What is Budesonide?

Entocort (Budesonide) is a steroid which reduces inflammation and swelling within your digestive tract. Budesonide is used to treat mild to moderate Crohn’s disease which is an inflammatory bowel disease involving the body attacking the digestive tract lining causing pain, diarrhea, weight loss and fever. Budesonide may also be prescribed to treat other bowel conditions such as ulcerative colitis.

How does Budesonide work?

Budesonide reduces inflammation, swelling, pain, diarrhea and other symptoms of Crohn’s disease inside the intestines and bowels and works by decreasing the body’s natural defense or immune response. Budesonide does not cure these conditions but does decrease the symptoms of bowel diseases.

Always read the patient information and instructions carefully before using this medication.

• Entocort is an oral medication which should be swallowed whole with a full glass of water. It can be taken with or without food.
• You should not crush or chew this medication because this may release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects
• Budesonide is typically prescribed to be taken in the morning and is most effective when taken regularly.
• Do not stop taking this medication without consulting with your doctor.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. If it is almost time for your next dose, skipped the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dosage to make up for a missed one.
• Keep Budesonide at room temperature away from heat and moisture.

Make sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist:

• If you have any drug allergies.
• Which other prescription and non-prescription medications you currently take.
• Your medical history, especially of tuberculosis, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, stomach ulcer, cataracts or liver disease.</
• Your personal and family history of diabetes and glaucoma.
• If you have never had chicken pox or measles and you have not been vaccinated against these medications.
• If you are pregnant, planning on pregnancy or breast-feeding. This medication should only be used during pregnancy when clearly needed.

Also be aware that:

• You should avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medication as this may increase the likelihood of experiencing side effects.
• You will need to tell all of your doctors or dentists that you take budesonide or if you have taken it in the last 12 months before any surgery or emergency treatment.
• Alcohol and budesonide may increase the risk of stomach bleeding. Limit your alcohol intake and talk to your doctor about safe levels of alcohol use.
• Entocort may mask signs of infection and make you more likely to get infections. Wash your hands throughly to prevent the spread of infection and avoid contact with people with contagious infections.
• This medication may slow down a child’s growth if used over a long time. See a doctor regularly to check your child’s height and growth.

Common budesonide side effects may include but are not limited to:

• Nausea, stomach pain, gas, bloating or constipation.
• Headaches, tiredness or acne.
• Cold symptoms such as joint pain, stuffy nose, sneezing or sore throat.

Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following Entocort side effects:

• Thinning skin, easy bruising or facial hair.
• Swelling in your ankles.
• Vomiting or rectal bleeding.
• Burning or pain while urinating.
• Menstrual problems in women or impotence or loss of interest in sex in men.
• Stretch marks or changes in the shape or location of body fat.

Q: What is the Entocort generic alternative called?

A: Generic Entocort is known as budesonide and both brand name and generic medicines come in 3mg strength. Generic Entocort may offer you even better savings on the price of your medication.

Q: What are the side effects of budesonide?

A: Common side effects include nausea, stomach pain, bloating, constipation, gas headaches, tiredness, acne or cold symptoms.

Q: What is the strength of Entocort?

A: Entocort and the generic budesonide come in 3mg strength.