Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. Also, do not stop using this medicine without first checking with your doctor.

This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet and patient instructions. Read and follow the instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

Swallow the extended-release capsule and extended-release tablet whole. Do not break, crush, chew, or open it.

If you cannot swallow the Entocort® EC extended-release capsule, you may open it and mix the granules into a tablespoonful of applesauce (not hot). Swallow the mixture whole. Do not chew or crush the granules. Take the mixture within 30 minutes. Drink a glass (8 ounces) of water right after.

Swallow the delayed-release capsule whole. Do not open, crush, or chew it. Take this medicine in the morning, at least 1 hour before a meal.

To use the oral liquid:

  • Do not take this medicine with food or liquid. Do not use it if it is damaged or leaking.
  • Shake the stick pack for at least 10 seconds before opening. Using scissors, cut along the dotted line straight across the top of the stick pack.
  • Squeeze the stick pack from the bottom to the top directly into the mouth. Repeat 2 to 3 times until all the medicine is given. Swallow all the liquid.
  • Do not eat or drink for 30 minutes after taking the medicine. After 30 minutes, rinse your mouth and spit out the contents without swallowing.

Keep using this medicine for the full time of treatment, even if you begin to feel better after a few days. Do not miss any doses.

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may increase the effects of budesonide by increasing the amount of this medicine in your body. You should not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For oral dosage form (delayed-release capsules):
    • For proteinuria:
      • Adults—16 milligrams (mg) once a day in the morning for up to 9 months. Before stopping treatment, reduce your dose to 8 mg once a day in the morning for the last 2 weeks of treatment.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For oral dosage form (extended-release capsules):
    • For mild to moderate active Crohn's disease:
      • Adults—9 milligrams (mg) once a day in the morning for up to 8 weeks. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
      • Children 8 to 17 years of age and weighing more than 25 kilograms (kg)—At first, 9 mg once a day in the morning for up to 8 weeks, followed by 6 mg once a day in the morning for 2 weeks.
      • Children younger than 8 years of age or weighing 25 kg or less—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For prevention of symptoms of Crohn's disease from coming back:
      • Adults—6 milligrams (mg) once a day in the morning for up to 3 months. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For oral dosage form (extended-release tablets):
    • For mild to moderate ulcerative colitis:
      • Adults—9 milligrams (mg) once a day in the morning for up to 8 weeks.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For oral dosage form (suspension):
    • For eosinophilic esophagitis:
      • Adults and children 11 years of age and older—2 milligrams (mg) 2 times a day for 12 weeks.
      • Children younger than 11 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

If you miss a dose of the delayed-release capsule, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Throw away any unused applesauce mixture after 30 minutes.

You may store the oral liquid in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Do not freeze.

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Portions of this document last updated: May 01, 2024

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