Product Details: Entocort EC (Budesonide)

Brand Name Options - Manufacturer: AstraZeneca

Generic Options

What are Generics? A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, how it is taken, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name and works the same way in the body in the same amount of time.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is the generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (e.g. different shape or color), as trademark laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to invent a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name drug and sell it at substantial discounts.

Description

This medicine is a glucocorticosteroid used to treat Crohn's disease.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. THIS MEDICINE COMES WITH A PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. TAKE THIS MEDICINE in the morning at the same time every day. SWALLOW WHOLE. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. AVOID EATING GRAPEFRUIT OR GRAPEFRUIT JUICE while you are taking this medicine. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container away from heat and light. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE and you are taking 1 dose daily, take the missed dose if you remember the same day. Skip the missed dose if you do not remember until the next day. DO NOT TAKE 2 doses at once.

Cautions

DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE or take this medicine for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol, may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine or have used it in the past. IF YOUR SYMPTOMS DO NOT IMPROVE or if they become worse, contact your doctor. THIS MEDICINE MAY LOWER YOUR RESISTANCE TO INFECTION. Prevent infection by avoiding contact with people with colds or other infections. Do not touch your eyes or the inside of your nose unless you have thoroughly washed your hands. IF YOU ARE EXPOSED TO CHICKENPOX, MEASLES, OR TUBERCULOSIS (TB) while taking this medicine or during the 12 months after stopping this medicine, call your doctor. Also report to your doctor any injuries or signs of infection (fever, sore throat, pain during urination, or muscle aches). FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of taking this medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine. IF YOU HAVE DIABETES, this medicine may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely and ask your doctor before adjusting the dose of your diabetes medicine.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, back pain, upset stomach or gas, changes in menstrual cycle, nervousness, tremor, and trouble sleeping. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience a sudden increase in weight, acne, unusual bruising, swollen ankles or face, change in mood or behavior, confusion, chest pain, vision changes, or severe headache. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Active Ingredients

Budesonide