Patient Information Leaflet

ANUGESIC™ HC

Suppositories

Please read this leaflet carefully before you start to use Anugesic HC Suppositories. It contains important information about your treatment. If you have any questions, or if you are not sure about anything, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

What is in the pack?

The name of your medicine is Anugesic HC Suppositories. Each 2.8 g suppository contains:

• pramocaine hydrochloride - 27 mg
• hydrocortisone acetate - 5 mg
• bismuth oxide - 24 mg
• zinc oxide - 296 mg
• bismuth subgallate - 59 mg
• balsam peru - 49 mg
• benzyl benzoate - 33 mg

Anugesic HC Suppositories also contain the inactive ingredients: hard fat A and C, calcium hydrogen phosphate and theobroma oil.

Anugesic HC Suppositories are buff coloured suppositories which are packaged in a plastic strip. There are 12 suppositories in each box.

What do the active ingredients of Anugesic HC Suppositories do?

Pramocaine hydrochloride is an anaesthetic which acts on the skin and mucous membranes to relieve pain and itching. Hydrocortisone acetate is one of the group of medicines called corticosteroids which help to relieve inflammation. The other active ingredients of Anugesic HC Suppositories have astringent, protective, soothing and mild antiseptic properties.

What are Anugesic HC Suppositories used for?

Anugesic HC Suppositories are to treat the severe pain and discomfort associated with internal haemorrhoids, and pruritus ani (itching around the anus). Haemorrhoids (piles) are enlarged or swollen blood vessels around the anus which may either be internal (inside the anus) or external (outside the anus). They can cause varying degrees of discomfort, itch and irritation, particularly after a bowel movement.

 

Before using Anugesic HC Suppositories

Before you start to use Anugesic HC Suppositories:

• Are you pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breast feeding?
• Have you ever had a reaction to Anugesic HC Suppositories, any of its ingredients or other similar products? Please be aware that balsam peru may cause skin reactions.
• Do you have any rectal bleeding? (Although bleeding, shown as streaks of blood on toilet paper, is not uncommon in people with piles, it may be a sign of a more serious condition and you should see your doctor to check this).
• Do you have any cuts or infection around the anus? (Ask your pharmacist or doctor if you are in any doubt about this as it is important not to use Anugesic HC Suppositories if the area around the anus is infected).
• Do you have chicken pox or shingles?
• Anugesic HC Suppositories are not recommended for children.

If you answer yes to any of these questions, do not use Anugesic HC Suppositories. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist at once.

How to use Anugesic HC Suppositories

• Tear along the perforation to remove one suppository from the strip

(please refer to Carton mock-up for instructive pictures)

• Grip the two halves of the plastic cover firmly, holding between thumb and forefinger of each hand. Gently pull the two halves apart to fully expose the suppository.

(please refer to Carton mock-up for instructive pictures)

• Remove the suppository and insert it as deeply into the anus as possible. One suppository should be inserted at night and one in the morning and after each bowel movement until the condition is controlled.
• Anugesic HC Suppositories are specially shaped for easy insertion into the anus. You may find insertion of the suppositories easier if you place one foot on a chair or lie on your side with one leg drawn up as high as possible under the chin.
• Do not use for longer than seven days unless your doctor tells you to. If the condition gets worse, or if rectal bleeding starts, consult a doctor.
• Anugesic HC Suppositories are for insertion into the rectum (back passage) only. Do not swallow them. If you accidentally swallow a suppository, tell your doctor at once.

Side-effects

As with all medicines, Anugesic HC Suppositories can sometimes cause side-effects. A burning, itching or stinging is occasionally felt around the anus. Very rarely there are sensitivity reactions, such as rash. Continuous use for long periods of time can be harmful, causing the skin to thin, develop a stripy appearance or affect the blood vessels just below the skin. If you get these, or any other unusual effects, stop using Anugesic HC Suppositories and tell your doctor or pharmacist at once.

How to store Anugesic HC Suppositories

• Do not use the suppositories after the expiry date printed on the plastic strips and carton.
• Remember, as with all medicines, keep Anugesic HC Suppositories out of the reach and sight of children.
• Keep the suppositories in the packaging they come in.
• Do not store above 25°C.