Budez CR 3mg (Budesonide)

Budez CR general information

What is Budez CR used for?

Budez CR capsules 3mg are used to treat mild to moderate Crohn's disease, which is a chronic inflammatory disease of the intestines and an autoimmune disease (when the immune system attacks self) that can cause inflammation at any point of the gastrointestinal system.  Budez CR capsules can be used to treat Crohn's disease where it affects the ileum (last section of the small intestine) and/or the ascending colon (first section of the large intestine or bowel), which is the most common form of the disease.  Budez CR capsules 3mg are used to induce remission and also for maintenance of remission to prevent flare up of symptoms.  Budez CR can also be used to treat recurring active episodes and acute attacks as part of long-term treatment of Crohn's disease, to relieve symptoms caused by inflammation and ulceration of the intestine like abdominal pain, diarrhoea, bleeding from the rectum and fever.   

How does Budez CR work?

Budez CR capsules 3mg contain budesonide, a synthetic glucocorticosteroid that has potent topical anti-inflammatory activity and is much more potent than cortisol, which is an endogenous (produced by the body) corticosteroid.  Crohn's disease is characterised by migration of certain white cells (leucocytes) into the irritated intestinal tissue, where they release inflammatory chemicals like cytokines, prostaglandins and leukotrienes.  Budesonide in Budez CR capsules 3mg binds to glucocorticosteroid receptor in the intestinal cells and inhibits the production of inflammatory cytokines and cytokine-mediated immune responses that are thought to be involved in Crohn's disease.  Budez CR capsules 3mg are formulated to allow slow but prolonged local release of budesonide; the capsules are resistant to digestion by gastric juices and contain granules coated in a protective matrix which releases budesonide in a slow controlled manner in the ileum (last part of the small intestine) through the ascending colon (the first part of the large bowel).  Although budesonide is absorbed into the blood it is rapidly metabolized and it does have some systemic effects (adrenocortical suppression), but they are very much less than other oral glucocorticoids like prednisolone, which means that the inhibition of naturally produced cortisol is minimal, as is the demineralization of bone and loss of bone mass that is caused by glucocorticoids like prednisolone. 

What does Budez CR contain?

Budez CR capsules contain the active ingredient budesonide 3mg, a synthetic glucocorticosteroid that has potent topical anti-inflammatory activity and is used to treat Crohn's disease. 

Treating Crohn's disease with Budez CR

Budez CR capsules 3mg contain budesonide, a synthetic glucocorticosteroid used to treat Crohn's disease where it affects the ileum (last section of the small intestine) and/or the ascending colon (first section of the large intestine or bowel), which is the most common form of the disease.  Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of the intestines and an autoimmune disease (when the immune system attacks self) that can cause inflammation at any point of the gastrointestinal system.  Budez CR capsules 3mg are used to induce and maintain remission; also to treat acute attacks that may flare up during long-term treatment.  Budesonide in Budez CR capsules 3mg binds to glucocorticosteroid receptor in the intestinal cells and inhibits the production of inflammatory cytokines and cytokine-mediated immune responses that are thought to be involved in Crohn's disease.  This helps relieve symptoms caused by inflammation and ulceration of the intestine like abdominal pain, diarrhoea, bleeding from the rectum and fever.

What are the side effects of Budez CR?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Budez CR capsules 3mg include: insomnia, nervousness, mood swings, palpitations, blurred vision, dyspepsia (indigestion), skin rash or itchiness, muscle cramps, menstrual disorders, swelling of the face (Cushingoid features) caused by adrenocortical suppression.

When should Budez CR not be used?

You should not use Budez CR capsules 3mg if you:

• are allergic to budesonide or any ingredients in Budez CR
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding
• have kidney or liver disease
• have not had chicken pox and measles and are at risk of infection, as these diseases are worse when taking glucocorticoids
• have an infection
• have hypertension, diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis, peptic ulcer, glaucoma or cataracts, without discussion with your doctor
• are taking medicines that interact with Budez CR, including: oestrogens or oral contraceptives, antifungals like ketoconazole and itraconazole, grapefruit juice

What medications interact with Budez CR?

Several medications interact with Budez CR capsules 3mg and should either not be taken while you are taking Budez CR or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor:

• Drugs that affect Budez CR: oestrogens or oral contraceptives, antifungals like ketoconazole and itraconazole, grapefruit juice

How should Budez CR be taken?

You should take your Budez CR capsules 3mg swallowed whole with a glass of water, once daily before breakfast in the morning, as food can affect the absorption.  Take care not to crush or chew the capsules.  It may take 2-4 weeks before you see the full effect of taking Budez CR capsules 3mg and you should continue to take your Budez CR capsules 3mg for up to 8 weeks; do not stop taking your capsules even if you feel better.  When your doctor recommends that you can stop your course of treatment and you should reduce your dose over the last 2-4 weeks of treatment.

How long should you take Budez CR?

You should continue to take your Budez CR capsules 3mg for up to 8 weeks; do not stop taking your capsules even if you feel better.  When your doctor recommends that you can stop your course of treatment and you should reduce your dose over the last 2-4 weeks of treatment.

Missed dose of Budez CR

If you miss a dose of Budez CR Budez CR capsules 3mg take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not take a double dose.

How should Budez CR be stored?

You should store your Budez CR Budez CR capsules 3mg below 25°C in a cool dry place.