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Boots Bite and Sting Relief Hydrocortisone Cream

Active Ingredient:
hydrocortisone acetate
Company:  
THE BOOTS COMPANY PLC See contact details
About Medicine
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Healthcare Professionals (SmPC) Patient Leaflet (PIL) HCP Med Info
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The Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) is the leaflet included in the pack with a medicine.
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Last updated on emc: 21 Sep 2023
{pdf} View or print the patient leaflet as PDF

Below is a text only representation of the Patient Information Leaflet (ePIL).

The text only version may be available in large print, Braille or audio CD. For further information call emc accessibility on {phone} 0800 198 5000. The product code(s) for this leaflet is: PL00014/0658.

{printer} Print patient leaflet as text only

Boots Bite & Sting Relief Hydrocortisone Cream

Information for the user

Boots Bite & Sting Relief Hydrocortisone Cream

(Hydrocortisone Acetate)

Read all of this leaflet carefully because it contains important information for you.

This medicine is available without prescription to treat minor conditions. However, you still need to use it carefully to get the best results from it.

  • Keep this leaflet, you may need to read it again
  • Ask your pharmacist if you need more information or advice

What this medicine is for

This medicine contains Hydrocortisone Acetate, which belongs to a group of medicines called corticosteroids, which act to relieve pain and swelling.

It can be used to relieve the swelling, itching and irritation caused by insect bites and stings.

Before you use this medicine

This medicine can be used by adults and children aged 10 years and over. However, some people should not use this medicine or should seek the advice of their pharmacist or doctor first.

Do not use:
  • If you are allergic to hydrocortisone or any of the other ingredients
  • If you are under 10 years of age
  • If you have broken or infected skin – this includes impetigo, cold sores, acne, athlete’s foot, scabies or an infected bite or sting
  • On the face or eyes
  • On the anal or genital areas
  • On bites and stings that are not caused by insects e.g. animal bites or nettle stings
  • On other skin conditions such as eczema or dermatitis
  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, unless advised by a doctor

Talk to your pharmacist or doctor:

If you experience blurred vision or other visual disturbances

If you use other medicines

This cream is not expected to cause problems with any other medicine you use.

How to use this medicine

Check the cap seal is not broken before first use. If it is, do not use the cream.

Pierce tube seal with end of cap.

Apply only to the skin.

Adults and children of 10 years and over, use a very small amount on the affected area once or twice a day for 2 to 3 days

Do not use on children under 10 years.

Do not use more than the amount recommended above.

If your symptoms get worse talk to a pharmacist or doctor.

If your symptoms do not go away within 3 days, talk to a pharmacist or doctor.

This medicine is for use on the skin only and should not be put in the mouth or swallowed. If it is swallowed accidentally rinse out the mouth and talk to a doctor.

Possible side effects

Most people will not have any problems, but some may get some.

If you get any of these side effects, stop using the cream and see a doctor.

  • Allergic reactions (e.g. skin rash, red or itchy skin, worsening of the condition you are treating)
  • Blurred vision. This side effect has been reported, but it is not known how often.

Reporting of side effects

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

How to store this medicine

Do not store above 25°C.

Keep this medicine in a safe place out of the sight and reach of children, preferably in a locked cupboard.

Use by the date on the end flap of the carton.

What is in this medicine

This cream contains Hydrocortisone Acetate 1% w/w, which is the active ingredient.

As well as the active ingredient, the cream also contains white soft paraffin, cetomacrogol, emulsifying wax, liquid paraffin, phenoxyethonol, purified water.

The pack contains 10 g of white cream.

Who makes this medicine

Manufactured by the Marketing Authorisation holder

The Boots Company PLC
Nottingham
NG2 3AA

Leaflet prepared May 2023

If you would like any further information about this medicine, please contact

The Boots Company PLC
Nottingham
NG2 3AA

Other formats

To request a copy of this leaflet in Braille, large print or audio please call, free of charge:

0800 198 5000 (UK only)

Please be ready to give the following information:

Product name: Boots Bite & Sting Relief Hydrocortisone Cream

Reference number: 00014/0658

This is a service provided by the Royal National Institute of the Blind.

Component code: XL0W4

WBA-4589-R1

THE BOOTS COMPANY PLC
Company image
Address
1 Thane Road West, Beeston, Nottingham, NG2 3AA
Telephone
+44 (0)1159 595 165
Fax
+44 (0)1159 592 565