Uniroid HC

Uniroid HC comes as either a cream or as suppositories. It is used for the treatment of haemorrhoids. Uniroid HC contains both hydrocortisone and cinchocaine hydrochloride. This means that it works in two different ways. The hydrocortisone helps to relieve skin irritation and inflammation and to soothe the skin. The cinchocaine hydrochloride works as a local anaesthetic to relieve pain.

Haemorrhoids, also called piles, are swollen blood vessels in and around your bottom. They are often itchy and uncomfortable but are very common and can usually be treated easily at home. They can be caused by straining to go to the toilet, so if you have haemorrhoids it’s sensible to eat a high fibre diet to soften your stools. Piles are also common in the people over the age of 45, in women during and after pregnancy, in people who spend a lot of time sitting down and in people with a family history if haemorrhoids.

Uniroid HC comes as either a cream or as suppositories. It is used for the treatment of haemorrhoids.

Uniroid HC contains both hydrocortisone and cinchocaine hydrochloride. This means that it works in two different ways. The hydrocortisone helps to relieve skin irritation and inflammation and to soothe the skin. The cinchocaine hydrochloride works as a local anaesthetic to relieve pain.

Uniroid HC is used to treat both internal (inside the anus) and external (around the anus) haemorrhoids. It provides both relief from pain and from the itching or burning sensation people often experience, as well as helping to speed up recovery. Piles are a common issue and have many different causes, from pregnancy to age to family history.

Uniroid HC can be used by both adults and children, but should not be used on children without specific instruction from a doctor or medical professional.

If your haemorrhoids are bothering you, there are some other things you can do alongside using Uniroid HC to help ease the pain and discomfort while you wait for the medication to take effect or to help prevent them from worsening:

• Take paracetamol for the pain;
• Take a warm bath;
• Use damp tissues to wipe after bowel movements;
• Drink plenty of fluids;
• Cut down on alcohol and caffeine;
• Use an ice pack wrapped in a towel to cool the affected area;
• Exercise regularly.

Uniroid HC can be used either as a cream or as a suppository. The cream can be used to treat internal and external haemorrhoids, while the suppository is obviously targeted at internal haemorrhoids.

You should always follow the instructions given to you by your doctor or pharmacist when it comes to any medication and how to use it.

• Ensure the area where you need to apply the cream is clean by washing gently and patting dry;
• Wash your hands;
• Squeeze a small blob of cream onto your finger and then apply gently to the haemorrhoids without rubbing;
• Do not use toilet paper or cotton wool to apply the cream;
• When you have finished wash your hands again;
• Do not apply a dressing over the top of the cream as this may increase the likelihood of an allergic reaction.

• Ensure the area where you need to apply the cream is clean by washing gently and patting dry;
• Wash your hands;
• Inside your pack alongside the cream, you will find a nozzle applicator. Wash this carefully in warm soapy water;
• Screw the nozzle onto the end of the tube;
• Carefully insert the applicator fully inside the anus;
• Squeeze the tube at the bottom while slowly pulling the nozzle out of your anus to leave behind the cream;
• Unscrew the nozzle and wash it again along with your hands before storing with the cream for the next application.

• Wash your hands;
• Tear open the packaging and take out the suppository;
• Try not to handle it for too long as it will melt at body temperature;
• Place the suppository inside your anus, inserting it as far as possible;
• You may wish to lie down while you do this and stay there for a couple of minutes once the suppository is in place;
• Wash your hands again.

Uniroid HC cream contains 5mg of hydrocortisone and 5mg of cinchocaine hydrochloride per 1g of cream.

Adults and children over the age of 12 should use a small amount of cream twice a day, in the morning and evening. The cream should also be applied after every bowel movement. Do not use this treatment for more than 7 days in a row. If there is no improvement in your haemorrhoids within 7 days you should seek medical advice.

Uniroid HC suppositories also contain 5mg of hydrocortisone and 5mg of cinchocaine hydrochloride. The other ingredient in the suppository is hard fat.

