Patient leaflet - Hydrocortisone 1% cream

1. What Hydrocortisone 1% Cream is and what it is used for

Hydrocortisone 1% Cream contains the active ingredient hydrocortisone which belongs to a group of medicines called corticosteroids or ‘steroids’. Steroids like hydrocortisone are applied to the skin to reduce inflammation. Hydrocortisone cream is indicated for the treatment of irritant contact dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, mild to moderate eczema and insect bite reactions.

Corticosteroid creams, ointments and other topical preparations come in four different potencies or strengths. These are known as mild, moderately potent, potent or very potent. Healthcare professionals will usually refer to topical corticosteroid potency rather than strength. A potent or strong corticosteroid has a much stronger effect than a mild corticosteroid when using the same amount. Be aware the percentage of active ingredient that is sometimes included on product packaging does not indicate potency.

Hydrocortisone 1% Cream is classed as a mild corticosteroid. Your healthcare professional will prescribe or advise a steroid of the appropriate potency for your condition.

2. What you need to know before you use Hydrocortisone 1% Cream

Use this medicine only on your skin to cover the affected area. Do not cover with a dressing. Do not use

if you are allergic to hydrocortisone or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6) (allergic reactions include mild symptoms such as itching and/or rash. More severe symptoms include swelling of the face, lips, tongue and/or throat with difficulty in swallowing or breathing).
on the eyes, face, anal or genital areas, on broken skin or infected skin, e.g. impetigo, cold sores, acne, athletes foot or infected bites and stings.
in pregnancy, breast-feeding

Warnings and precautions:

Contact your doctor if you experience blurred vision or other visual disturbances.

If there is a worsening of your condition during use, consult your doctor - you may be experiencing an allergic reaction, have an infection, or your condition requires a different treatment.

If you experience a recurrence of your condition, shortly after stopping treatment, within 2 weeks, do not restart using the cream without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. If your condition has resolved and on recurrence the redness extends beyond the initial treatment area and you experience a burning sensation, please seek medical advice before restarting treatment.

3. How to use Hydrocortisone 1% Cream

For adults and children

Apply sparingly to the affected area of skin once or twice a day for a maximum of 7 days. If the condition does not improve, consult your doctor.

Instructions for use

Use sparingly
Not for use in children under 10 years unless on medical advice.
Check that the tube seal is not broken before first use.

4. Possible side effects

May cause local skin reactions and blurred vision.

Steroid withdrawal reaction:

If used over prolonged periods a withdrawal reaction which might appear to be different from the previous condition, may occur in some patients during treatment or within days to weeks after stopping treatment, with some or all of the following features: redness of the skin which can extend beyond the initial area treated, a burning or stinging sensation, intense itching, peeling of the skin, oozing open sores.

Reporting of side effects

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects via the Yellow Card Scheme at:

www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

5. How to store Hydrocortisone 1% Cream

Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.

Do not store above 25°C.

Do not use any medicine after the expiry date on the carton and tube and keep them in their original pack.

Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use.

These measures will help protect the environment.

6. Contents of the pack and other information

What Hydrocortisone 1% Cream contains

The active ingredient is hydrocortisone acetate present at a concentration of 1%. The other inactive ingredients are: cetomacrogol emulsifying wax, liquid paraffin, white soft paraffin, chlorocresol and purified water.

What Hydrocortisone 1% Cream looks like and the contents of the pack

Hydrocortisone 1% Cream is a soft, white cream, with a faint characteristic odour.

It is available in a tube containing 15 g of cream.

Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer

Marketing Authorisation Holder

Waymade Plc,

Sovereign House, Miles Gray Road, Basildon, Essex, SS14 3FR, UK

Manufacturer