Budesonide capsules

Sounds like 'bew-dess-oh-nide'

Key points about oral budesonide

Budesonide capsules are used to ease flare-ups of some bowel conditions such as Crohn's disease.
Budesonide capsules are also called Budesonide Te Arai® or Entocort®.
Find out how to take it safely and possible side effects.

HN 0796 two pharmacists in discussion in dispensary of community pharmacy 950x690

Budesonide is a medicine that reduces inflammation. It works by calming or suppressing your body's immune system. It belongs to a group of medicines called corticosteroids, which are similar to the steroid hormones your body naturally makes.

Budesonide capsules are used in adults to ease flare-ups of some bowel conditions such as Crohn's disease and colitis. They decrease symptoms such as pain and diarrhoea. It doesn't cure these conditions.

In Aotearoa New Zealand, budesonide is available as 3 mg slow-release capsules.

The usual dose of budesonide is 9 mg (3 capsules) once a day for 8 weeks. The dose is usually reduced for the last 2 to 4 weeks of treatment.
Always take your budesonide exactly as your healthcare provider 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.

Timing: Take budesonide once a day, in the morning. Budesonide is best taken about 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast.
Swallow your capsules whole with a glass of water: Don't break, chew or crush the capsules. Budesonide capsules are designed to release the medicine slowly in the lower part of your small bowel and the first part of your 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.
Opening capsules: If you have trouble swallowing, the capsules can be opened, and the contents mixed with a small amount of soft food and taken straight away. It's important not to crush or chew the contents of the capsules.
Missed dose: If you forget to take your dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it's nearly time for your next dose, just take the next dose at the usual time. Don't take double the dose. If you're not sure what to do, ask your healthcare provider.

Here are some things to know when you're taking budesonide. Other things may be important as well, so ask your healthcare provider what you should know about.

Other medicines: Budesonide interacts with some medicines, herbal supplements and rongoā Māori, so check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting budesonide and before starting any new products.
Grapefruit, grapefruit juice or sour/Seville oranges: Avoid grapefruit, grapefruit juice or foods containing grapefruit while taking budesonide. It can increase your chance of side effects. Read more about grapefruit and medicines.
Let healthcare providers know: It’s important to tell all your healthcare providers that you’re taking budesonide.
Infections: Taking budesonide can increase your risk of all types of infections. Tell your healthcare provider if you come into contact with someone who has a contagious illness (eg, chickenpox or measles) or if you feel unwell.
Vaccinations: The timing of any live vaccines will need to be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Keep taking budesonide: It may take 2 to 4 weeks before you get the full effect.
Don’t stop taking budesonide suddenly: Talk to your healthcare provider before stopping. You will usually need to take a lower dose in the last 2 to 4 weeks before you stop the medicine.
Monitoring: If you’re taking budesonide for long periods of time your blood pressure and blood glucose levels will be monitored at regular intervals.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding: Talk to your healthcare provider if you're pregnant, planning a pregnancy or want to breastfeed.

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.

Side effects	What should I do?
Headache Muscle weakness, feeling tired	These are quite common when you first start taking budesonide, and usually go away with time. Tell your doctor if these bother you.
Changes in mood or behaviour Mood swings, feeling irritable or anxious, Having bad dreams	This is more likely if you are taking high doses of budesonide. Tell your doctor immediately or ring Healthline 0800 611 116.
Problems with your stomach such as stomach pain, blood in your stool, or dark coloured stool	Tell your doctor immediately or ring Healthline 0800 611 116.
Signs of an allergic reaction such as skin rashes, itching, blisters, peeling skin, swelling of the face, lips, mouth or have problems breathing	This is rare. Tell your doctor immediately or ring Healthline 0800 611 116.
Long-term use of budesonide may cause side effects such as a round face, change in body shape, change in hair growth, thin skin, weak bones, increased blood pressure and diabetes.	Tell your doctor if you develop these. Your blood pressure and blood glucose levels will need monitoring at regular intervals.