Brand Name

Entocort {AstraZeneca}

Generic Name

budesonide, pronounced bue-DES-oh-nide

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Drug Guide

The information contained in the following drug guide is intended as an educational resource only. This guide is not exhaustive and does not contain all available information about this drug.This guide is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment.

The information provided in this guide does not replace the need for the advice and services of medical professionals or the need for medical examination. Always talk to your physician or pharmacist before taking any prescription medication or over the counter drugs (including any supplements) or before making any changes to your treatment. Only your doctor, nurse or pharmacist can provide you with safe and effective advice regarding your drug treatment.

The use of the information in this guide is at your sole risk. This information is provided "AS IS" with no warranties to accuracy or timeliness.

**All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

What is Entocort?

Entocort is a medication used to treat mild to moderate active Crohn’s disease involving the ileum and/or the ascending colon. You may also be prescribed Entocort for the maintenance of clinical remission of mild to moderate Crohn’s disease involving the ileum and/or the ascending colon, for up to 3 months.

Entocort may also be used for reasons not stated in this medication guide.

Key Facts About Entocort

Entocort belongs to a group of medicines called corticosteroids, which are used to reduce inflammation. Sometimes steroids can affect the growth in children. Talk to your doctor if your child is being treated with Entocort and you feel that he or she is not growing well.

Children under age 6 should not be given Entocort.

Entocort contains sucrose, which is a type of sugar. If you have an intolerance to or cannot digest certain sugars, like sucralose, talk to your doctor before taking Entocort.

You should avoid being near people who are ill or have infections because Entocort can lower the blood cells that help your body to fight infections. If you are exposed to chicken pox or measles contact your doctor right away, as these conditions may become serious or fatal in people who use Entocort.

Only use the dose of Entocort that your doctor has prescribed for you, and do not use it for longer than your doctor recommends. Be sure to follow all of the instructions on your prescription to use Entocort safely. Your doctor can answer any questions you may have about your individual risks, and benefits, for using Entocort.

Entocort is in FDA pregnancy category C. It is known that Entocort can be harmful to an unborn baby. You should tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant before using Entocort. Do not use Entocort if you are breast-feeding as Entocort passes into breast milk.

If you use Entocort long-term and in high doses it can lead to symptoms such as thinning skin, easy bruising and changes in the shape or location of your body fat, especially in your back, face, neck and waist.

Before You Take Entocort

You should not take Entocort if you are allergic to budesonide.

If you have been ill recently or had an infection you may not be able take Entocort until you are completely healed. Your doctor will tell you when you should begin your treatment with Entocort.

You should talk to your doctor before taking Entocort if you have cataracts, a history of glaucoma, chicken pox (includes recent exposure), Herpes simplex infection of the eye, measles (includes recent exposure) or any type of infection (such as a virus, bacteria, fungus or parasite).

If you have tuberculosis or a history of tuberculosis you should tell your doctor before taking Entocort.

Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, as you may not be a candidate to take Entocort.

Entocort Drug Interactions

You should inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following:

• anti-fungal medications like ketoconazole or itraconazole
• carbamazepine, or other medications used to treat epilepsy
• cholestyramine or other medications used to reduce cholesterol levels
• HIV protease inhibitors like ritonavir and nelfinavir
• estrogen, like in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and some oral contraceptives
• steroid medications like prednisolone and dexamethasone.

Other drugs you take that are not listed may interact with Entocort. You should tell your doctor about all of the medications you use. This includes prescription drugs, vitamins, supplements and herbal products, and over the counter medications. You should not begin taking a new medication without telling your doctor first.

Directions for Taking Entocort

You should take Entocort exactly as directed by your doctor. It is important that you do not take Entocort in larger or smaller amounts, or for longer or shorter than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label and follow any dose changes carefully if your doctor instructs you to change your dose.

Entocort may be taken with or without food.

You should take Entocort with a full glass of water and swallow the capsules whole.

Do not take Entocort with grapefruit juice or grapefruit products, as it may affect the way this medicine works.

Entocort contains sucrose, which is a type of sugar. If you have an intolerance to or cannot digest certain sugars, like sucralose, talk to your doctor before taking Entocort

Entocort needs to be stored at room temperature, and away from light, moisture and heat.

If you miss a dose of Entocort you should attempt to take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose do not take the missed dose in addition to your regular dose.

Entocort Side Effects

If you experience any of the following adverse effects you should stop taking Entocort and seek emergency medical help immediately:

• adrenal gland problems, symptoms include a darkening of your skin, diarrhea, dizziness, fainting, appetite loss, depression, nausea, skin rashes, weight loss, extreme or unusual exhaustion and weakness
• allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, hives, or swelling of your face, lips, throat or tongue
• blood pressure that is increased, especially if accompanied by headaches
• changes in the shape or location of your body fat, especially in your back, face, neck and waist.

Less serious side effects of Entocort may include:

• bruising easily
• headache
• menstrual period changes
• muscle or joint pain
• nausea and indigestion
• runny or stuffy nose with cough and sore throat
• skin rash (mild)
• stomach pain
• thinning of your skin

It should be noted that this is not a complete list of possible side effects of Entocort. You should contact your physician for a complete list and medical advice regarding these effects.

Entocort Description and Dosing

Entocort is available in 3 mg capsules. Each 3 mg capsule is pink and grey colored.

You should consult your doctor for specific dosing pertaining to you. Do not attempt to alter or change your dose without your physician’s consent.

If you suspect that you have overdosed with Entocort you should seek emergency help immediately.

Ingredients in Entocort

Entocort is comprised of the main ingredient budesonide. The other ingredients are ethyl cellulose, tributyl acetylcitrate, methacrylic acid copolymer, triethylcitrate, Antifoam M, polysorbate 80, talc, sucrose, maize starch, gelatin, titanium dioxide (E 171) and iron oxide (E 172).

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The information contained in this drug guide is intended as an educational resource only. This guide is not exhaustive and does not contain all available information about this drug.This guide is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment.

The information provided in this guide does not replace the need for the advice and services of medical professionals or the need for medical examination. Always talk to your physician or pharmacist before taking any prescription medication or over the counter drugs (including any supplements) or before making any changes to your treatment. Only your doctor, nurse or pharmacist can provide you with safe and effective advice regarding your drug treatment.

The use of the information in this guide is at your sole risk. This information is provided "AS IS" with no warranties to accuracy or timeliness.

**All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.