Entocort (Budesonide) 3mg

 Corticosteroid 

CSA NA – FDA Approved – REMS (N) – Can Ship

Budesonide/Entocort is a synthetic glucocorticoid that acts within the gastrointestinal tract and only has a weak systemic effect.  The exact mechanism of action of Budesonide/Entocort is not known but is believed to be due to its ability to supress inflammatory mediators and the body’s immunological response to inflammation.  Budesonide/Entocort is formulated to as a controlled release capsule that contains enteric coated granules that dissolve at a pH ≥5.5, delivering budesonide to the ileum and ascending colon. 

Officially indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate Crohn disease.

Can cause hypercortisolism or suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, particularly in young children or if receiving high doses for prolonged periods. 

Increased risk of secondary infections due to immunosuppression associated with prolonged use of corticosteroids

Can cause development of Kaposi sarcoma, myopathy, and psychiatric disturbances

Use with caution in patients with heart failure, hypertension, diabetes, gastrointestinal disease, ocular disease, myasthenia gravis, osteoporosis, seizures disorders, hepatic and renal impairment

Crohn disease (mild to moderate)

Oral: Take 9mg once daily in the morning for up to 8 weeks; recurring episodes may be treated with a repeat 8-week course of treatment.

*Following treatment of the active disease, treatment can be continued at a daily dose of 6mg for up to 3 months.  If symptom control is maintained for 3 months, tapering of the dosage to complete cessation is recommended.

How to Take Budesonide, Entocort:   It is best to take Budesonide/Entocort in the morning with or without meals.  Swallow the capsule whole and do not crush or chew it.  Budesonide/Entocort capsules can be opened and the granules sprinkled on applesauce and consume within 30 minutes.  Do not chew or crush the granules.

What is the Difference Between Entocort and Uceris:  Entocort is an enteric coated capsule that has a delayed/controlled ileal release of Budesonide.  Studies have shown that Entocort is continually released during passage through the small intestine and ascending colon with the majority of absorption taking place in the ileum and ascending colon.  Uceris is formulated as an extended release 24-hour tablet which results in its time to reach peak concentration delayed compared to Entocort.

The most common side effects include:

>10%

Central Nervous System: Headache (15% to 21%)

Dermatologic: Acne vulgaris (15%)

Endocrine & Metabolic: Decreased cortisol (foam 17%; tablets 2% to 4%), bruise (15%), moon face (11%)

Gastrointestinal: Nausea (2% to 11%)

Respiratory: Respiratory tract infection (11%)