Entocort EC (active ingredient: budesonide) is a prescription medication used to treat mild to moderate Crohn’s disease, a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the digestive tract.

Crohn’s disease can cause inflammation anywhere in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, but it commonly affects the ileum (the last part of the small intestine) and the ascending colon (the first part of the large intestine). Symptoms may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, cramping, fatigue, weight loss, and frequent bowel movements.

Entocort EC belongs to a group of medications called corticosteroids. It works by reducing inflammation in the digestive tract, which can help relieve symptoms and allow the affected tissues to heal.

Treatment of Mild to Moderate Crohn’s Disease

Entocort EC is used to help induce and maintain clinical remission in people with mild to moderate active Crohn’s disease involving the ileum and/or ascending colon.

Clinical remission means that symptoms are greatly reduced or may disappear for a period of time, allowing patients to feel better and improve their quality of life.

How Entocort EC Helps

Reduces inflammation in the digestive tract.
Helps relieve symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and cramping.
Supports healing of inflamed intestinal tissue.
Helps achieve and maintain remission.
May reduce the frequency and severity of disease flare-ups.

How Entocort EC Works

Entocort EC contains budesonide, a corticosteroid that acts directly within the gastrointestinal tract to reduce inflammation.

By decreasing the body’s inflammatory response, Entocort EC helps control the swelling, irritation, and tissue damage associated with Crohn’s disease. This can lead to improved symptom control and better long-term disease management.

Because Entocort EC is designed to release medication in specific areas of the intestine, it targets the parts of the digestive tract most commonly affected by Crohn’s disease involving the ileum and ascending colon.

Entocort EC (budesonide) is available as an oral capsule and should be taken exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. The medication is usually taken once daily in the morning, at least one hour before a meal.

Swallow the capsules whole with water. Do not crush, chew, or break the capsules, as this can affect how the medication is released in the digestive tract.

If you have difficulty swallowing capsules, you may open the capsule and sprinkle the contents onto a tablespoon of applesauce. Mix it gently and swallow the mixture immediately without chewing the granules. Follow this with a full glass of water and consume the mixture within 30 minutes of preparation.

Always follow the instructions on your prescription label. If you are unsure how to take Entocort EC or have questions about your dosage, speak with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Recommended Dosage

Treatment of Mild to Moderate Crohn’s Disease

To help bring active Crohn’s disease under control, the typical dose is:

9 mg by mouth once daily

Usually taken in the morning
Treatment may continue for up to 8 weeks

Maintenance of Clinical Remission

After symptoms have improved and remission has been achieved, the typical maintenance dose is:

6 mg by mouth once daily

Usually taken in the morning
Treatment may continue for up to 3 months

Important Information About Treatment

Entocort EC can help reduce inflammation and control the symptoms of Crohn’s disease, but it does not cure the condition. Many patients experience improvement in symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and intestinal inflammation while taking this medication.

Your healthcare provider will monitor your progress throughout treatment to determine how well the medication is working. If your symptoms remain well controlled, your healthcare provider may gradually reduce your dose or discontinue treatment after a period of sustained remission.

Do not stop taking Entocort EC or change your dose without first speaking with your healthcare provider. Be sure to report any changes in your symptoms, side effects, or overall health during treatment so your healthcare provider can make any necessary adjustments to your care plan.

Common Side Effects of Entocort EC (Budesonide):

Nausea
Headache
Runny or stuffy nose
Heartburn
Indigestion
Thinning of the skin
Changes in menstrual period

Serious Side Effects of Entocort EC (Budesonide):

Signs of an infection such as fever, cough, sore throat, and chills
Unusual tiredness or fatigue
Bleeding or easy bruising
Slow wound healing
White patches in the mouth
Vision problems
Mood or mental changes

Entocort EC (Budesonide) is available in the following forms and strength:

Entocort EC: Controlled Release Capsule

Budesonide: Controlled Release Capsule

Do not use Entocort EC if you have a systemic fungal infection or if your healthcare provider has advised against using corticosteroids because of an active infection. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you currently have an infection or have a history of serious infections, including tuberculosis (TB).

Budesonide can weaken the immune system, which may increase your risk of developing infections or make existing infections worse. It may also mask the signs and symptoms of an infection, making it more difficult to recognize when you are sick. Contact your healthcare provider if you develop symptoms such as fever, chills, persistent sore throat, cough, or other signs of infection.

