Budesonide capsules

• The usual dose of budesonide is 9 milligrams (3 capsules) once a day for 8 weeks.  The dose is usually reduced for the last 2-4 weeks of treatment.
• Always take your budesonide exactly as your doctor has told you. The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much budesonide to take, how often to take it, and any special instructions.

• Take budesonide once a day, in the morning. Budesonide is best taken about 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast.
• Swallow your capsules, with a glass of water. Do not break, chew or crush the capsules. Budesonide capsules are designed to release the medication slowly in the lower part of the small bowel and the first part of the large bowel. Breaking, chewing or crushing the capsules will cause all the contents to be released at once and will increase your chance of side effects. 
• If you do have trouble swallowing, the capsules can be opened, and the contents mixed with apple sauce and taken straight away. It is important not to crush or chew the contents of the capsules.
• If you forget your dose now and again, it is not necessary to make up for the dose you missed. Just take the next dose at the right time. Do not take double the dose.
• Keep taking budesonide. It may take 2 to 4 weeks before you get the full effect.
• Do not stop taking budesonide suddenly; speak to your doctor before stopping. Often you will need to take a lower dose in the last 2 to 4 weeks before you stop the medication.

• It is best not to eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are taking budesonide. A natural chemical in grapefruit juice increases the amount of budesonide in your bloodstream, which can increase your chance of side-effects.
• Sour/Seville oranges may also interact with budesonide. Discuss with your pharmacist.
• It is important to tell any health professional taking care of you that you are taking budesonide.
• Taking budesonide can increase your risk of all types of infections. Tell your doctor if you come into contact with someone who has a contagious illness such as chickenpox, measles, or if you feel unwell.
• If you are taking budesonide for long periods of time your blood pressure and blood glucose levels will need monitoring at regular intervals.
• Vaccinations: the timing of any live vaccines will need to be discussed with your healthcare provider.

Like all medicines, budesonide can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Often side effects improve as your body gets used to the new medicine.