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Home > Medicines & Drugs > Budesonide (oral)

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Budesonide (oral)

  • If you have been taking budesonide for more than three weeks, do not stop treatment suddenly. Speak to your doctor who will advise on a gradual reduction.
  • If you come into contact with anyone who has measles, shingles or chickenpox (or suspects they might have them) you must see your doctor as soon as possible.
  • Carry the steroid treatment card you have been given with you at all times.

About oral budesonide

Type of medicineCorticosteroid
Used forCrohn’s disease of the lower gastrointestinal tract
Chronic diarrhoea due to collagenous colitis (inflammation of the bowel)
Autoimmune hepatitis (persistent liver inflammation)
Also calledBudenofalk®
Entocort Cr®
Available asCapsules and modified-release capsules

Budesonide can be used to help treat Crohn's disease.

When a patient suffers from Crohn's disease parts of the gut (gastrointestinal tract) become inflamed. This causes pain, diarrhoea, ulcers and can block the gut or prevent absorption of nutrients from food. The cause of this inflammation is not fully understood. Patients with Crohn's disease will experience flare-ups when the symptoms are worse. They may then have few or no symptoms for a while until the next flare-up.

Budesonide reduces inflammation in the gut and therefore helps to relieve the symptoms of Crohn's disease.

Budesonide is available in the form of capsules which are swallowed. The capsules contain specially coated particles that do not start to break down until they have travelled through the stomach and have reached the small intestine. This means they start to work in the area of the gut where it is inflamed.

Before taking budesonide

Before taking budesonide make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you have ever had tuberculosis (TB).
  • If you are suffering from any kind of infection particularly chickenpox, shingles or measles, or if you have recently been in contact with anyone who has them.
  • If you have hypertension (high blood pressure).
  • If you have thyroid problems.
  • If you have epilepsy (fits).
  • If you or any of your close family have heart problems.
  • If you have liver or kidney problems.
  • If you or any of your close family have diabetes mellitus or glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye).
  • If you have osteoporosis (brittle bones) or if you are a woman who has gone through the menopause.
  • If you or any of your close family have had problems (particularly mental health problems) caused by taking a steroid.
  • If you suffer from myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakening disease).
  • If you have a peptic (stomach) ulcer or any gastrointestinal disorder other than the one being treated.
  • If you have recently had a vaccination or are about to have one.
  • If you have recently had a heart attack or a clot in a blood vessel.
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take budesonide

  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet and follow the printed instructions you have been given with this medicine.
  • Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • Try to take budesonide at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses. The capsules should be swallowed whole with water. They must not be chewed.
  • If you are taking Budenofalk® capsules, take your dose 30 minutes to an hour before food.
  • Do not take your dose at the same time as indigestion remedies as these can interfere with the way this medicine works in the body.
  • If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose in which case skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • If you have been taking budesonide for more than three weeks do not stop taking it without speaking to your doctor first. Your doctor will want you to reduce your dose slowly before you stop, as stopping suddenly after taking budesonide for some time may lead to withdrawal problems.
  • Carry the steroid treatment card you have been given with you at all times. If you are injured or involved in an accident it is important that any doctor treating you knows that you have been taking budesonide. Even if you have stopped taking budesonide, it is important that you mention you have taken a course of corticosteroids to any doctor treating you for up to one year after stopping treatment.
  • If you come into contact with anyone who has measles, shingles or chickenpox, or who suspects they might have them, you must see your doctor as soon as possible. This is because corticosteroids such as budesonide can increase your susceptibility to infection.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking this medicine.
  • Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.

Can budesonide cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Rare side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 1,000 people who take this medicineWhat can I do if I experience this
Feeling sick or indigestionEat little and often. Stick to simple foods
Increased appetite and weightTry to maintain a well-balanced diet. If you notice weight gain, speak to your doctor
Dizziness, tiredness, blurred visionMake sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert
Long-term use of high doses of budesonide may cause Cushing's syndrome with moon face (red, puffy and round), stretch marks, and acneThese usually return to normal once the treatment has been stopped
Thinning of the bones or skin, overgrowth of hair, menstrual changes in women, nervousness, mood swings, muscle cramps, palpitations, difficulty sleeping, skin itching and bruisingIf you are concerned about any of these speak with your doctor

Important: if you feel depressed or experience suicidal thoughts, speak with your doctor without delay. This is because corticosteroid treatment, especially with high doses, can alter your mood when you first start treatment or when treatment is being stopped. This can make you become confused, feel irritable and suffer from delusion and suicidal thoughts.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store budesonide

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2010DocID: 3851DocRef: dils3880Last Reviewed: 22 Dec 2009Version: 23
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