Budesonide
Buy BudesonideEcCapsule - Entocort EC, Ortikos online at RxOutreach
GUIDE FOR USING THIS INFORMATION: This summary does not encompass all available information regarding this product and should not be seen as comprehensive. The information provided does not guarantee the product's safety, efficacy, or suitability for your use. It is not a replacement for individual medical guidance and should not take the place of advice from your healthcare provider. Always seek detailed information about this product and your unique health requirements from your healthcare professional.
BUDESONIDE CAPSULES - TAKEN ORALLY
(bue-DES-oh-nide)
WELL-KNOWN BRAND NAMES: Entocort EC, Ortikos
PURPOSES: This medication is prescribed for a specific intestinal disorder (Crohn's disease). Although budesonide is not a cure for this condition, it may reduce symptoms like pain and diarrhea. It is an anti-inflammatory drug (corticosteroid hormone) and works by reducing the body’s immune response.
ADDITIONAL APPLICATIONS: This part includes applications of this drug that are not in the approved professional label but may be prescribed by your healthcare professional. Only use this drug for a condition mentioned in this section if it has been prescribed by your healthcare professional.
This medication may also be prescribed for certain disorders of the immune system.
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Instructions for Use
Before starting and each time you refill your prescription, read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist, if available. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.
Ingest this medication orally, with or without food as your doctor instructs, typically once daily in the morning. Consume the medication whole with a full glass of water (8 ounces/240 milliliters) unless directed otherwise by your doctor. Do not crush or chew the capsules, as this can release the entire drug at once, raising the risk of side effects.
If swallowing the capsules whole is difficult, certain brands can be opened, and the contents sprinkled on a spoonful of soft, cool applesauce in a clean container. Stir and swallow the mixture without chewing, and follow with a full glass of cool water (8 ounces/240 milliliters) to ensure you've consumed your entire dose. Use the mixture within 30 minutes of preparation and do not save it for later. For questions about your specific brand, consult your pharmacist.
The dosage and treatment duration depend on your medical condition, age, and treatment response.
Avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice while on this medication unless your doctor or pharmacist approves. Grapefruit can elevate the likelihood of side effects with this medicine. For more details, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
If you are currently taking a different oral corticosteroid (like prednisone), do not stop it unless your doctor advises. Certain conditions (like asthma, allergies) may worsen when the drug is abruptly discontinued. Abruptly stopping the drug can also cause withdrawal symptoms (such as weakness, weight loss, nausea, muscle pain, headache, fatigue, dizziness). To avoid withdrawal, your doctor may gradually reduce your previous medication's dose after you start taking budesonide. Immediately inform your doctor or pharmacist if you experience withdrawal symptoms. Refer to the Precautions section for more information.
To derive maximum benefit from this medication, use it regularly. To aid your memory, take it at the same time each day. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more frequently or for a longer duration than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any quicker, and your risk of side effects will increase.
Do not cease taking this medication without your doctor's advice. Some conditions may worsen if the drug is abruptly stopped. Your dose might need to be gradually reduced.
Inform your doctor if your condition fails to improve or worsens.
Side Effects
This medication typically has fewer side effects than other corticosteroids because budesonide acts primarily in the gut, with minimal absorption into the body. Nausea, abdominal pain, or headaches may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, promptly inform your doctor or pharmacist.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because they have determined that the benefit to you outweighs the risk of side effects. Most people using this medication do not experience serious side effects.
As this drug weakens the immune system, it may reduce your ability to fight infections. This could lead to more serious (rarely fatal) infections or exacerbate existing infections. Immediately inform your doctor if you notice any infection signs (such as persistent sore throat, fever, chills, cough). This medication may occasionally cause oral thrush or a new yeast infection. Contact your doctor if you observe white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge, or other new symptoms.
Immediately inform your doctor of any serious side effects, including: easy bruising/bleeding, puffy face, unusual weight gain, changes in menstrual periods, mental/mood changes (such as depression, mood swings, agitation), muscle weakness/pain, bone pain, thinning skin, slow wound healing, increased thirst/urination, vision problems, symptoms of stomach/intestinal bleeding (such as stomach/abdominal pain, black/tarry stools, vomit resembling coffee grounds).
A very severe allergic reaction to this drug is rare. Nonetheless, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US, call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada, call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Precautions
Prior to using budesonide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it, or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Speak to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, inform your doctor or pharmacist of your medical history, particularly of: eye diseases (such as cataracts, glaucoma), high blood pressure, bone loss (osteoporosis), diabetes, current/past infections (such as tuberculosis, herpes), stomach/intestinal problems (such as ulcers, diverticulitis), liver disease, mental/mood disorders (such as psychosis, anxiety), seizures, thyroid problems, kidney disease.
This drug can make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can exacerbate this effect. Do not drive, use machinery, or engage in activities requiring alertness until you can safely do so. Limit alcoholic beverages. Consult your doctor if you use marijuana (cannabis).
Budesonide can cause your body to retain more salt (sodium) and lose potassium. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before using salt substitutes that contain potassium.
Corticosteroids can make it harder for your body to respond to physical stress. Before having surgery or emergency treatment, or if you get a serious illness/injury, inform your doctor or dentist that you use this medication or have used corticosteroids within the past 12 months. Inform your doctor immediately if you develop unusual/extreme tiredness or weight loss. If you will be using this medication for a long time, carry a warning card or medical ID bracelet that identifies your use of this medication.
Before getting vaccines or immunizations, consult your doctor. Avoid contact with people who have infections that may spread to others (such as chickenpox, measles, flu). Inform your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details.
Using corticosteroids for a long time may cause eye problems (such as cataracts, glaucoma, infections) and increase your risk of developing new infections. Regularly check your eyes with an ophthalmologist.
This medication may slow down a child's growth if used for a long time. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, particularly bone loss/pain, stomach/intestinal bleeding, and mental/mood changes (such as confusion).
This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Infants born to mothers who have been using this medication for an extended period may have hormone problems. Inform your doctor if you notice symptoms in your newborn such as feeding problems or persistent crying.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. However, similar drugs pass into breast milk and can cause undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
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Interactions
Drug interactions may alter how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Maintain a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug include: aldesleukin, mifepristone, drugs that can cause bleeding/bruising (such as antiplatelet drugs like clopidogrel, blood thinners like dabigatran/warfarin, NSAIDs like aspirin/ibuprofen).
This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including skin tests), potentially causing false test results. Ensure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.
Dosage
OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and exhibits serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, contact a poison control center immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should contact their provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe dizziness, fainting.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.
Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as blood pressure, bone density tests, eye exams, height/weight measurements, blood glucose/mineral levels) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of your next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
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Storage
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
INFORMATION LAST UPDATED: April 2023.
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