cream and ointment, abbreviated as CORTIC-DS in this document. You should also speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you would like further information or if you have any concerns or questions about using CORTIC-DS.
Where to find information in this leaflet:
1. Why am I using CORTIC-DS?
2. What should I know before I use CORTIC-DS?
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
4. How do I use CORTIC-DS?
5. What should I know while using CORTIC-DS?
6. Are there any side effects?
7. Product details
1. Why am I using CORTIC-DS?
CORTIC-DS contains the active ingredient hydrocortisone (as hydrocortisone acetate). It is a type of cortisone and belongs to the group of medicines called corticosteroids.
CORTIC-DS is used for non-infective inflammatory skin conditions e.g. eczema, dermatitis and is used to relieve the redness, swelling, itching and other discomforts of the skin.
It is available as a cream and an ointment.
2. What should I know before I use CORTIC-DS?
Warnings
Do not use CORTIC-DS if:
- You are allergic to hydrocortisone, or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.
- Some symptoms of an allergic reaction may include shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty in breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or any other parts of the body; rash, itching or hives on the skin.
- Always check the ingredients to make sure you can use this medicine. - You have any of the following:
- A viral skin infection (e.g. herpes simples, cold sores, shingles, chicken pox)
- A fungal skin infection (e.g. thrush, tinea, ringworm)
- Tuberculosis condition of the skin
- Vaccinia (cowpox: a viral disease passed from cattle)
- Varicella (a rare form of chicken pox)
- Poor circulation of blood in the skin region, as it may results in skin infections. - The expiry date on the pack has passed.
Your medicine may have no effect at all, or worse, it may give an entirely unexpected effect if you us it after the expiry date. - The packaging shows signs of tampering or the seal on the rube is broken, or if the product does not look quite right.
Check with your doctor if you:
- Have had any allergy to any other medicines, or any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.
- Have any other health problems.
During treatment, you may be at risk of developing certain side effects. It is important you understand these risks and how to monitor for them. See additional information under Section 6. Are there any side effects?
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.
Do not apply CORTIC-DS to the breast before breastfeeding.
Use in children
Do not use in children unless your doctor tells you to do so.
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are using other creams, ointments or lotions or taking any medicine. This includes any that you buy without a prescription from a pharmacy, supermarket, or health food shop.
Some medicines may interfere with CORTIC-DS if it is used excessively or for prolonged periods. Your doctor or pharmacist has a list of medicines that may interfere with CORTIC-DS.
Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about what medicines, vitamins or supplements you are taking and if these affect CORTIC-DS.
If you have not told your doctor about any of the above, tell them before you start using CORTIC-DS.
4. How do I use CORTIC-DS?
How much to use
Apply a thin smear to affected areas two to four times a day or as directed.
- Occlusive dressings are not necessary unless advised by your doctor.
- It is important to use CORTIC-DS exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you.
- If you use it less than you should, it may not work as well, and you skin problem may not improve.
When to take use CORTIC-DS
CORTIC-DS should be used at the same time every day.
How long to use it
Your doctor or pharmacist will tell you how long to use CORTIC-DS.
Reduce the number of applications as the skin disorder subsides. If you use CORTIC-DS for a long time, the chance of side effects increases.
If you forget to use CORTIC-DS
If you forget to use CORTIC-DS, use it as soon as you remember and then go back to your normal times for application.
Do not try to make up for the amount you missed by using more than you normally use.
If you swallow it
If you or someone else swallows CORTIC-DS, you or they may need urgent medical attention.
You should immediately:
- phone the Poisons Information Centre
(by calling 13 11 26), or - contact your doctor, or
- go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.
You should do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
5. What should I know while using CORTIC-DS?
Things you should do
- Tell all your doctors and pharmacists who are treating you that you are using CORTIC-DS.
- Tell your doctor if you feel that CORTIC-DS is not helping your condition.
- Tell your doctor if, for any reason, you have not used CORTIC-DS exactly as prescribed. Otherwise, your doctor may think that it was not effective and change your treatment unnecessarily.
- Tell your doctor if you become pregnant while using CORTIC-DS.
Things you should not do
- Do not use CORTIC-DS under dressings or on large areas of skin unless your doctor tells you.
- Do not use it in or near the eyes.
- Do not give CORTIC-DS to anyone else even if their symptoms seem similar to yours.
- Do not use CORTIC-DS to treat other conditions unless your doctor tells you. Your doctor has prescribed CORTIC-DS especially for you and your condition. If you use it for another condition, it may not work or make the condition worse.
Things to be careful of
- Do not use large amounts of CORTIC-DS for a long time. If you use large amounts for long time, the chance of systemic absorption through the skin and the chance of side effects increase.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are concerned about the length of time you have been using this medicine. - Only use CORTIC-DS under the arm or in the groin if your doctor tells you.
Looking after your medicine
- Keep it where young children cannot reach it.
- Keep this medicine in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C.
- Do not leave it in the car or on windowsills. Heat can destroy some medicines.
Getting rid of any unwanted medicine
If you no longer need to use this medicine or it is out of date, take it to any pharmacy for safe disposal.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date.
6. Are there any side effects?
All medicines can have side effects. If you do experience any side effects, most of them are minor and temporary. However, some side effects may need medical attention.
See the information below and, if you need to, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any further questions about side effects.
Less serious side effects
Less serious side effects | What to do |
| Speak to your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects and they worry you. |
Serious side effects
Serious side effects | What to do |
Prolonged use or overuse may cause the following side effects in some people:
| Check with your doctor |
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything else that may be making you feel unwell.
Other side effects not listed here may occur in some people.
Reporting side effects
After you have received medical advice for any side effects you experience, you can report side effects to the Therapeutic Goods Administration online at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
Always make sure you speak to your doctor or pharmacist before you decide to stop taking any of your medicines.
7. Product details
CORTIC-DS cream and ointment are available in two sizes; 30 g and 50 g tubes.
A doctor's prescription is required for the larger 50 g tube of CORTIC-DS cream or ointment. However, the 30 g tube can be purchased at a pharmacy without a doctor's prescription.
What CORTIC-DS contains
Active ingredient (main ingredient) |
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Other ingredients (inactive ingredients) | CORTIC-DS cream
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Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of these ingredients.
What CORTIC-DS looks like
CORTIC-DS cream is a soft white cream with faint odour of chlorocresol. (AUST R 91051)
CORTIC-DS ointment is a soft, yellowish-white ointment with a faint odour of paraffin and lanolin. (AUST R 91052)
Who distributes CORTIC-DS
Aspen Pharmacare Australia Pty Ltd
34-36 Chandos Street
St Leonards NSW 2065
Australia
Made in Australia.
This leaflet was prepared in August 2024
Published by MIMS November 2024