Andrey Nailor, M.D.·Published 1 October 2004·4 min read
Key points
It is used in the treatment of Crohn's disease, which is an inflammatory bowel disease.
If you are only taking budesonide once a day, take it in the morning, which is the time your body normally secretes cortisol.
If you miss a dose and remember within an hour or so, use it as soon as you remember.
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products.
Budesonide capsules
What are budesonide capsules? BUDESONIDE (Entocort EC®) is a corticosteroid. It is used in the treatment of Crohn's disease, which is an inflammatory bowel disease. Generic budesonide capsules are not yet available.
What should my health care professional know before I take oral budesonide?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
cataracts or glaucoma
Cushing's syndrome
diabetic
heart problems, or previous heart attack
high blood pressure
infection, such as herpes, measles, tuberculosis or chickenpox
liver disease
myasthenia gravis
osteoporosis
psychosis, or other mental health problems
recent surgery
stomach or intestinal disease, including colitis
an unusual or allergic reaction to budesonide, other corticosteroids, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine? Take budesonide capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the capsules with a drink of water. If you are only taking budesonide once a day, take it in the morning, which is the time your body normally secretes cortisol. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose and remember within an hour or so, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not use double or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with oral budesonide?
anastrozole
antacids
barbiturates, medicines used for inducing sleep or treating seizures
bosentan
certain antifungals, like fluconazole, griseofulvin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, miconazole and oxiconazole
certain heart medicines like diltiazem, mibefradil, nicardipine and verapamil
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
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certain antibiotics like erythromycin, clarithromycin, nafcillin and troleandomycin
dexamethasone
ethosuximide
fosphenytoin or phenytoin
grapefruit juice
isoniazid, INH
medicines used for seizures such as carbamazepine, ethosuximide, fosphenytoin, phenytoin or primidone
medicines used for ulcers or stomach acid, such as cimetidine or omeprazole
modafinil
norfloxacin
phenytoin
quinidine
quinine
rifabutin
rifampin
rifapentine
some HIV medicines, for example indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir or saquinqvir
some medicines for depression, such as fluoxetine, fluvoxamine or nefazodone
St. John's wort
troglitazone
vaccines
zafirlukast
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking oral budesonide?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
bloody or black, tarry stools
confusion, excitement, restlessness, a false sense of well-being
eye pain, decreased or blurred vision
fever, sore throat, sneezing, cough, or other signs of infection, wounds that will not heal
frequent passing of urine or painful passing of urine
hair loss
hemorrhoids
increased thirst
irregular heartbeat, chest pain or high blood pressure
menstrual problems
severe mood swings
muscle cramps or weakness
numbness or tingling in fingers, toes or other areas
pain in hips, back, ribs, arms, shoulders, or legs
rounding out of face
skin problems, acne, thin and shiny skin
stomach pain
swelling of feet or lower legs
unusual bruising
unusual tiredness or weakness
vomiting
weight gain or weight loss
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
dizziness or drowsiness
headache
increased or decreased appetite
increased sweating
nausea
nervousness or difficulty sleeping
upset stomach
increased growth of hair on the face or body
What should I watch for while taking oral budesonide? If you are taking budesonide regularly, avoid contact with people who have an infection. You may have an increased risk from infection while taking budesonide. Tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are exposed to anyone with measles or chickenpox, or if you develop sores or blisters that do not heal properly.
People who are taking certain dosages of budesonide may need to avoid immunization with certain vaccines or may need to have changes in their vaccination schedules to ensure adequate protection from certain diseases. Make sure to tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking budesonide before receiving any vaccine.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking oral budesonide.
Your body may lose potassium while you are taking oral budesonide. Ask your prescriber or health care professional about your diet.
Corticosteroids like budesonide may affect your blood sugar. If you are diabetic check with your prescriber or health care professional if you need help adjusting the dose of your diabetic medicine.
Alcohol can increase the risk of getting serious side effects while you are taking budesonide. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
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