What it's used for
Cortifoam is used as adjunctive therapy in the topical treatment of ulcerative proctitis of the distal portion of the rectum for patients who cannot retain other corticosteroid enemas.
Source: U.S. FDA-approved prescribing information (openFDA).
Typical dosing
The usual dose is one applicatorful administered rectally once or twice daily for two to three weeks, and every second day thereafter.
Dosing shown here is the general FDA-labeled range. Your prescribing clinician determines the exact dose, form, and schedule for you — this is not a substitute for medical advice.
Boxed warning / key safety info
Do not insert any part of the aerosol container directly into the anus, as the contents are under pressure.
Common side effects
Allergic reactions such as anaphylactoid reactions, anaphylaxis, and angioedema have been reported.
Covered strengths on the Tab $0 list
Covered at $0 with an active Tab membership when filled at a participating pharmacy nationwide or through mail order. A licensed clinician must prescribe the medication.
Related medications
Other everything else medications covered at $0 with an active Tab membership.
Hydrocortisone Acetate cost without insurance
Cash prices for Hydrocortisone Acetate without insurance vary widely by pharmacy, strength and quantity — the same prescription can cost very different amounts at two pharmacies in the same town. That is the problem a membership solves.
Hydrocortisone Acetate is on Tab's covered $0 generic list. With an active Tab membership, every covered strength is $0 — not a percentage off, not a coupon that changes month to month — at participating pharmacies nationwide or through mail order. You do not need insurance, and Tab works whether or not you have a health plan.
Tab is a membership, not insurance. Covered medications require a prescription from a licensed clinician.
Hydrocortisone Acetate dosage and administration
The usual dose is one applicatorful once or twice daily for two or three weeks, and every second day thereafter, administered rectally. Directions for use, below and on the carton, describe how to use the aerosol container and applicator. Satisfactory response usually occurs within five to seven days marked by a decrease in symptoms. Symptomatic improvement in ulcerative proctitis should not be used as the sole criterion for evaluating efficacy. Sigmoidoscopy is also recommended to judge dosage adjustment, duration of therapy, and rate of improvement. It Should Be Emphasized that Dosage Requirements are Variable and Must Be Individualized on the Basis of the Disease Under Treatment and the Response of the Patient.
Excerpt from the FDA-approved prescribing information (openFDA), retrieved 2026-09-15. Your prescribing clinician decides the exact dose, form and schedule for you — this is not medical advice.
Hydrocortisone Acetate side effects
(listed alphabetically, under each subsection) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Meda Pharmaceuticals Inc. at 1-877-848-6608 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. Allergic reactions: Anaphylactoid reaction, anaphylaxis, angioedema. Cardiovascular: Bradycardia, cardiac arrest, cardiac arrhythmias, cardiac enlargement, circulatory collapse, congestive heart failure, fat embolism, hypertension, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in premature infants, myocardial rupture following recent myocardial infarction (see WARNINGS ), pulmonary edema, syncope, tachycardia, thromboembolism, thrombophlebitis, vasculitis.
Excerpt from the FDA-approved prescribing information (openFDA), retrieved 2026-09-15. This is not a complete list. Report side effects to your clinician, and seek care for anything severe or unexpected.
Hydrocortisone Acetate drug interactions
Aminoglutethimide: Aminoglutethimide may lead to a loss of corticosteroid-induced adrenal suppression. Amphotericin B injection and potassium-depleting agents: When corticosteroids are administered concomitantly with potassium-depleting agents (i.e., amphotericin B, diuretics), patients should be observed closely for development of hypokalemia. There have been cases reported in which concomitant use of amphotericin B and hydrocortisone was followed by cardiac enlargement and congestive heart failure. Antibiotics: Macrolide antibiotics have been reported to cause a significant decrease in corticosteroid clearance. Anticholinesterases: Concomitant use of anticholinesterase agents and corticosteroids may produce severe weakness in patients with myasthenia gravis.
Excerpt from the FDA-approved prescribing information (openFDA), retrieved 2026-09-15. Tell your clinician and pharmacist about every medication, supplement and over-the-counter product you take.
Who should not take hydrocortisone acetate
Cortifoam ® is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to any components of this product. Local contraindications to the use of intrarectal steroids include obstruction, abscess, perforation, peritonitis, fresh intestinal anastomoses, extensive fistulas and sinus tracts.
Excerpt from the FDA-approved prescribing information (openFDA), retrieved 2026-09-15. Whether this medication is appropriate for you is a clinical decision made by your prescribing clinician.
Common questions
Is hydrocortisone Acetate covered at $0 with Tab?
Yes. Hydrocortisone Acetate is on Tab's covered $0 generic list — every covered strength is $0 with an active membership, at participating pharmacies nationwide or by mail order.
Do I need insurance to get hydrocortisone Acetate through Tab?
No. Tab is a membership, not insurance. Covered medications are $0 with an active membership whether or not you have a health plan.
How do I get a hydrocortisone Acetate prescription with Tab?
Book a video visit with a licensed Tab clinician (unlimited visits are included with membership). If it's clinically appropriate, they send the prescription to your chosen participating pharmacy or by mail order.
How much does hydrocortisone acetate cost without insurance?
Without insurance, retail cash prices for hydrocortisone acetate vary by pharmacy, strength and quantity. Hydrocortisone Acetate is on Tab's covered $0 generic list, so every covered strength is $0 with an active Tab membership at participating pharmacies nationwide or by mail order.
What is the cheapest way to get hydrocortisone acetate?
For medications on Tab's covered list, a Tab membership is the cheapest route: covered strengths of hydrocortisone acetate are $0 with an active membership, and unlimited video visits with a licensed clinician are included, so the visit that produces the prescription is covered too.
What is the usual dose of hydrocortisone acetate?
The usual dose is one applicatorful once or twice daily for two or three weeks, and every second day thereafter, administered rectally. Directions for use, below and on the carton, describe how to use the aerosol container and applicator. Satisfactory response usually occurs within five to seven days marked by a decrease in symptoms. (FDA-approved label, retrieved 2026-09-15. Your clinician sets your dose.)
What are the side effects of hydrocortisone acetate?
(listed alphabetically, under each subsection) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Meda Pharmaceuticals Inc. at 1-877-848-6608 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. Allergic reactions: Anaphylactoid reaction, anaphylaxis, angioedema. (FDA-approved label, retrieved 2026-09-15.)
What interacts with hydrocortisone acetate?
Aminoglutethimide: Aminoglutethimide may lead to a loss of corticosteroid-induced adrenal suppression. Amphotericin B injection and potassium-depleting agents: When corticosteroids are administered concomitantly with potassium-depleting agents (i.e., amphotericin B, diuretics), patients should be observed closely for development of hypokalemia. (FDA-approved label, retrieved 2026-09-15. Tell your clinician about every medication and supplement you take.)
Hydrocortisone Acetate is $0 on the covered list
Members pay $0 for covered generics at participating pharmacies nationwide or by mail order — plus unlimited virtual primary care, urgent care and dermatology visits. No insurance needed.
Solo $49/mo · Family $119/mo for up to 4 people · Family+ $149/mo for up to 8
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