Entocort 3mg (Budesonide)

Entocort general information

What is Entocort used for?

Entocort capsules 3mg are used to treat mild to moderate 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. Entocort 3m is used to induce remission and also for maintenance of remission to prevent flare up of symptoms. Entocort can also be used to treat recurring active episodes and acute attacks as part of long-term treatment of 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. Entocort 3mg helps to relieve symptoms caused by inflammation and ulceration of the intestine like abdominal pain, diarrhoea, bleeding from the rectum and fever.

How does Entocort work?

Entocort 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 chemicals called cytokines, like prostaglandins and leukotrienes. Budesonide in Entocort 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. Entocort capsules 3mg are formulated to allow 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 of the small intestine through the ascending colon. 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 Entocort contain?

Entocort capsules 3mg contain the active ingredient budesonide, a synthetic glucocorticosteroid that has potent topical anti-inflammatory activity and is used to treat Crohn's disease. They also contain ethycellulose, acetyltributyl citrate, methacrylic acid copolymer, triethylcitrate (e1505), antifoam M, polysorbate 80 (e433), talc (e553b), sugar spheres (consisting of sucrose and maize starch). The capsule contains gelatine, titanium dioxide (e 171), iron oxide (e 172).

Treating Crohn's disease with Entocort

Entocort 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. Entocort 3mg is used to induce and maintain remission; also to treat acute attacks that may flare up during long-term treatment. 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. Budesonide in Entocort 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. Entocort capsules 3mg are formulated to allow prolonged local release of budesonide into the intestine where it acts locally to reduce inflammation, with minimal systemic effects like inhibition of cortisol (naturally produced glucocorticosteroid) production and bone loss.

What are the side effects of Entocort?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Entocort 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 Entocort not be used?

You should not use Entocort capsules 3mg if you:

• are allergic to budesonide or any ingredients in Entocort
• 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 Entocort, including: oestrogens or oral contraceptives, antifungals like ketoconazole and itraconazole, grapefruit juice

What medications interact with Entocort?

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

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

How should Entocort be taken?

You should take your Entocort capsules 3mg swallowed whole with a glass of water and take care not to crush or chew the capsule. The usual dose is once daily taken before breakfast in the morning, as food can affect the absorption. It may take 2-4 weeks before you see the full effect of taking Entocort capsules 3mg and you should continue to take your capsules 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 Entocort?

It may take 2-4 weeks before you see the full effect of taking Entocort capsules 3mg and you should continue to take your capsules 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, you should reduce your dose over the last 2-4 weeks of treatment.

Missed dose of Entocort

If you miss a dose of Entocort 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 Entocort be stored?

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