Like all medicines, hydrocortisone buccal tablets can cause side effects in some people, but many people have no side effects or only minor ones.
Common side effects
Most people do not have any side effects when they use hydrocortisone buccal tablets for a few days.
Some people feel a sharp pain while the tablet dissolves on the ulcer. This usually only lasts for a few minutes and stops happening after you've been using the tablets for a few days.
It may help if you avoid spicy or salty foods and acidic drinks (like fruit juice) while you're using this medicine. It may also help if you drink cold drinks through a straw. Do not use a straw for hot drinks as you could burn yourself.
Serious side effects
Buccal tablets contain a very small dose of hydrocortisone so it's rare to have a serious side effect.
Side effects in your mouth
If you have a mouth infection, using hydrocortisone buccal tablets can make it worse and cause it to spread.
The tablets can also occasionally cause oral thrush. This is a fungal infection which causes soreness and white patches in the mouth. To help prevent oral thrush, rinse your mouth out with cold water or a mouthwash after the buccal tablet has fully dissolved.
Tell your doctor straight away if your mouth becomes red and sore or if you develop white furry patches on your tongue or inside your mouth. These can be signs of a mouth infection.
Side effects in the rest of your body
Very rarely, hydrocortisone from buccal tablets gets into the bloodstream and can cause side effects in other parts of your body.
Call a doctor or call 111 now if:
- you're being sick (vomiting), you feel very tired or dizzy, you pass out or you have a very upset stomach, muscle weakness, mood changes, loss of appetite or weight loss – these can be signs of adrenal gland problems
- you're confused, sleepy, more hungry or thirsty than usual, peeing more than usual, breathing quickly or have breath that smells like fruit – these can be signs of high blood sugar (hyperglycaemia)
Serious allergic reaction
It happens rarely, but it's possible to have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a hydrocortisone buccal tablet.
Immediate action required: Call 999 now if:
- your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
- you're breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you're choking or gasping for air)
- your throat feels tight or you're struggling to swallow
- your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
- you suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
- someone faints and cannot be woken up
- a child is limp, floppy or not responding like they normally do (their head may fall to the side, backwards or forwards, or they may find it difficult to lift their head or focus on your face)
You or the person who's unwell may also have a rash that's swollen, raised, itchy, blistered or peeling.
These can be signs of a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital.
Do not drive yourself to A&E.
The person you speak to at 999 will give you advice about what to do.
Other side effects
These are not all the side effects of hydrocortisone buccal tablets. For a full list see the leaflet inside your medicine packet.
Reporting side effects
You can report any suspected side effect using the Yellow Card safety scheme.
Visit the Yellow Card website for more information about reporting side effects.