What is Entocort (Budesonide)?
Entocort is a medication used to treat inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. It contains the active ingredient budesonide, which belongs to a class of drugs called corticosteroids. Entocort works by reducing inflammation in the intestines, providing relief from symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding. Unlike other corticosteroids, Entocort has a targeted release system that delivers the medication directly to the affected areas of the intestine, minimizing systemic side effects. This makes it a preferred choice for long-term maintenance therapy. However, it may still cause common side effects like headache, nausea, and joint pain. It is important to follow the prescribed dosage and consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.

Prescription Required.
Product of Canada.
Shipped from Canada.
Prescription Required. | Product of Canada. | Shipped from Canada. |
What is Entocort (budesonide)?
Entocort (budesonide) is a medication prescribed for adults and children at least 8 years or older who weigh 55 lbs (25 kg), to treat mild to moderate Crohn’s disease. It does not cure the condition but decreases some of the symptoms like pain and diarrhea.
It is also used in adults to prevent the symptoms from returning (maintaining remission) but should not be used for more than 3 months at a time unless directed otherwise by your doctor.
Entocort belongs to the drug class corticosteroids. These medications work by decreasing inflammation in the intestine and colon.
Entocort is not recommended:
- If you are allergic or have had an allergic reaction to Entocort or any of its ingredients.
- For children under the age of 8 years or who weigh less than 55 lbs (25 kg).
- If you have a bacterial, fungal, or viral infection.
- If you have active tuberculosis (TB).
Indications
Entocort is approved to reduce the symptoms of mild to moderate Crohn’s disease and/or to maintain remission.
Usage
Storage
Entocort should be stored in its original packaging at between 68-77°F (20-25°C) with excursions permitted between 59-86°F (15-30°C).
Store Entocort in a dry place away from light and moisture.
Keep out of reach of children.
Instruction
Take Entocort orally as directed by your doctor in the morning before breakfast with water. Swallow the capsule whole and do not chew or crush it.
Do not change your dosage and take more than what is prescribed or stop using without consulting with your doctor. If you have taken more than your prescribed dosage, contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical care.
If you miss a dose, skip the dose, and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not catch up by taking two doses at once. If you took more than prescribed, contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical care.
Dosage
Entocort is available in a 3 mg capsule form.
The recommended starting dose to treat a flare-up of Crohn’s disease is 9 mg a day for up to 8 weeks. After 8 weeks and your symptoms are controlled, your doctor will likely reduce it to a maintenance dose of 6mg for up to 3 months. After 3 months your doctor will gradually reduce your dose over 2 to 4 weeks.
It usually takes two to four weeks to see the full effect of this medication.
Side Effects
It’s important to understand that although Entocort is FDA-approved, it comes with side effects that may or may not affect you.
Before using, discuss possible side effects with your doctor or pharmacist.
Common Side Effects
Not all side effects require medical attention. As your body adjusts to Entocort, side effects may go away. Tell your doctor if you experience the following symptoms, and they become severe or do not go away on their own:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach issues: pain, indigestion, bloating, flatulence, constipation
- Headache
- Heartburn
- Acne
- Cold symptoms: runny or stuffy nose, cough, sore throat
- Fatigue
- Pain: back, joints, muscles
- Swelling: face, ankles, feet
Serious Side Effects
Severe adverse reactions while using Entocort may occur. Seek emergency medical care or call 911 if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Severe allergic reaction: a rash over your whole body, sweating, extreme drowsiness, swelling of your face, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing, feeling faint, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, or becoming confused.
- Infection: fever chills, nausea, vomiting, body aches, sore throat, bruising, or bleeding.
- Bruising or bleeding
- Mood changes:depression, agitation.
- Blood in your stool
- Hormone changes:hunger, weight gain, swelling, bruising easily, skin discoloration, tiredness, fatty lump between shoulders
The information above does not list all possible side effects. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you experience any side effects not listed. You or your doctor may report side effects to the FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking Entocort, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you:
- Have or ever had any liver problems
- Are having any surgery
- Have chicken pox or measles, or any other immunosuppressive conditions
- Or anyone in your family has diabetes or glaucoma
- Ever had TB, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, ulcers, or cataracts
- Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
- Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed
Grapefruit
Avoid drinking grapefruit juice or eating grapefruit when taking Entocort as it may increase the amount of budesonide in your body and increase the risk of side effects.
Alcohol
Avoid or limit your alcohol intake as it will increase your risk of stomach bleeding.
CYP3A4 Inhibitors
If you take CYP3A inhibitors with Entocort, it can cause your body to break Entocort down too quickly. This can increase the levels of Entocort in your body and the risk of side effects. You should avoid taking these medications together unless directed otherwise by your doctor.
Pregnant or planning to become pregnant
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Your doctor will decide if the benefit of taking Entocort outweighs the risk.
Breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed
Speak to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. Your doctor will decide if the benefit of taking Entocort outweighs the risk.
Interactions & Contraindications
Before you use Entocort, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you:
- Have allergic reactions to any medications
- Take any medications, herbal supplements, or vitamins.
- Take ketoconazole.
- Take any medication to reduce stomach acid.