Budesonide helps relieve inflammation.
It is used to treat a wide variety of diseases such as:
- mild to moderate Crohn's disease (a long-term inflammatory disease of the digestive tract that usually affects the small intestine and colon)
- microscopic colitis (long-term inflammation of the colon that causes frequent watery diarrhoea)
- mild to moderate ulcerative colitis (a disease that causes inflammation and sores in the linings of the large intestine and rectum)
- eosinophilic oesophagitis (build-up of certain white blood cells in the lining of the food pipe causing inflammation that leads to difficulty swallowing)
- autoimmune hepatitis (inflammation of the liver which occurs when immune cells mistake the liver's normal cells for harmful invaders and attack them)
- primary immunoglobulin A nephropathy (a disease that causes the build-up of certain proteins in the kidneys leading to inflammation and kidney damage)
This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Take Budesonide exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether you should take this medicine with or without food. Different brands or preparations of Budesonide may be taken differently.
Try to take it at the same time each day.
Budesonide is available as a prolonged-release tablet, orodispersible tablet, modified-release capsule, and gastro-resistant capsule.
If you are taking the prolonged-release tablet and the modified-release or gastro-resistant types of capsules, swallow them whole. Do not divide, chew or crush the tablet or capsule.
If you are taking the orodispersible tablet, follow these steps:
- Remove it from the foil only just before you take it. Do not leave the orodispersible tablet exposed to air. Do not push the orodispersible tablet through the foil as it is fragile and easily broken.
- Remove the orodispersible tablet with dry hands by peeling the backing off the foil and tipping the tablet onto your dry hands.
- Place the orodispersible tablet directly on the tip of your tongue as soon as it is taken out of the foil and gently press it against the top of the mouth. Allow it to melt on your tongue and swallow little by little until it completely disintegrates. Do not drink any liquids, eat, brush your teeth or rinse your mouth for at least 30 minutes after you have taken the orodispersible tablet.
Do not cut, break, or crush the orodispersible tablet.
Your doctor will also discuss the use of this medicine as different brands and preparations of Budesonide may only be used for a specific condition.
Do not use this medicine for any conditions other than what is prescribed by your doctor.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your condition and response to the medication.
Budesonide must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it suddenly as it may worsen your condition.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have severe liver disease as Budesonide may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart disease e.g. heart failure (weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood), recent heart attack
- high blood pressure
- current or family history of diabetes
- stomach or bowel problems e.g. peptic ulcer (open sores in the lining of the stomach, small intestine, or lower food pipe)
- myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disorder)
- osteoporosis (thinning and weakening of bones)
- systemic sclerosis (an autoimmune disorder characterised by hardening and tightening of the skin)
- eye problems e.g. glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye), cataract (clouding of the lens of the eye)
- thyroid disease e.g. overactive or underactive thyroid gland
- mental health problems
- history of epilepsy (fits or seizures)
- active or a history of TB (a lung infection known as tuberculosis)
- untreated bacterial, fungal, viral or parasitic infections
- mild to moderate liver disease
- kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Avoid exposure to anyone who is infected with chickenpox, shingles, or measles. If you are exposed to these infections, contact your doctor immediately.
If you are going to have certain laboratory tests (e.g. test to detect a problem in the pituitary gland), inform your doctor that you are using Budesonide.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. blood sugar and electrolyte levels, liver or kidney function, bone mineral density) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring for signs of infection or changes in vision may also be needed.
Budesonide may cause any of the following side effects: headache, nausea, indigestion, stomach pain, dry mouth, difficulty sleeping, muscle cramps, and muscle or joint pain.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, mouth or throat
- rounding of the face, swelling in the ankles or feet, weight gain, severe headache, wound that heals slowly, hair growth, pimples, stretch marks on the skin
- eye pain, blurred vision or other changes in eyesight
- fever, chills, sore throat, cough, unusual tiredness or weakness
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, agitated, or having compulsive and impulsive behaviour)
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience any other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole
- certain antibiotics e.g. erythromycin, clarithromycin
- medicines for HIV infection e.g. ritonavir, indinavir, saquinavir, cobicistat
- ciclosporin (medicine used in organ transplants or certain immune disorders)
- carbamazepine (medicine for epilepsy [fits or seizures])
- rifampicin (medicine to treat TB [lung infection known as tuberculosis])
- digoxin (medicine for heart disease)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Budesonide.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Avoid excessive consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice (more than 1 litre a day).
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Keep in the original package to protect from light and moisture.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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