Corticosteroids and Acetic Acid (Otic)

Brand Names : VoSol HC, cortisol, Hydrocortisone and Acetic Acid

Before Using This Medicine

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of using the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For corticosteroids with acetic acid, the following should be considered:

Allergies - Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to corticosteroids or acetic acid. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as certain preservatives or dyes.

Pregnancy - Corticosteroids have not been studied in pregnant women. However, studies in animals have shown that corticosteroids cause birth defects. Before taking this medicine, make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant.

Breast-feeding - Otic corticosteroid and acetic acid combinations pass into breast milk. Possible benefits of otic corticosteroid and acetic acid must be weighed against the potential hazards for the infant.

Children - There is no specific information comparing the use of otic corticosteroids in children under 3 years of age with use in other age groups.

Older adults - Although there is no specific information comparing the use of otic corticosteroids in the elderly with use in other age groups, they are not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older people than they do in younger adults.

Other medicines - Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking a corticosteroid and acetic acid combination, it is especially important that your doctor know if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Other medical problems - The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of otic corticosteroids. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Any other ear infection or condition - Otic corticosteroids may worsen existing infections or cause new infections

• Punctured ear drum - Using otic corticosteroids when you have a punctured ear drum may damage the ear