Budesonide (Rectal)

About Budesonide (Rectal)

This belongs to the group of medicines known as corticosteroids.

Budesonide (Rectal) can be used to help treat ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis occurs when the large intestine (bowel) becomes inflamed and ulcers are formed. Symptoms include diarrhoea, often containing blood, and stomach pain. The condition has times when the symptoms are worse, known as flare-ups. In between these flare-ups a patient may have few or no symptoms.

Budesonide reduces inflammation and therefore helps to relieve the symptoms of ulcerative colitis.

Budesonide (Rectal) is available in enema form.

It is also sometimes known as: Entocort. You may notice the use of either of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Using Budesonide (Rectal)

Before Using Budesonide (Rectal) make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you have been taking any other steroids
• if you have had an infection in your bowel recently
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Use Budesonide (Rectal)

• Use your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Follow the printed instructions that you get with this medicine carefully.
• Budesonide enema is usually used at bedtime.
• Straight after using the enema lie on your front for at least five minutes to help keep the liquid inside you.
• After use put the used bottle in one of the bags provided and dispose of carefully.
• Try to use this medicine at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses.
• Never use more than the prescribed dose. Do not swallow this preparation. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of Budesonide or has swallowed the enema liquid contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside Budesonide (Rectal).
• Before having any kind of surgery, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the doctor, dentist or surgeon you are using Budesonide (Rectal).
• Go to the toilet before using Budesonide enema. Passing water and emptying your bowels will make it more comfortable to use this preparation.
• Use a plastic sheet to protect your bedclothes from any spills.
• The enema liquid should be held in the back passage for as long as possible. This will help it to work better. Keeping your bottom slightly higher than the rest of your body when you are lying down will help. You can do this by putting pillows underneath your bottom or by raising the end of the bed. You should try to go to sleep in this position to help keep the liquid inside you.

Can Budesonide (Rectal) cause problems?

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

Feeling sick, diarrhoea, trapped wind, skin rash, nervousness, problems sleeping

If you experience any other worrying side effects, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your pharmacist or doctor.

How to store Budesonide (Rectal)

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS 2005   Updated: 20/01/2005