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IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

BUDESONIDE - ORAL

(bue-DES-oh-nide)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Entocort EC

USES: This medication is used to treat a flare/attack of a bowel condition called Crohn's disease. While budesonide does not cure this condition, it may decrease symptoms such as pain and diarrhea. Budesonide is an anti-inflammatory drug (corticosteroid hormone). It works by decreasing the body's natural defense response (immune response).

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using budesonide and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth, usually once daily before your morning meal, or as directed by your doctor. Take this medication by mouth with a full glass of water (8 ounces/240 milliliters) unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Swallow the capsules whole. Do not crush or chew the capsules. Doing so can keep the drug from being released properly into the colon and may increase side effects.

The dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while being treated with this medication unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Grapefruit may increase the amount of certain medications in your body. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

If you are regularly taking a different corticosteroid by mouth (such as prednisone), you should not stop taking it unless directed by your doctor. Some conditions (such as asthma, allergies) may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. You may have withdrawal symptoms if the drug is suddenly stopped. To prevent withdrawal symptoms (such as weakness, weight loss, nausea, muscle pain, headache, tiredness, dizziness), your doctor may direct you to slowly lower the dose of your old medication when you are taking budesonide. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions immediately. See also Precautions section.

Use this medication regularly and exactly as prescribed in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or use it for a longer time than prescribed because this may increase your risk of serious side effects.

Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when this drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.

Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.