Prescription Required 
Formulation : 
Description
Indications
Budesonide is indicated for Crohn’s disease, a medical condition characterized by autoimmune attack on the gastrointestinal tract lining resulting in symptoms such as pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and fever. Budesonide belongs to a class of medications called corticosteroids, and its mechanism of action involves the reduction of inflammation and swelling within the digestive tract for individuals with Crohn’s disease or within the kidneys for individuals with nephropathy.
Uses and Dosage
Budesonide is administered orally in the form of capsules. Typically, it is taken once daily in the morning, preferably at the same time each day. The duration of treatment with budesonide will be determined by your physician, carefully adhere to the instructions provided on your prescription label.
Strictly follow the prescribed dosage and refrain from adjusting it without medical guidance, neither increasing nor decreasing the amount or frequency of administration.
The capsules should be swallowed whole and should not be split, chewed, or crushed. In the event that swallowing the budesonide capsules whole is challenging, an alternative method is available. The capsules can be opened and their contents can be sprinkled over a tablespoonful of applesauce. After thorough mixing, the mixture should be swallowed promptly without chewing within 30 minutes, followed by a full glass of water.
While budesonide may effectively manage your symptoms, it is not a curative treatment for your condition. Your doctor will closely monitor your response to budesonide to assess its efficacy. If your symptoms are effectively controlled, your doctor may consider reducing your budesonide dosage. After a period of 3 months with controlled symptoms, your doctor may gradually decrease the dosage and eventually discontinue the medication. Regularly communicate your experiences and any changes in your condition to your doctor throughout the course of your treatment.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- headache
- dizziness
- runny nose, sneezing, coughing
- nausea
- indigestion
- abdominal pain
- dry, itchy skin
- gas
- vomiting
- fatigue
- back pain
- pain
- muscle cramps
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- itching
- skin rash
- fever
- swelling of face and neck
- difficulty breathing
- severe headache
- changes in vision
- acne
- bruising
- swelling of the legs or arms
- fatty pad or hump between your shoulders
- pink or purple stretch marks on the skin of your stomach, thighs, breasts or arms
Caution
Prior to initiating budesonide treatment, inform your doctor about any known allergies, including allergies to budesonide or other substances. This product may contain inactive ingredients that can potentially trigger allergic reactions or other complications.
Before using this medication, disclose your medical history to your doctor or pharmacist, particularly if you have a history of eye problems such as cataracts or glaucoma, high blood pressure, liver problems, diabetes, stomach or intestinal issues like diverticulitis or ulcers, bone loss (osteoporosis), current or past infections such as tuberculosis or herpes, bleeding disorders, or mental or mood disorders such as psychosis, anxiety, or depression.
The prolonged use of corticosteroid medications can reduce your body’s ability to respond to physical stress. Inform your doctor or dentist if you are using or have used this medication within the past 12 months before undergoing surgery, emergency treatment, or in the event of a serious illness or injury. Promptly notify your doctor if you experience unusual or extreme fatigue or weight loss. If long-term use of this medication is anticipated, carry a warning card or wear a medical ID bracelet to indicate your use of this medication.
When using this medicine, limit alcohol consumption, as daily alcohol use may increase the risk of stomach bleeding.
This medication can increase your susceptibility to infections or exacerbate existing infections. Avoid close contact with individuals who have contagious infections that can easily spread, such as chickenpox, COVID-19, measles, or the flu. If you have been exposed to an infection or seek more information, consult your doctor.
Prior to receiving any immunizations or vaccinations, notify your healthcare professional about your use of budesonide. Avoid contact with individuals who have recently received live vaccines, such as the flu vaccine administered via nasal inhalation.
Elderly individuals may be more susceptible to the side effects of this medication, particularly bone loss or pain, stomach or intestinal bleeding, and changes in mental or mood status such as confusion.
Long-term use of this medication in children may potentially slow down their growth. Regular visits to the doctor are advised to monitor your child’s height and growth.
During pregnancy, the use of this medication should only occur when clearly necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Babies born to mothers who have used corticosteroids for an extended period may develop hormone-related problems. Notify your doctor immediately if you observe symptoms such as persistent nausea or vomiting, severe diarrhea, or weakness in your newborn.
This medication passes into breast milk. Prior to breastfeeding, it is essential to consult your doctor for guidance.
Form and Strength
Entocort EC is available in the following forms and strengths:
-
Entocort EC controlled-release capsule:
- 3mg
-
budesonide controlled-release capsule:
- 3mg
FAQ
How long does it take for Entocort EC to work for colitis?
When you take Entocort EC you could begin to feel better quickly in a few days. However, it can take up to a month to take maximum effect.
How long should you stay on Entocort EC?
To treat Crohn’s disease or microscopic colitis you’ll usually take 3 capsules in the morning before breakfast, for up to 8 weeks.
Resources
- https://www.ibdrelief.com/learn/treatment/medication-for-ibd/steroids-for-treating-ibd/budesonide-for-crohns-disease-and-ulcerative-colitis#:~:text=When%20you%20take%20budesonide%20you,month%20to%20take%20maximum%20effect
- https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/budesonide-tablets-capsules-and-granules/how-and-when-to-take-budesonide-tablets-capsules-and-granules/#:~:text=How%20to%20take%20Entocort%20capsules,for%20up%20to%208%20weeks
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/budesonide-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20073233?p=1
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-22007/entocort-ec-oral/details
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a608007.html
- https://www.drugs.com/mtm/entocort-ec.html
