Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: BUDESONIDE - ORAL (byou-DESS-oh-nide)
BRAND NAME(S): Entocort EC
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert
USES: Budesonide is used to treat a type of inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease).
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth usually once daily in the morning; or as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Do not crush or chew this medication. Swallow the medication whole. Use this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed because it may increase your chance of serious side effects. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is abruptly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.
SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, nausea, dizziness, increased sweating, stomach upset, or may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: trouble breathing, fever, pain (e.g., back, stomach/abdominal, or generalized pain). Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: chest pain, swelling of the tongue or face/legs/arms, vision problems, easy bruising, tingling or numbness of the hands/feet, tremor, unusually fast heartbeat, trouble sleeping, mental/mood changes, rash, acne, urination problems (e.g., inability to urinate or increase in nighttime urination), changes in menstrual period, increased hair growth (body hair). Contact your doctor if you experience any of the signs of low steroid levels: unusual weakness, weight loss, vomiting, fainting, dizziness. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Crohn's Disease - Learn about Crohn's Disease and the causes, symptoms (including abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, fever, rectal bleeding, and more) and treatment of this chronic inflammatory disease of the intestines.
- Asthma - Read about asthma signs and symptoms, statistics, medication, inhalers, and management, and triggers (or what causes an attack). Get the facts about asthma in children and exercise-induced asthma.
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