Do you also have a condition called ' Ulcerative Colitis '? If so, your doctor may have prescribed you a medicine that comes in the form of a foam for rectal use. When you see this, you may feel a little scared and think that it is difficult to use. But it is actually not as difficult as you think. Today, let's talk about this medicine called Budesonide Rectal Foam, everything in simple terms.
What kind of medicine is this?
Simply put, Budesonide is a steroid. To be precise, it belongs to the group of drugs called ``Corticosteroids.'' This medicine works by controlling the swelling and inflammation that occurs in your large intestine (colon). This is what happens in the case of Ulcerative Colitis.
Imagine if you had a skin wound, we would apply a cream to it, right? In the same way, what this foam does is go to the relevant part of the intestine and reduce the inflammation there. This is not a medicine that is taken orally, but a medicine that is inserted rectally.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using the medicine
It is very important that your doctor is fully aware of your health condition before giving you this medicine. If you have any of the conditions below, be sure to tell your doctor about it.
| Do you have these conditions? |
|---|
| • Any current active infection (such as fever, cough, cold) |
| • Cataracts or glaucoma |
| • Diabetes |
| • High blood pressure |
| • Weaknesses in the immune system |
| • Liver disease |
| • Osteoporosis (bone thinning disease) |
| • Thyroid disease |
| • Allergic reaction to budesonide, other steroids, other medicines, foods, or preservatives |
| • If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant |
| • If you are a breastfeeding mother |
How exactly do you use this?
This is a problem that many people have. Don't worry, just follow these steps.
1. Do not take by mouth: This medicine is for rectal use only. Do not take it by mouth for any reason.
2. Preparation: Wash your hands thoroughly before and after using the medicine. If possible, go to the bathroom and empty your bowels before applying the medicine.
3. Best time: It is usually advised to use this medicine before going to bed at night. Then the medicine will stay inside the body all night and work well. Therefore, after taking the medicine at night, do not try to have a bowel movement again until the next morning.
4. Position: Find a position that is comfortable for you. You can use this while standing, lying down, or sitting (e.g., sitting on the toilet). The easiest way is to place one leg on the floor and the other leg on a raised surface, such as a chair.
5. Usage:
- Use a new applicator for each dose.
- Place your index finger on the pump dome of the foam can and turn the can upside down.
- Insert the applicator slowly, as far as is comfortable for you, into the anus.
- Now, press the pump fully once with your index finger and hold it there for about 2 seconds.
- Then release your finger and keep the applicator in place for another 10-15 seconds.
- Now slowly remove the applicator. The foam will have expanded a little more, and may come out a little. This is normal.
6. Disposal: Place the used applicator in the plastic bag that comes with it and close it tightly and throw it in the trash.
Very important: Do not use more than the amount prescribed by your doctor. Also, do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Doing so can cause serious complications. If you need to stop taking the medicine, your doctor will tell you how to gradually reduce the dose.
Use for children
If this medicine is given to children, special care may be required. Talk to your doctor about this.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Some foods and medications may interact with Budesonide, so be aware of this.
| Definitely stop these. | |
|---|---|
| • Grapefruit juice | • The drug Mifepristone |
| Tell your doctor if you are taking this medicine. | |
| • Cimetidine | • Ketoconazole |
This list is not complete. Tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and herbs you take. Also, tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
- Regular check-ups: Visit your doctor on scheduled days to see how your condition is improving. If there is no improvement after using the medicine for a few days, tell your doctor.
- Risk of infection: This medicine may lower your body's immunity a little. Therefore, you are more likely to get sick. Stay away from people who have illnesses like measles and chickenpox. Tell your doctor if you have any sores that don't heal, fever, cough, or weakness.
- Bleeding: Do not use this medicine if you have blood in your stool. Tell your doctor if you have any rectal pain, burning, itching, or blistering.
- Surgery: If you are having surgery, tell the medical team ahead of time that you are taking this medicine.
- Blood sugar: If you have diabetes, this medicine may cause high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia). Ask your doctor if you need to make any changes to your diet or diabetes medication.
What side effects can be seen?
Like any medicine, this one can have some side effects. Some of them are serious, some are not so serious.
| If you have these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately. | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Cushing syndrome | Fat deposits on the stomach, neck, and upper back, pink/purple stretch marks on the skin, thinning skin that bruises easily, and abnormal hair growth. |
| Increased blood sugar (Hyperglycemia) | Excessive thirst, frequent urination, unusual fatigue, blurred vision. |
| Other serious symptoms | Increased blood pressure, infections (fever, chills), decreased adrenal gland function (nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness), mental changes (anxiety, irritability, depression), swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet. |
| If these symptoms persist or become bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
| Minor side effects | Acne, fatigue, headaches, nausea, weight gain. |
Attention: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
How to store the medicine?
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Store at room temperature (between 20-25 Celsius). Never refrigerate.
- This product is flammable. Therefore, keep away from fire, flames, and smoking during and after use.
- Throw away expired medications.
Take-Home Message
- Budesonide Rectal Foam is a steroid medication used to treat ulcerative colitis.
- Before you start taking the medicine, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and other medications you are taking.
- Follow the correct dosage instructions carefully. Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly without consulting your doctor.
- While taking this medicine, watch for signs of infection, severe mental changes, or other unusual symptoms. If you have any concerns, seek medical advice immediately.
- This is a flammable material, so keep it away from fire and smoke.
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