Scheriproct

What is Scheriproct?

Scheriproct is available as an ointment and suppository that provides relief from haemorrhoids and general irritation of the bottom, a common problem in adults.

Haemorrhoids are also known as piles. These are lumps inside and around your bottom that can feel itchy, uncomfortable and sometimes painful. It’s where the veins get swollen in your anus and lower rectum. Piles can be internal or external, meaning that sometimes they’re visible. More than one in 20 Americans alone are affected by piles, so they are pretty common.

They can be caused by straining when you go to the toilet, sitting for long periods of time on the toilet, ageing, being overweight, having a diet low in fibre or having chronic diarrhoea or constipation. They can also be triggered or made worse by things like childbirth too, but often the exact cause is unknown. You might find some activities such as cycling difficult to do if you have piles.

Some other conditions such as fissures, fistula, abscesses and tears are incorrectly called haemorrhoids as they share some of the symptoms. It’s important to be sure that you have piles or related issues that can be resolved by scheriproct before starting your treatment. Our clinician will talk through this with you before you start treatment.

As well as being common, piles are relatively easy to treat with the right care and medication. You don’t need to live your life feeling worried or in pain from haemorrhoids. There is help available.

How does Scheriproct work?

Scheriproct contains two active ingredients, cinchocaine, an anaesthetic that numbs soreness and pain, and prednisolone, a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation. These ingredients work together to help reduce the swelling associated with piles and stop them from feeling painful.

What doses of Scheriproct are there?

Scheriproct ointment and Scheriproct suppositories are both single dose treatments. If the dose doesn’t work as effectively as it should for you, or if you experience any side effects that persist, our clinicians can recommend alternative treatments options for you.

How to use Scheriproct

If you’re using the ointment:

• it’s best to use scheriproct after you’ve been to the toilet and emptied your bowels
• you should make sure that your treatment area has been thoroughly and carefully cleaned before application
• wash your hands before and after use
• squeeze a pea-sized amount onto the tip of your finger
• apply it to your skin and just inside your anus
• don’t rub the ointment in

If you’re applying ointment to the inside of your anus:

• screw the applicator onto the tube. You shouldn’t use the applicator if it’s damaged
• squeeze the tube until the applicator is full of ointment (there is one dose of ointment in the applicator)
• insert the applicator into the anus until the whole length of the applicator is inside
• while squeezing the tube gently, remove the applicator
• after you’ve used the applicator, clean it with a paper towel, remove any remaining product in the applicator with a cotton swab and clean it once more with a paper towel
• rinse the applicator in warm water for one minute, and towel dry the applicator.
• it’s usually applied twice daily, but you may apply it three or four times a day to get quick relief

If you’re using the suppositories:

• before you insert one, find the small tear in the foil packet and remove the foil by tearing it in two
• if they’ve softened due to warm temperatures, they can be made harder by placing them in cold water before you take off the foil
• put the entire suppository into your anus
• to make it easier to insert them, you can stand with one foot on a chair or squat
• you normally use one suppository daily, ideally after you’ve opened your bowels. But if you’re in serious discomfort, you should insert a suppository two or three times per day

How long does it take Scheriproct to work?

The anaesthetic should kick in almost immediately, but it might take a few days before you feel the benefits of the anti-inflammatory. If symptoms persist after seven days, you should send our clinician a message.

What should I do if I make a mistake when using Scheriproct?

Scheriproct is unlikely to be harmful if you take too much or swallow it by mistake, but you should get in touch with our clinician if you’re concerned. If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Don’t take twice the amount to make up for a missed one. Scheriproct ointment shouldn’t be used for more than seven days, so if you have used it over a longer period than this it’s best to stop using the treatment immediately and contact our clinician for advice. If the treatment hasn’t been effective after the seven day period, you should discuss this with our clinician to find out what other treatment options may be available for you.