Budesonide (Entocort) is used to treat the symptoms of Crohn’s disease. Budesonide is less popular than other corticosteroids.
ENTOCORT is a glucocorticosteroid used to treat mild to moderate Crohn’s disease, which is an inflammatory disease of the bowel. It works by decreasing inflammation in the intestine and colon. The full effect of this medication is usually seen within 2 to 4 weeks.
Take ENTOCORT orally with or without food. If patients have a sensitive stomach, it is recommended to take this medication with food to reduce stomach irritation. Swallow the tablet whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. Use this medication on a regular schedule to get the most benefit from it. Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use ENTOCORT.
CAUTIONS
It is important to discuss any medical conditions you may have before taking ENTOCORT, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- have heart problems
- diabetes
- esophagus inflammation
- stomach problems
- intestinal problems
- heart attack
- ulcer
- kidney problems
- liver disease
- osteoporosis
- high blood pressure
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
- a herpes eye infection
- a bacterial, fungal, parasitic, or viral infection
- diarrhea
- measles
- tuberculosis
- chicken pox or shingles
- if you have had a positive TB skin test or have recently been vaccinated
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if ENTOCORT may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
SIDE EFFECTS
All medications may cause side effects, but usually, patients have no, or minor, side effects. The most common side effects include:
- back pain
- changes in the menstrual cycle
- dizziness
- gas
- headache
- indigestion
- nausea
- nervousness
- pain
- respiratory tract infection
- stomach pain
- tiredness
- tremor
- trouble sleeping
- vomiting
Seek medical attention immediately if any of these serious side effects occur:
- severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness)
- acne
- change in mood or behaviour
- chest pain
- confusion
- severe headache
- a sudden increase in weight
- swelling of the ankles
- unusual bruising
- vision changes
The above-noted side effects may not require medical attention and may slowly decrease over time as your body adjusts to the medication. Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.