What is budesonide?
Budesonide is in a class of drugs called corticosteroids. Budesonide works in the intestines to reduce inflammation, tissue damage, and diarrhea.
Budesonide is used to treat mild to moderate Crohn's disease.
Budesonide may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
How should I take budesonide?
Take budesonide exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Budesonide can be taken with or without food or milk.
Do not crush, break, or chew the capsules. Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release the medication after they have passed through the stomach. Do not drink grapefruit juice or eat grapefruit during treatment with budesonide. Store budesonide at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention. A single large dose of this medication is unlikely to cause symptoms or death. An overdose is more likely to be caused by a chronic overdose--large doses taken over a period of time.
Symptoms of a chronic overdose include obesity (especially around the stomach); a round face; increased hair growth (especially around the face); acne; bruising; increased blood pressure; swollen hands, feet, or ankles (fluid retention); and sore or weak muscles.
What should I avoid while taking budesonide?
Do not drink grapefruit juice or eat grapefruit during treatment with budesonide.
Budesonide can lower the activity of the immune system making you more susceptible to infection. Avoid contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses.
In addition, do not receive vaccines that contain a live strain of the virus (e.g., live oral polio vaccine) and avoid contact with individuals who have recently been vaccinated with a live virus.
Budesonide side effects
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking budesonide and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
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an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
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increased blood pressure (severe headache or blurred vision); or
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sudden weight gain (more than 2 pounds in one day or 5 pounds in a week).
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take budesonide and talk to your doctor if you experience
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insomnia;
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nausea, vomiting, or stomach upset;
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fatigue or dizziness;
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respiratory infection;
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hyperglycemia (increased blood sugar);
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flatulence; or
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headache.
Other side effects may occur rarely, usually with high doses or long-term use of steroids. Talk to your doctor if you experience any of the following side effects:
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acne;
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obesity (especially around the stomach);
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increased hair growth (especially around the face);
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thinning of the skin and easy bruising;
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cataracts;
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glaucoma;
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swollen hands, feet, or ankles (fluid retention);
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sore or weak muscles;
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osteoporosis;
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roundness of the face; and
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changes in behavior.
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