Budesonide (By mouth)

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to budesonide.

Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed. This medicine is usually taken in the morning.
Swallow the capsule or tablet whole. Do not break, crush, chew, or open it.
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.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Some foods and medicines can affect how budesonide works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
- Cyclosporine, erythromycin, indinavir, itraconazole, ketoconazole, ritonavir, saquinavir
- Medicine that weakens your immune system (including steroid or cancer medicines)
- Stomach medicines (including cimetidine, famotidine, lansoprazole, omeprazole, pantoprazole, ranitidine)
Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease (including cirrhosis), diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, stomach ulcers, tuberculosis, or a family history of cataracts, diabetes, or glaucoma. Tell your doctor if you have tuberculosis (TB) or another infection, or if you have allergies.
You have a higher risk of adrenal gland problems if you use this medicine for a long time or use too much.
You may get infections more easily while you use this medicine. Avoid people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor right away if you have been exposed to someone who has chicken pox or measles.
This medicine may cause slow growth. If your child is using this medicine, the doctor will need to keep track of your child's height and weight.
Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.
Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests.
Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Color changes on the skin, dark freckles, easy bruising, muscle weakness
Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite
Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches
Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
Round, puffy face
Thicker or more hair on your body and face
Unusual tiredness or weakness

Last Updated: 1/27/2017