Budesonide is used to help reduce inflammation.
It is used to treat various inflammatory diseases such as:
- mild to moderate Crohn’s disease (long-term inflammatory disease of the digestive tract) affecting certain parts of the small and/or large bowel
- ulcerative colitis (inflammation of the large intestines and rectum)
- eosinophilic oesophagitis (a type of inflammation of the food pipe that causes problems with swallowing food)
- collagenous or microscopic colitis (a type of inflammation of the large intestine characterised by watery diarrhoea)
- autoimmune hepatitis (inflammation of the liver which occurs when immune cells mistake the liver's normal cells for harmful invaders and attack them)
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 about whether you should take this medicine with or without food. Different brands of this medicine may be taken differently.
Try to take it at the same time each day.
Budesonide is available as a tablet (in prolonged-release or extended-release form, orally-disintegrating tablet), or as gastro-resistant granules or capsules.
If you are taking the prolonged-release or extended-release types of tablet, or the gastro-resistant capsule or granules, swallow it 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 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 your tongue as soon as it is taken out of the foil. Allow it to melt on your tongue and swallow the granules. 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 crush, chew or swallow whole the orodispersible tablets.
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 known as cirrhosis, as Budesonide may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- with or a family history of diabetes
- heart disease e.g. heart failure, recent heart attack
- high blood pressure
- stomach problems e.g. stomach ulcer
- myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disorder)
- eye disease e.g. glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye), cataract (clouding of the lens of the eye)
- active or a history of TB (infection known as tuberculosis)
- active, recurring or untreated infections caused by fungi, bacteria, virus, or parasites
- conditions which increase the risk of bone weakness e.g. osteoporosis (thinning and weakening of bones), being immobile for a long time, menopausal women, smoking, poor nutritional intake
- fits or seizures
- mood disorder or mental health problems
- thyroid disease
- liver disease
- kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Avoid exposure to anyone who is infected with chickenpox or measles. If you are exposed to these infections, inform your doctor immediately.
Inform your doctor if you have been recently vaccinated. Do not receive any vaccinations without first asking your doctor.
If you are going to undergo a laboratory test (e.g. ACTH stimulation test), or an operation, including minor surgery or dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking Budesonide.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- You may need to have routine tests (e.g. blood sugar and electrolyte levels, liver or lung function, bone density, eye examination) while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Your blood pressure may rise to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly.
- Monitoring for signs and symptoms of changes in your eyesight or adrenal glands may also be needed.
Budesonide may cause any of the following side effects: headache, nausea, indigestion, stomach pain, dry mouth, tiredness, muscle or joint pain, muscle cramps, weakness or twitching, skin rash, itching, and delayed wound healing.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swollen face, eyes, tongue or throat
- rounding of the face, acne, swelling in the ankles or feet, weight gain, irregular menstruation (in women), bruising easily, stretch marks on the skin
- blurring of your vision or other visual disturbances
- signs of infection e.g. fever, chills, unusual tiredness or weakness
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, anxious, irritable, or aggressive)
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 for HIV infection e.g. ritonavir, cobicistat
- medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole
- certain antibiotics e.g. clarithromycin
- medicine for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. carbamazepine
- medicine for TB (infection known as tuberculosis) e.g. rifampicin
- medicine for heart diseases e.g. digoxin
- medicines for water retention or “water pills” e.g. furosemide
- cholesterol-lowering medicine e.g. colestyramine
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.
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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