SCHERIPROCT SUPPOSITORIES:Uses,Side Effects,Precautions

SCHERIPROCT SUPPOSITORIES are a prescription rectal medicine used for short-term relief of painful and itchy anal conditions. Each suppository combines a corticosteroid, prednisolone hexanoate, to reduce inflammation, and a local anaesthetic, cinchocaine (chinchocaine) hydrochloride, to numb pain. Treatment is usually limited to 5–7 days. SCHERIPROCT SUPPOSITORIES are Schedule 4 (S4) in South Africa and should be used exactly as directed by your doctor.

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What it is and what it is used for

What it is

• Prednisolone hexanoate (1,3 mg per suppository) – a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation, swelling and irritation of local tissues.
• Cinchocaine (chinchocaine) hydrochloride (1,0 mg per suppository) – a local anaesthetic that provides pain relief and reduces itching by numbing the area.

Indications/uses

SCHERIPROCT SUPPOSITORIES are indicated for short-term (usually 5–7 days) symptomatic relief of peri-anal discomfort, inflammation and itching caused by:

• Thrombosed haemorrhoids (piles)
• Anal fissure
• Pruritus ani (itch around the anus)

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How it works

• Prednisolone hexanoate sends a strong anti-inflammatory signal to the affected tissues, reducing swelling, redness and irritation.
• Cinchocaine hydrochloride temporarily blocks pain signals in the local nerves around the anus, which numbs pain and relieves itch.
  Used together in a suppository, they target symptoms directly at the site where you need relief.

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Who should NOT use this medicine

Do not use SCHERIPROCT SUPPOSITORIES if:

• You are allergic to prednisolone hexanoate, cinchocaine hydrochloride, or any ingredient listed in this leaflet.
• You have an active viral infection such as herpes, shingles, or chicken-pox.
• You have bacterial or fungal infections (anywhere on the body) that are not being treated.

Note: SCHERIPROCT SUPPOSITORIES are contraindicated in pregnancy (see “Pregnancy, planning pregnancy, and breastfeeding”).

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Warnings and precautions (Read before use)

• Use for 5–7 days only. If your symptoms do not improve, stop and consult your doctor. Other anal conditions may need different treatment.
• Seek medical advice immediately if bleeding occurs.
• Avoid long-term continuous use. Extended use increases the chance of side effects:
  • Adrenal suppression (especially in infants and small children) which can lower resistance to infection.
  • Skin thinning and local deterioration in the treated area.
  • Absorption into the bloodstream may occur with prolonged or extensive use.
• If the area is infected, your doctor should prescribe an additional medicine to treat the infection alongside SCHERIPROCT SUPPOSITORIES.
• Do not use waterproof/occlusive dressings over areas where ointment versions are applied.
• Latex products caution: Ingredients may damage latex (e.g., condoms) used in the treatment area; these may no longer be effective for contraception or STI protection. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about alternatives.
• Visual symptoms: Contact your doctor if you develop blurred vision or other visual disturbances.
• Driving and machines: It is not always possible to predict how you will be affected. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know your response.

Keep this medicine for you only. Do not share, even with people who have similar symptoms.

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Pregnancy, planning pregnancy, and breastfeeding

• Pregnancy: SCHERIPROCT SUPPOSITORIES are contraindicated in pregnancy.
• Breastfeeding: Not specified in the source. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before use.

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Interactions

• HIV medicines: Some antiretrovirals—ritonavir and cobicistat—may increase the effects of SCHERIPROCT SUPPOSITORIES. Your doctor may need to monitor you carefully.
• General advice: Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you use, including complementary or traditional remedies.

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How to take (Step-by-step)

Use exactly as prescribed. Do not use for more than 7 days. Wash your hands before and after each use.

Preparation and insertion

1. Open the foil: Find the small tear in the foil packet and peel it apart to remove the suppository.
2. If softened by heat: Harden it by placing it briefly in cold water before removing the foil.
3. Positioning: To make insertion easier, either
   • stand with one foot raised on a chair, or
   • squat down.
4. Insert the whole suppository gently into the anus, preferably after a bowel movement.

