Prep-Hem (PE and cocoa butter) (Generic)

This medication is used to temporarily relieve swelling, burning, pain, and itching caused by hemorrhoids. It contains phenylephrine, which belongs to a class of drugs known as sympathomimetic amines. It works by temporarily narrowing the blood vessels in the area. This effect decreases swelling and discomfort.

Some products may also contain substances (e.g., cocoa butter, hard fat, mineral oil, shark liver oil) that form a protective barrier to prevent too much irritating contact with stool.

Follow all directions on the product package. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Before use, clean the area with mild soap and water, rinse well, and pat dry.

Use this product in the rectum only. This product is generally used up to 4 times a day, usually one in the morning and one in the evening, and after each bowel movement or as directed by your doctor.

Unwrap the suppository and moisten it with a few drops of water to soften it. Lie on your left side with the right knee bent. Carefully push the suppository (pointed end first) just inside the rectum with your finger. Remain lying down for a few minutes, and avoid having a bowel movement for at least 1 hour.

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not use more often or for a longer time than directed.

If symptoms do not improve within 7 days, if bleeding/worsening pain occurs, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, consult your doctor promptly.

This medication does not usually have bothersome side effects when used as directed. Mild pain/stinging may occur if the rectal tissue is raw or bleeding. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: fast/irregular heartbeat, pounding headache, nervousness, shakiness (tremor), trouble sleeping.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to any of its ingredients; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

If you have any of the following health problems, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this product: diabetes, heart problems (e.g., chest pain, heart attack), high blood pressure, overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), difficult urination due to blockage (for example, due to an enlarged prostate).

Do not use this product in children 12 years or younger without talking with the doctor.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Store at room temperature at 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C). Different brands of this medication may have different storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store your brand, or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

If you are using this product under your doctor's direction, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.

Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you use any of the following prescription or nonprescription/herbal products: MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, tranylcypromine), drugs to treat high blood pressure (including guanethidine, beta blockers such as metoprolol).

Some products have ingredients that could raise your heart rate or blood pressure. Tell your pharmacist what products you are using, and ask how to use them safely (especially cough-and-cold products or diet aids).

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

If you are using this product on a regular schedule and miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

To maintain normal bowel function and reduce the risk of hemorrhoids, eat a proper diet high in fiber, drink 6 to 8 glasses of water each day, and exercise regularly.