Budesonide (Entocort EC) is a drug used to treat Crohn’s Disease located in the last portion of the small intestine and first portion of the large intestine. Entocort may also be used to help keep a patient in remission.
Entocort is a type of steroid drug proven to have fewer side effects than other steroid medications.
How should it be used?
It is very important that you follow your doctor’s instructions while taking this medication.
- Do not chew or break the capsule.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions exactly, and do not take more or less of the medication than prescribed. Call your doctor if you miss a dose.
- Do not stop taking this medicine without your doctor’s approval
- Contact 911 if too much of the medicine is taken by accident.
- DO NOT DRINK OR EAT ANYTHING CONTAINING GRAPEFRUIT JUICE WHILE TAKING THIS MEDICATION.
Special Precautions/Instructions
Tell your doctor before using this medication if you have ever had:
- An allergic reaction to any medication
- Blood clots
- Cataracts
- Liver or pancreas disease
- Depression or other mental illness
- Diabetes
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- Heart disease or heart attack
- High blood pressure
- Osteoporosis
- Thyroid disease
- Tuberculosis
- Ulcers
- If you are breast feeding a baby
- If you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant
- * You should not breast feed while on this medication.
*Tell your doctor about ANY medicine (prescribed or unprescribed), herbal supplements, or vitamins that you are taking.
*Be sure to tell you doctor if you are taking ketoconazole, other steroids (such as prednisone), or any other drug that suppresses the immune system.
*This medication affects your immune system. Wash your hands frequently and try to avoid contact with those who are sick. Avoid contact with people with infections, including chicken pox and measles.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Entocort include:
- nausea
- headache
- respiratory infection
- increased size of the neck or face, acne
- bruising.
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience signs of an allergic reaction including:
- Trouble breathing
- Skin rash
- Fever or shivering/chills
- Itching
- Hives
- Tightness in the chest
- Swelling of the face, neck, lips, tongue, or throat
Other serious side effects may occur. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:
- Sore throat, fever, chills, or other signs of infections
- Sudden weight gain
- Acne
- Bruising
- Swollen ankles
- Changes in mood
- Confusion
- Chest pain
- Vision changes
- Severe headache
- Seizures
- Bloody or black bowel movements
What to watch for while taking Azathioprine
Speak with your doctor first before receiving any vaccinations while on this medication.
You should not drive or operate machinery while on this medication because it may make you dizzy or confused.
In case of emergency surgery, dental work, or medical care, tell your health care providers that you are on this medication.
Contact your doctor if you get worse or if you do not start getting better within a few days.
If you are diabetic, it is especially important for you to tell your doctor because this medicine may interfere with your insulin levels.
Storage Conditions
Store this medication at room temperature and away from heat or moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Emergency/Overdose
Call the national poison control center 1-800-222-1222 or 911 in the event of overdose. Symptoms of an overdose include vomiting, diarrhea, sore throat, fever, chills, and other signs of infection.
Additional Information
For complete information, please visit: http://www.entocortec.com/