Usual dosing

• Typical regimen: One suppository once daily, preferably after a bowel movement.
• If symptoms are severe at the start: You may insert one suppository two or three times a day initially (as directed by your doctor).
• Your doctor will tell you how long to continue. Do not stop early, even if symptoms settle quickly, unless advised.

Missed dose

• If you forget a dose, do not double up. Use the next prescribed dose when you remember and continue as directed.

Overdose

• In case of overuse or accidental ingestion, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately. If unavailable, go to the nearest hospital or poison control centre.

Practical tips for adherence

• Keep to the same time each day, preferably after bowel movements.
• Use for the shortest time needed—generally 5–7 days.
• Monitor symptoms: if pain, itch, or swelling do not improve, or if you notice bleeding, stop and seek medical advice.

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Dosing table

Group	Dose	Frequency	Maximum daily dose	Duration
Adults (typical)	1 suppository	Once daily, preferably after a bowel movement	Not specified in the source	Usually 5–7 days
Adults (initial severe symptoms)	1 suppository	2–3 times daily at the start of treatment	Not specified in the source	Usually 5–7 days
Paediatric use	Not specified in the source	Not specified in the source	Not specified in the source	Not specified in the source

Note: Follow your doctor’s directions. Do not exceed 7 days of continuous use unless your doctor advises otherwise.

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Possible side effects

SCHERIPROCT SUPPOSITORIES can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Serious—seek urgent help

• Swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, face, lips, mouth or throat (may cause difficulty swallowing or breathing).
• Rash or itching that suggests a severe allergic reaction.
• Fainting.

These may signal a serious allergic reaction and require urgent medical attention.

Common

• Not specified in the source.

Less common

• Not specified in the source.

Other effects

• Skin thinning at the application site with long-term use (much longer than 5–7 days).
• Allergic skin reactions (including possible reactions to castor oil, an ingredient).

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Storage and disposal

• Store in a refrigerator at 2–8 °C.
• Do not freeze.
• Keep in the original packaging and outer carton until use.
• Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep out of sight and reach of children.
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the label/carton.
• Return unused medicine to your pharmacist.
• Do not dispose of unused or expired medicine down the drain or toilet.

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What the medicine contains

• Active substances (per suppository):
  • Prednisolone hexanoate – 1,3 mg
  • Cinchocaine (chinchocaine) hydrochloride – 1,0 mg
• Other ingredient (excipient):
  • Hard fat

Note: It also warns that castor oil may cause a skin reaction; this is highlighted under side effects.

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Pack information and appearance

• Appearance: Yellowish-white suppositories without cosmetic defects.
• Packs: Cardboard boxes containing 12 suppositories, packed in aluminium strips (soft tempered, 50 µm thickness) laminated with low-density polyethylene as the inner layer.
• Availability: Not all packs and pack sizes may be marketed.
• Holder of Certificate of Registration: Adcock Ingram Limited.

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FAQs

Can I use SCHERIPROCT SUPPOSITORIES during pregnancy?
No. Use is contraindicated in pregnancy. Speak to your doctor about safer alternatives.

How long can I use it?
Treatment is usually 5–7 days. If symptoms persist, stop and consult your doctor.

What if my symptoms are very severe at the start?
Your doctor may direct you to use one suppository two or three times a day initially, then reduce to once daily.

What should I do if I miss a dose?
Do not double the next dose. Use the next scheduled dose and continue as directed.

What if I notice bleeding?
Stop using the suppositories and contact your doctor immediately.

Can I drive or operate machinery after using it?
Effects are unpredictable. Avoid such activities until you know how the medicine affects you.

Do condoms still work if I’m using this treatment?
Ingredients may damage latex products used in the treatment area, so condoms may no longer be effective for contraception or STI protection. Ask your pharmacist or doctor about alternatives.

What if the suppository feels too soft to insert?
Harden it by placing it in cold water before removing the foil, then insert as instructed.

How should I store it?
Refrigerate at 2–8 °C, do not freeze, and keep it in the original packaging and outer carton.

Can I keep using it if the area is infected?
If the area is infected, your doctor should prescribe an additional medicine to treat the infection alongside SCHERIPROCT SUPPOSITORIES.