Entocort Ec (Budesonide)

Budesonide Oral

What is budesonide?

Budesonide is a steroid that reduces inflammation in the body.

Budesonide is used to treat mild to moderate Crohn's disease.

Budesonide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important Information

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use budesonide if you are allergic to it.

To make sure budesonide is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• tuberculosis (now or in the past);

• a serious bacterial, viral, or fungal infection;

• a weak immune system (caused by disease or by using certain medicines);

• high blood pressure;

• cirrhosis or other liver disease;

• stomach ulcer;

• osteoporosis or low bone mineral density;

• eczema;

• any allergies; or

• a personal or family history of diabetes, cataracts, or glaucoma.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Budesonide can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

Budesonide is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I take budesonide?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Take this medicine in the morning with a full glass of water.

Do not crush, chew, or break a budesonide capsule or tablet. Swallow it whole.

Your dosage needs may change if you have surgery, are ill, or are under stress. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse while using budesonide.

Budesonide can weaken your immune system. Tell your doctor if you have signs of infection such as fever, chills, body aches, vomiting, or feeling tired.

If you use this medicine long-term, you may need frequent medical tests.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What should I avoid while taking budesonide?

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with budesonide and lead to potentially dangerous effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products while taking budesonide.

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chicken pox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are using budesonide.

Budesonide side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• thinning skin, easy bruising, increased acne or facial hair;

• swelling in your ankles;

• weakness, tiredness, or a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

• nausea, vomiting, rectal bleeding;

• pain or burning when you urinate;

• menstrual problems (in women), impotence or loss of interest in sex (in men); or

• stretch marks, changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist).

Common side effects may include:

• headache;

• nausea, stomach pain, gas, bloating, constipation;

• feeling tired;

• joint pain;

• acne; or

• cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

What other drugs will affect budesonide?

Many other drugs may interact with budesonide, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.