In this Article

• What is budesonide (Entocort EC)?
• What are the possible side effects of budesonide (Entocort EC)?
• What is the most important information I should know about budesonide (Entocort EC)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking budesonide (Entocort EC)?
• How should I take budesonide (Entocort EC)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Entocort EC)?
• What happens if I overdose (Entocort EC)?
• What should I avoid while taking budesonide (Entocort EC)?
• What other drugs will affect budesonide (Entocort EC)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking budesonide (Entocort EC)?

You should not take this medication if you are allergic to budesonide, or if you have active tuberculosis or any other type of a serious bacterial, viral, or fungal infection.

Before taking budesonide, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• kidney disease;
• liver disease (including cirrhosis);
• stomach ulcer, intestinal bleeding or blockage;
• measles, scarlet fever, or any other condition with a skin rash;
• diverticulitis;
• osteoporosis;
• high blood pressure;
• heart disease or coronary artery disease;
• overactive thyroid;
• mental illness;
• a muscle disorder called myasthenia gravis; or
• a personal or family history of diabetes, glaucoma, or cataract.

FDA Pregnancy Category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Budesonide can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take budesonide (Entocort EC)?

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take this medication with a full glass of water.

Budesonide should be taken before a meal.

Do not crush, chew, break, or open an extended-release capsule. Swallow the pill whole. Breaking or opening the pill may cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.

If you take budesonide long term, your blood may need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using budesonide. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

Store budesonide at room temperature away from moisture and heat.