Uniroid-HC Ointment

What is Uniroid-HC?

Uniroid-HC is a prescription-only ointment that combines two active ingredients to provide comprehensive relief from haemorrhoid symptoms:

• Hydrocortisone (5 mg per gram): A corticosteroid that works by reducing inflammation, swelling, and itching. Think of it like a firefighter calming down the inflammatory response in the skin tissue around your anus.
• Cinchocaine Hydrochloride (5 mg per gram): A potent local anaesthetic that blocks nerve signals in the area where it's applied. This provides rapid numbing relief from the pain, soreness, and discomfort caused by haemorrhoids.

This dual-action approach makes Uniroid-HC particularly effective for managing the acute symptoms of both internal and external haemorrhoids.

What is Uniroid-HC Used For?

Uniroid-HC Ointment is approved for the short-term treatment of:

• External Haemorrhoids (Piles): Providing relief from pain, irritation, and associated itching around the anus.
• Internal Haemorrhoids: Using the special nozzle applicator provided with the tube to apply the ointment inside the back passage (anus).

Before Using Uniroid-HC

Before starting treatment, it is crucial to assess your medical situation. Discuss the following with your doctor or pharmacist:

• Allergy Check: Have you ever had a bad reaction to hydrocortisone, other steroids, cinchocaine, other local anaesthetics, or any ingredients in the ointment (like cetostearyl alcohol)?
• Medical History: Do you have tuberculosis or any current skin infection in the anal area (e.g., thrush, viral infections like herpes)?
• Previous Reactions: Have you had a bad reaction to a similar product in the past?

Uniroid-HC Contraindications

Do NOT use Uniroid-HC Ointment if any of the following apply to you:

• Absolute Contraindications:
  • You are allergic to hydrocortisone, cinchocaine, or any of the other ingredients (listed in Section 9).
  • You have tuberculosis.
  • You have any kind of active skin infection in the anal area (e.g., fungal thrush, viral infections).

Relative Contraindications (Use only if your doctor decides it is essential):

• You are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• You are under 12 years of age.

Special Population Considerations

• Elderly: No specific dosage adjustment is needed, but general precautions apply.
• Renal/Hepatic Impairment: No specific warnings, but use with general caution.
• Pediatric/Adolescent: This medicine is NOT suitable for children under 12 years of age.

Uniroid-HC and Other Medicines

Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about any other medicines you are taking, including over-the-counter and herbal remedies.

While significant systemic drug interactions are unlikely due to topical application, your doctor may wish to monitor you carefully if you are taking certain medicines, such as some HIV medications containing cobicistat, as they can potentially increase the effects of the hydrocortisone component.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Do not use Uniroid-HC Ointment if you are pregnant or breastfeeding unless your doctor has specifically advised you that it is safe to do so. The risks to the baby are not fully known. Always seek professional medical advice before using any medicine during pregnancy or while nursing.

Driving & Machine Operation

Uniroid-HC Ointment is not expected to affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. The local anaesthetic (cinchocaine) works only in the area where it is applied and should not cause drowsiness or impair your coordination.

Uniroid-HC Ingredients

Active Substances: Hydrocortisone (5 mg/g), Cinchocaine Hydrochloride (5 mg/g).

Other Ingredients (Excipients):

• Cetostearyl Alcohol: Used to form the smooth base of the ointment. Warning: This may cause local skin reactions (e.g., contact dermatitis) in some individuals.
• White Soft Paraffin: A soothing, protective ointment base that helps to keep the skin moisturised and forms a barrier.

How to Use Uniroid-HC

Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. First, gently wash the anal area with water and pat dry with cotton wool.

Uniroid-HC Dosage Guidelines

Adults, the elderly, and children over 12 years:

• Apply the ointment twice a day (morning and evening).
• Also apply after each time you empty your bowels.
• Maximum duration of use: 7 days.

Children under 12 years: Not suitable.

Administration Instructions

For External Haemorrhoids (without applicator):

1. Wash your hands.
2. Squeeze a pea-sized amount of ointment onto a clean finger.
3. Gently spread it onto the affected skin around the anus. Do not rub harshly.
4. Do not use toilet paper to apply the ointment.
5. Wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.

For Internal Haemorrhoids (with applicator):

1. Clean the plastic nozzle applicator in warm, soapy water before use.
2. Screw the nozzle applicator onto the end of the ointment tube.
3. Insert the nozzle applicator fully into the back passage (anus).
4. Squeeze the tube gently from the bottom while slowly pulling the nozzle out.
5. Stay still for 1-2 minutes.
6. Unscrew the nozzle, and wash both the applicator and your hands thoroughly.

Do not cover the area with bandages or plasters after application, as this can increase the risk of side effects.

Missed Dose Management

If you forget to use the ointment, use it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not use a double dose to make up for a forgotten one.

Overdose Information

If you apply too much ointment externally: Simply wipe off the excess with cotton wool.

If you accidentally insert too much ointment internally: Inform your doctor or pharmacist.

If you or someone else swallows the ointment:

1. Contact your doctor, pharmacist, or the nearest hospital casualty department immediately.
2. Take the ointment tube with you to show what was ingested.
3. Do this even if no symptoms are apparent.

Uniroid-HC Side Effects

Like all medicines, Uniroid-HC can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Tell your doctor if you get any of the following:

• Common: Allergic reactions (itching, pain, or rash around the anus). Thinning of the skin at the application site.
• Uncommon: Blurred vision or other visual disturbances. (If this occurs, contact your doctor immediately.)

Systemic Effects with Long-Term Use: Using large doses or using it regularly for long periods can suppress the adrenal glands, which may cause complex changes in your body. This is why treatment is limited to 7 days unless under direct medical supervision.

Reporting Side Effects: If you experience any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse. You can also report them directly via the UK Yellow Card Scheme.

How to Store Uniroid-HC

• Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the tube and carton.
• Store at room temperature (below 25°C).
• Keep the tube in its original package.
• Do not dispose of medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines you no longer use.

Uniroid-HC Pack Information

• What it looks like: A translucent or off-white, odourless ointment.
• Pack sizes: Available in aluminium tubes of 15 g and 30 g. Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
• Marketing Authorisation Holder: Chemidex Pharma Ltd, UK.
• Manufacturer: Purna Pharmaceuticals NV, Belgium.

Uniroid-HC FAQs

Where Can I Buy Uniroid-HC Online in the UK