Drug
Budesonide
Pronounced
"bue-DES-oh-nide"
Uses
This medication is used to treat a certain immune disorder of the esophagus (eosinophilic esophagitis-EoE). The esophagus is the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach. In EoE, a type of white blood cell builds up in the esophagus and causes damage that can lead to symptoms such as trouble swallowing, food getting stuck when you swallow, chest discomfort, and backflow of undigested food (regurgitation). Budesonide is an anti-inflammatory drug (corticosteroid hormone). It works by decreasing the body's natural defense response (immune response).
How to Use This Medication
Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions for Use if available from your pharmacist before you start taking budesonide and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily (once in the morning and once in the evening). Do not take with liquid or food.
Shake the suspension packet well for at least 10 seconds before opening. Open the packet with scissors and squeeze the medication into your mouth as directed and swallow. Repeat 2 to 3 times until the packet is empty. To make sure this medication works properly, do not eat or drink for at least 30 minutes after you have taken it. After 30 minutes, rinse your mouth with water and spit without swallowing.
Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while using this medication unless your doctor or pharmacist says you may do so safely. Grapefruit can increase the chance of side effects with this medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
If you are regularly using a different corticosteroid taken by mouth (such as prednisone), you should not stop using it unless directed by your doctor. You may have withdrawal symptoms if the drug is suddenly stopped. Some conditions (such as asthma, allergies) may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. To prevent withdrawal symptoms (such as weakness, weight loss, nausea, muscle pain, headache, tiredness, dizziness), your doctor may direct you to slowly lower the dose of your old medication after you begin using this product. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions right away. See also Precautions section.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.
Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when this drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.