Long-term use of corticosteroids, including budesonide, may increase the risk of certain health conditions, including:

Osteoporosis (bone loss)
Bone fractures
Cataracts
Glaucoma
Increased eye pressure

Your healthcare provider may monitor your bone health and eye health if you require long-term treatment.

Do not receive live vaccines while taking Entocort EC unless your healthcare provider specifically recommends it. Because budesonide affects the immune system, some vaccines may not work as effectively or may increase the risk of infection.

Budesonide may cause adrenal gland suppression, a condition in which the adrenal glands produce lower levels of natural steroid hormones. This can lead to symptoms such as:

Low blood pressure
Low blood sugar
Extreme tiredness
Weakness
Dizziness
Nausea

Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any of these symptoms.

Before starting Entocort EC, tell your healthcare provider about all prescription medications, over-the-counter products, vitamins, and herbal supplements you take. Budesonide may interact with other medications, which could affect how well the treatment works or increase the risk of side effects.

Tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of liver disease. Liver problems may affect how budesonide is processed in the body and may increase the risk of side effects.

Long-term use of budesonide may increase blood sugar levels and may increase the risk of developing diabetes or worsen existing diabetes. If you have diabetes, your healthcare provider may recommend monitoring your blood sugar levels more closely during treatment.

If you have recently had surgery or are planning to undergo a surgical procedure, inform your healthcare provider. Corticosteroids such as budesonide may slow the body’s healing process and could affect recovery after surgery.

Regular follow-up appointments are important while taking Entocort EC. Your healthcare provider may monitor your symptoms, overall health, and any potential side effects to ensure the medication remains safe and effective for you.

Can Entocort EC Interact with Other Medications?

Yes. Entocort EC may interact with certain prescription medications, over-the-counter products, vitamins, and herbal supplements. These interactions may affect how well the medication works or increase the risk of side effects. Before starting Entocort EC, provide your healthcare provider with a complete list of everything you take, including non-prescription medications and natural health products. Never start, stop, or change any medication without first consulting your healthcare provider.

Is Entocort EC Safe During Pregnancy?

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, talk to your healthcare provider before taking Entocort EC. Your healthcare provider can help you understand the potential benefits and risks of treatment and determine whether this medication is appropriate for you. Budesonide may pass into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to a nursing infant, discuss breastfeeding with your healthcare provider before using Entocort EC. Your healthcare provider can help you decide whether to continue breastfeeding or use an alternative treatment.

How Long Does It Take for Entocort EC to Work?

Entocort EC does not work immediately. It may take several weeks before you notice a significant improvement in your Crohn’s disease symptoms. Even if you begin to feel better, continue taking the medication exactly as prescribed. Stopping treatment too early may cause symptoms to return or prevent you from receiving the full benefit of the medication.

How Long Can You Take Budesonide?

The length of treatment depends on your medical condition and how well you respond to therapy. For active Crohn’s disease, budesonide is typically prescribed for up to 8 weeks to help bring symptoms under control. After remission is achieved, treatment may continue at a lower dose for up to 3 months to help prevent symptoms from returning. Your healthcare provider will determine the most appropriate treatment duration for your individual needs and may adjust your dose based on your symptoms and response to treatment.

REVIEWS

Additional Information Book

Generic name:	Budesonide
Formulation:	Controlled Release Capsule
Strength(s):	3mg
Quantities Available:	50, 90, 100, 180, 300

How to Order

How much Entocort EC can I order at once from a Canadian pharmacy?

When ordering Entocort EC (budesonide) from a Canadian pharmacy, you can typically purchase up to a 90-day supply at one time, which is common for prescription medications to ensure adequate management of chronic conditions without frequent refills.

Here’s what you need to know:

Dosage and Quantity: Entocort EC is available in various dosages, commonly 3 mg per capsule. If your prescribed dosage is, for instance, 9 mg per day, for a 90-day supply, you would order 270 capsules (90 days x 3 capsules per day).

Do you sell budesonide?

Yes, we do sell budesonide! Enjoy our low prices on this medication. Remember, you’ll need a valid prescription from your healthcare provider to purchase it. You can easily provide your prescription by mailing, faxing, or uploading it through your online account.

Do you offer shipping of Entocort EC (budesonide) to the United States?

Yes, we ship Entocort EC (budesonide) to both the United States and Puerto Rico.

Entocort EC (Budesonide)

Entocort EC

Budesonide