Alternatives to Anucort-HC If You Can't Fill Your Prescription

When Anucort-HC is unavailable at your pharmacy, it's natural to feel stuck — especially when you're dealing with the discomfort of hemorrhoids or rectal inflammation. The good news is that there are several effective alternatives your doctor can prescribe, and in some cases, over-the-counter options that can provide interim relief.

What Is Anucort-HC and What Does It Treat?

Anucort-HC contains 25 mg of hydrocortisone acetate in a rectal suppository form. It treats inflamed internal hemorrhoids, proctitis (including radiation-induced proctitis), chronic ulcerative colitis affecting the lower bowel, cryptitis, and pruritus ani. The drug reduces inflammation by suppressing the release of inflammatory chemicals in the rectal tissue.

Understanding what condition Anucort-HC is treating for you matters when evaluating alternatives. Not all alternatives work equally well for hemorrhoids versus proctitis versus ulcerative colitis. Always discuss with your prescriber before switching.

Alternative 1: Generic Hydrocortisone Acetate 25 mg Suppository (Same Drug, Different Brand)

The simplest alternative is the generic version of Anucort-HC: hydrocortisone acetate 25 mg rectal suppository. It contains the identical active ingredient in the same dose. Your pharmacist can often substitute the generic if Anucort-HC is out of stock, or your prescriber can write the prescription generically.

Other brand names that contain the same hydrocortisone acetate 25 mg suppository formula include Anusol-HC, Proctosol-HC, Hemmorex-HC, Proctocort, and Proctozone HC. If your pharmacist has any of these in stock, ask your prescriber if a substitution is appropriate.

Alternative 2: Mesalamine Suppositories (Canasa) — Best for Ulcerative Proctitis

If you're using Anucort-HC for ulcerative proctitis or rectal inflammation related to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), mesalamine (brand name Canasa) suppositories are considered the gold standard. Clinical evidence shows mesalamine achieves remission rates significantly higher than hydrocortisone-based products for ulcerative proctitis — with healing rates around 95% after 6 weeks versus much lower rates for corticosteroids alone.

Mesalamine works differently than hydrocortisone — it's an aminosalicylate that reduces inflammation locally in the rectum without suppressing the immune system. For IBD patients, this is often preferable. Mesalamine suppositories (1 gram) are typically used once daily.

Alternative 3: Cortifoam (Hydrocortisone Acetate Foam) — Same Drug, Different Form

Cortifoam is a rectal foam formulation of hydrocortisone acetate used for the same conditions as Anucort-HC. Some patients find foam easier to retain in the rectum than a suppository, making it a practical alternative when suppositories are unavailable. It requires a prescription and is administered with an applicator.

Alternative 4: OTC Hydrocortisone Cream (For External Hemorrhoids)

For patients using Anucort-HC primarily for external hemorrhoid symptoms (itching, irritation, swelling around the anus), over-the-counter hydrocortisone 1% cream (such as Preparation H Hydrocortisone or generic hydrocortisone cream) can provide interim relief. These products are available without a prescription at any pharmacy.

Important: OTC hydrocortisone cream is only appropriate for external use around the anus — it is not a replacement for rectal suppositories used for internal hemorrhoids, proctitis, or ulcerative colitis. Do not insert cream into the rectum without specific instructions from your doctor.

Alternative 5: Mesalamine Enemas (Rowasa) — For Proctosigmoiditis

For patients with ulcerative proctosigmoiditis (inflammation extending further up the rectum and sigmoid colon), mesalamine enemas (Rowasa, 4 grams nightly) are more effective than rectal corticosteroids according to clinical evidence. If your condition extends beyond the rectum, your gastroenterologist may recommend enemas over suppositories regardless of Anucort-HC availability.

Comparison at a Glance

Hemorrhoids (internal, prescription): Generic hydrocortisone acetate 25 mg suppository, Anusol-HC, Proctosol-HC

Hemorrhoids (external, OTC): Preparation H Hydrocortisone 1% cream, generic hydrocortisone cream

Ulcerative proctitis: Mesalamine suppositories (Canasa) — preferred first-line

Proctosigmoiditis: Mesalamine enemas (Rowasa)

Radiation proctitis: Hydrocortisone acetate suppository (same class); discuss options with your radiation oncologist or gastroenterologist

Finding Anucort-HC Before Switching

Before switching medications, it's worth making sure Anucort-HC is truly unavailable in your area. medfinder can contact pharmacies near you to check inventory, which may save you the hassle of an alternative prescription and a new insurance authorization.

Read our complete guide on how to find Anucort-HC in stock near you for step-by-step strategies to locate this medication.