Similarly, the suppositories should also be used twice a day. Insert 1 suppository in the morning and 1 in the evening, plus 1 after every bowel movement unless you have been given other instructions by your doctor. If there is no improvement in your haemorrhoids within 7 days you should seek medical advice.

If you accidentally forget to use the cream or suppository at the stated times then don’t worry, simply use it as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time for your next dose then simply skip the dose you forgot as you should never use a double dose.

If for any reason you do apply more cream than necessary or insert too many suppositories then please seek medical assistance.

If you swallow either substance seek immediate medical assistance. If you need to go to hospital it’s a good idea to take the packaging with you so the medical staff know exactly what you have ingested.

Just like all medication, Uniroid HC comes with a warning of side effects. Not everyone who uses Uniroid HC will get them. The good news is that Uniroid HC has very few side effects.

There is a risk of an allergic reaction. Symptoms include itching, pain or a rash around the anus area.

Uniroid HC contains cetostearyl alcohol which may cause local skin reactions and dermatitis. Take care not to apply any dressings, plasters or bandages over the treatment as this will increase the likelihood of an allergic reaction.

When used in large doses Uniroid HC could suppress your adrenal glands. The function of your adrenal glands is to release certain hormones into the body, some of which are essential in order to function properly. Suppressing your adrenal glands can cause complex changes in your body. If you find you are using Uniroid HC on a regular basis then you should discuss this complication with your doctor.

As both the cream and suppositories contain the same active ingredients they come with the same warnings about when you should avoid using them. You shouldn’t use Uniroid HC if:

• You are allergic to hydrocortisone or any other steroids;
• You are allergic to cinchocaine or to any other local anaesthetic;
• You are allergic to any of the other ingredients listed on the packet.

• Tuberculosis;
• Any kind of skin infection (a virus that affects your skin, or thrush around your anus etc.).
• Children under 12 should not use Uniroid HC unless it is prescribed specifically for them by a doctor.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy then you should discuss your situation with a doctor before starting treatment with Uniroid HC.
• If you have ever had a bad reaction to a similar treatment or to Uniroid HC in the past then talk to a doctor before starting treatment with Uniroid HC.
• Uniroid HC should not affect your ability to drive or operate heavy machinery. You are also free to eat and drink as you usually do as this medication is not affected by food. That said, reducing your alcohol consumption may help with your piles.

Some medicines may be affected by Uniroid HC, or some medicines may affect how well Uniroid HC works so it is always best to check with your doctor or pharmacist to ensure any medication you are taking is ok. This includes herbal supplements and vitamins.

You can buy Uniroid HC from any pharmacy with a prescription. Buy it wherever is most convenient for you. Order online for home delivery or collection, pop into your local supermarket pharmacy or a pharmacy in town.

No, you cannot buy Uniroid HC unless you have a prescription. To get a prescription you will need to have a consultation with a doctor to make sure it’s the right medication for you. You can make an appointment with your local GP or arrange an online consultation to talk through the issue with a doctor.

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Chemidex Pharma (2014). UNIROID-HC SUPPOSITORIES | Drugs.com. [online] Drugs.com. Available at: drugs.com/uk/uniroid-hc-suppositories-leaflet.html [Accessed 20 Nov. 2019].

Nhs.uk. (2019). Piles (haemorrhoids). [online] Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/piles-haemorrhoids/ [Accessed 20 Nov. 2019].

Nice Excellence. (2019). uniroid-hc ointment | Clinical medicinal product information | BNF content published by NICE. [online] Bnf.nice.org.uk. Available at: https://bnf.nice.org.uk/clinical-medicinal-product-information/uniroid-hc-ointment.html [Accessed 20 Nov. 2019].

Robert M. Sargis MD, P. (2019). An Overview of the Adrenal Glands. [online] EndocrineWeb. Available at: https://www.endocrineweb.com/endocrinology/overview-adrenal-glands [Accessed 20 Nov. 2019].