Has your doctor told you that you have Crohn's disease? Or has he prescribed a medication called Budesonide to control your symptoms? When you hear the name of this medication, you may have a lot of questions in your mind. It's normal to think things like, "What will happen with this?", "Are there any side effects?", "What should I be careful about while taking it?" Don't worry. In this article, we'll talk about all of that in a simple way that you can understand.
What is this medicine called Budesonide?
Simply put, Budesonide is a steroid. But unlike the steroids we usually know, this one works mainly in our digestive tract, that is, in the intestines.
The main function of this is to reduce the inflammation, or swelling and redness, in your digestive tract caused by Crohn's disease. Think of it like healing the red, swollen, and sore lining of your intestines. This not only controls symptoms, but also helps prevent flare-ups.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Okay, now before giving you this medicine, it is very important for the doctor to be very aware of your health condition. Because this medicine is not suitable for everyone. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor .
| If you have these conditions | The importance of notifying the doctor |
|---|---|
| Diabetes | Be sure to inform. |
| Eye diseases (e.g. glaucoma, cataracts) or vision impairment | Be sure to inform. |
| If you have recently had surgery or are scheduled to have surgery in the future | Be sure to inform. |
| High blood pressure | Be sure to inform. |
| Immune system weaknesses | Be sure to inform. |
| Bacterial, fungal, viral infections such as tuberculosis (TB) | Be sure to inform. |
| Liver diseases | Be sure to inform. |
| Weakening of bones (Osteoporosis) | Be sure to inform. |
| Stomach ulcers or other intestinal problems | Be sure to inform. |
| Allergy to budesonide or another steroid or food | Be sure to inform. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | Be sure to inform. |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother | Be sure to inform. |
How to use the medicine correctly?
To get the most out of a medication, it is very important to use it correctly.
- This comes in the form of a capsule. It should be swallowed whole with a glass of water.
- Most importantly: Never break, crush, or chew the capsule. Doing so may change the way the medicine works.
- Special tip: If you have been prescribed Entocort EC, and you find it difficult to swallow the capsule, you can carefully open the capsule, put the small seeds inside in a tablespoon of applesauce, and swallow them whole without chewing. But be sure to ask your doctor about this.
- If you have been prescribed Tarpeyo, you should take it at least an hour before eating, on an empty stomach. Do not open Tarpeyo capsules for any reason.
- If you experience stomach upset after taking the medicine, take it with food (except Tarpeyo). Or it's okay to take it without food.
- Get into the habit of taking your medicine at the same time every day.
- Another very important thing: Do not drink grapefruit juice while taking this medication. It can seriously affect the way the medication works.
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, do not panic and immediately go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU). Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
Sometimes we forget to take a dose of medicine. If that happens, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose (e.g., it is only a few hours away), skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Other medications you are taking may interact with Budesonide, so it is important to tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and even herbal remedies you are taking.
| Drug type | Level of concern |
|---|---|
| Medicines that should never be taken together | |
| Metyrapone | Avoid taking Budesonide with this medication. |
| Medicines and foods that the doctor should be informed about when taken together | |
| Antacids | Inform the doctor and follow the instructions. |
| Certain antibiotics (e.g. Clarithromycin) | Inform the doctor and follow the instructions. |
| Certain antivirals given for HIV or Hepatitis | Inform the doctor and follow the instructions. |
| Certain antifungals (e.g. Ketoconazole) | Inform the doctor and follow the instructions. |
| Cyclosporine | Inform the doctor and follow the instructions. |
| Grapefruit juice | Avoid completely. |
Possible side effects while taking the medicine
Like any medicine, Budesonide can cause side effects in some people. Some of these are not serious, but some require immediate attention.
| Side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
|---|---|
| Allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Symptoms of Cushing syndrome | Rounding of the face, fat deposits on the stomach and back of the neck, purple streaks on the skin, and thin skin that bruises easily. |
| Increased blood sugar (Hyperglycemia) | Excessive thirst, frequent urination, extreme fatigue, blurred vision. |
| Increased blood pressure | Severe headache, dizziness. |
| Signs of infection | Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, non-healing wounds. |
| Mental changes | Anxiety, irritability, depression, insomnia, unusual thoughts. |
| Body swelling | Swelling of the hands, feet, and ankles. |
| Usually not serious (but tell your doctor if it persists) | |
| Headache | Acne formation |
| Nausea | Lifeless body |
Take-Home Message
- Budesonide is a steroid medication used to treat Crohn's disease. It should only be used under the supervision of your doctor.
- Swallow the capsules whole. Never break, crush, or chew (except as specifically instructed for Entocort EC).
- Avoid drinking grapefruit juice completely while taking this medication.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and traditional medicines you are taking.
- Tell your doctor immediately if you experience severe side effects such as fever, signs of infection, vision changes, or severe mental changes.
- Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly without your doctor's advice.
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