Entocort

Common Name: budesonide (Entocort capsules)

How does Entocort work?

Budesonide belongs to the class of medications called corticosteroids. It is used to treat Crohn's disease, an inflammatory disease of the bowel. Budesonide is useful in mild to moderate cases of Crohn's disease. It works by decreasing inflammation in the intestine and colon. Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

How should I use Entocort?

The recommended adult dose for treatment of a flare-up of Crohn's disease is 9 mg taken once daily in the morning before breakfast for up to eight weeks. To maintain control over the disease and prevent further flare-ups, the recommended adult maintenance dose is 6 mg taken once daily in the morning before breakfast. This may be reduced to the lowest dose where control is still maintained. The capsules should be swallowed whole with water, and not chewed, broken, or crushed before being swallowed. To end treatment with budesonide, it is recommended that the dose be reduced gradually over two to four weeks before stopping the medication. Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. Do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor. It is very important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue on with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double-up on doses.

What form(s) does Entocort come in?

Each controlled-release, hard gelatin capsule, with an opaque, light grey body and an opaque, pink cap printed with "CIR 3 mg" in black ink, contains micronized budesonide 3 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients include acetyltributyl citrate, dimethicone, ethylcellulose, gelatin, iron oxide, methacrylic acid copolymer, polysorbate 80, sodium lauryl sulfate, sucrose, talc, titanium dioxide, and triethylcitrate.

What should I NOT take with Entocort?

Budesonide should not be taken by anyone who has: an internal or local bacterial, fungal, or viral infection an allergy to budesonide or any of the ingredients of the medication active tuberculosis

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Entocort?

General: Inform all of your doctors if you have recently taken, or are taking, corticosteroids. Infections: When taken by mouth, this medication may mask some signs of infection and put people at increased risk for new infections. Viral infections such as chickenpox, measles, or herpes can be more serious for people who take budesonide. Children and adults who have not had these diseases should take particular care to avoid exposure. Medical conditions: As this medication may affect other co-existing medical conditions, inform your doctor if you have the following conditions: active stomach ulcer acute heart disease blood circulation diseases cataracts diabetes diverticulitis glaucoma high blood pressure kidney problems myasthenia gravis osteoporosis overactive thyroid psychiatric disturbances Gastrointestinal: When taken by mouth, budesonide may cause heartburn or even stomach ulcers. Tell your doctor if you have had any stomach discomfort or signs of bleeding in the stomach (black, tarry stools). Diabetes: When taken by mouth, budesonide may lead to poor blood glucose control for people with diabetes. High blood sugar may occur, glucose tolerance may be altered, and diabetes may worsen. If you have diabetes, monitor your blood glucose closely while taking budesonide (by mouth) and report any abnormalities to your doctor. Osteoporosis: When taken by mouth, long-term use of budesonide may result in the weakening of bones, causing them to have an increased risk for fracture. If you have been taking this medication on a continuous basis, talk with your doctor about your particular risk for osteoporosis. Stress: People who take this medication by mouth and who are subjected to any unusual stress should increase the dosage of rapidly-acting corticosteroids before, during, and after the stressful situation as prescribed by their doctor. Pregnancy: The safety of budesonide use by pregnant women is not established. Its use by pregnant women is not recommended unless benefits outweigh the risks. Breast-feeding: Budesonide is not recommended for use by nursing mothers. Children: The safety and effectiveness of budesonide for use by children have not been established. Its use by this age group is not recommended.