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Home > Drug Category > Disorders of the Digestive Tract (IBS,Crohns Disease,Stomach) > Entocort EC and Equivalent

Entocort EC Information

Entocort EC (Budesonide) is primarily used to treat mild-to-moderate active Crohn’s disease, a chronic inflammatory condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the digestive tract lining, causing ulcers, pain, and diarrhea. It is typically used in active Crohn's disease involving the ileum and the ascending colon. Its active ingredient is budesonide, a corticosteroid. Unlike traditional corticosteroids that affect the entire body, this medication works through a targeted-release mechanism.

Its enteric coating prevents the drug from dissolving in the stomach, allowing it to reach the ileum and ascending colon, the areas most commonly affected by Crohn’s disease. Once released, budesonide binds to glucocorticoid receptors in the gut tissue, thereby suppressing the local immune response and reducing inflammation. This subsequently leads to the reduction in symptoms like abdominal cramping and frequent bowel movements, potentially inducing remission while sparing your body from many of the systemic side effects typically seen with systemic steroids like prednisone. It may, however, take approximately 2 to 4 weeks before you begin to see its impact.

In addition to its use in treating Crohn's disease, budesonide has been shown to benefit patients with other inflammatory conditions. It may be used to treat active ulcerative colitis, a form of inflammatory bowel disease that primarily affects the large intestine. Budesonide may also be used to reduce loss of kidney function in adults with primary immunoglobulin A nephropathy, who are at risk of disease progression. It may also be used in adults and children aged 11 years and above to treat eosinophilic esophagitis, an immune-mediated disease characterized by a high concentration of eosinophils (white blood cells) that causes allergic inflammatory injury and esophageal narrowing.

Entocort EC Side Effects

Like all medications, budesonide appears to have a range of possible side effects. Common mild side effects may include acne, headache, indigestion, fatigue, and trouble sleeping. Contact your doctor if these mild side effects persist or worsen.

Stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects, including the following:
• Allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, body itching, body rash, skin blistering, swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, lips, or throat;
• Anxiety, nervousness, or tremor;
• Blood in stools;
• Menstrual problems;
• Mental problems like depression;
• Muscle cramps or pain, muscle weakness;
• Palpitations (fast or pounding heartbeat);
• Signs of infection, which may include fever or chills, severe diarrhea, and shortness of breath

Inform your doctor about any other side effects you notice that are not listed here.

Entocort EC Precautions

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to budesonide, other ingredients in Entocort EC, or any other medicine. Before you start taking this medication, ensure that you inform your doctor about any prior or current medical conditions, including the following:
• Abdominal problems such as stomach ulcers;
• Bleeding problems;
• Bone problems such as osteoporosis;
• Current or past infections such as tuberculosis, herpes;
• Diabetes;
• Eye problems such as cataract and glaucoma;
• High blood pressure;
• Kidney disease;
• Liver disease;
• Mental or mood disorders such as depression, psychosis;
• Muscle problems like myasthenia gravis;
• Overactive thyroid gland

Budesonide can mask signs of infection or make existing ones worse. It is advisable to avoid contact with individuals with chickenpox or measles, as these infections can be more severe (sometimes fatal) while on corticosteroids. It is not known if this medication is safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking this medication if you are pregnant or breastfeeding a baby, to determine its risks and benefits. This medication is not recommended for children younger than 8 years. Caution is advised when using this medication in children, as it can cause poor growth.

Before undergoing surgery or if you experience a serious illness or injury, inform your doctor that you are taking this medication. Research shows that taking some medications like ketoconazole with budesonide can adversely increase the amount of corticosteroids in your blood, potentially causing adverse effects. Therefore, before using this medication, inform your doctor about any other medications you are currently taking, including herbal medicines and supplements, to determine if it is safe to use along with budesonide.

Entocort EC is available in capsule and enema forms. Take Entocort EC capsules once daily in the morning, as directed by your doctor. Swallow these capsules whole with a full glass of water. Never crush, chew, or break the capsules, as this destroys the special coating that protects the medicine until it reaches your gut. For the enema form, administer one dose at bedtime for approximately four weeks to ensure the medication remains in contact with the inflamed tissue overnight. Always prepare the enema solution immediately before use by dissolving the provided tablet into the carrier liquid according to the instructions provided in the medication leaflet. Avoid consuming grapefruit juice while taking this medication. Store this medication at room temperature in its original container in a dry place, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Entocort EC?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Entocort EC.