Entocort EC Helps Treat the Following Conditions:

Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s Disease is an inflammatory bowel disease which manifests as inflammation of the digestive tract, likely caused by an abnormal immune system response, though the exact cause is unknown. The disease is usually diagnosed early on in life and is thought to be genetically inherited.

Crohn’s Disease displays with symptoms like chronic diarrhea, stomach pain, weight loss, and fever. Symptoms can last weeks and then disappear. Infections, smoking, and certain drugs may act as triggers for symptoms. Crohn’s disease has no cure but treatment can offer an improved quality of life for patients.

Entocort EC Active Ingredient

Generic Entocort EC Alternative: Entocort EC

Entocort EC contains the active ingredient budesonide, a corticosteroid hormone which suppresses immune function. The drug has anti-inflammatory properties and is used to treat a number of stomach conditions.

General Drug Information

What is Entocort EC and What Is It Used For?

Entocort EC is prescribed to control inflammation in patients with certain bowel conditions, like Crohn’s disease. This drug is not a cure but helps to control negative symptoms such as pain and diarrhea.

Usage and Application

Entocort EC should be taken exactly as prescribed by a doctor. Dose and duration of treatment depend on the patient’s condition, age, and response to treatment.

Most patients are prescribed one daily oral dose, usually in the morning and before meals. Patents should take Entocort EC with a full glass of water unless directed otherwise by their doctor.

The medication should be swallowed whole. Crushing or chewing it can cause the active ingredient to release all at once, increasing the risk of negative side effects.

Grapefruit can also increase the amount of the drug released into the body. Patients should avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while being treated with Entocort EC.

Patients who are already taking oral corticosteroids – like prednisone – should continue taking them unless told otherwise by their doctor. Conditions such as asthma or allergies may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped.

Patients may also experience withdrawal symptoms, like weakness, weight loss, nausea, muscle pain, headache, tiredness, and dizziness. Withdrawal symptoms should be reported immediately.

It is necessary to use Entocort EC regularly in order to experience its full benefit. To reduce the risk of forgetting, patients are advised to take the medication at the same time each day. Patients should use this drug exactly as prescribed. Taking Entocort EC more frequently, at higher doses, or for a longer period of time than prescribed may increase the risk of serious side effects.

Patients should inform their doctor if their condition persists or worsens.

It is not advisable to stop taking Entocort EC suddenly or without a prior consultation with your treating physician. Doing so may worsen a patient’s condition.

Considerations Before Taking Entocort EC

Before starting treatment, patients need to discuss the possibility of allergic reactions to Entocort EC or its main ingredient budesonide.

It is vital to review the patient’s medical history, especially related to diabetes, liver disease, high blood pressure, and eye problems like cataracts or glaucoma. Patients need to report bleeding problems, thyroid conditions, osteoporosis, and stomach conditions like diverticulitis and ulcers.

It is important to discuss all current or past infections (tuberculosis, positive tuberculosis tests, herpes, and fungal infections), as well as mental disorders like depression, anxiety, and psychosis.

The prolonged usage of corticosteroids can make it more difficult for the body to fight illness and respond to physical stress. Patients about to undergo surgery or emergency treatment should inform their doctor or surgeon about their Entocort EC use, or if they have used it within the past year. Those being treated for a serious illness or injury should also report Entocort EC use, and monitor for symptoms like tiredness and weight loss. Inform your physician in the event such symptoms manifest.

Patients who routinely use Entocort EC should carry a warning card or medical ID bracelet detailing this information. Patients about to undergo dental procedures or surgeries should tell their dentist or oral surgeon about all prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, herbal products, or any other supplements they take.

Patients should limit alcohol consumption. Daily use of alcohol may increase the risk of stomach bleeding.

Entocort EC may mask signs of infection, worsen existing infections, and increase the likelihood of developing new infections. To reduce risk, patients need to take precautionary measures, such as regularly washing hands and avoiding contact with people who have communicable infections.

Examples of such infections include chickenpox, measles, and the flu. Patients should inform their doctor if they believe that have been exposed to an infection.

Entocort EC may interfere with the efficacy of some vaccines. Patients should avoid immunizations unless told otherwise by their physician. It is also important to avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines, like flu vaccinations.

This medication may stunt growth of children if used long-term. Parents of children taking this medication should visit the treating physician regularly to monitor the child’s growth.

Women who are pregnant – or planning to become pregnant – should discuss risks and benefits with their doctor. Entocort EC should only be used when clearly needed during pregnancy.

The babies of mothers who have used Entocort EC during pregnancy may develop hormonal problems. Parents should monitor newborns for symptoms such as persistent nausea, vomiting, severe diarrhea, and weakness.

Entocort EC passes into breast milk. Mothers should consult their doctor before breastfeeding.

Delayed and Omitted Doses

Patients who miss a dose of Entocort EC should take it as soon as they remember. If this happens near the time for the next dose, patients should skip the missed dose and proceed as usual. Patients should not double up on the dose in order to catch up.

Other Medications and Entocort EC

Drug interactions may change the way Entocort EC works, increasing the risk of side effects. Before starting treatment, patients must discuss the full list of medications and supplements they are taking with their doctor. Patients should not change their dose or stop taking this medication unless their physician advises them to do so.

Some medications – like the immunosuppressant Optimmune – may interact negatively with Entocort EC. This is also the case with the acne medication Erythro Base, the antibiotic troleandomycin, and the anticonvulsant Tegretol.

Estrogens and oral contraceptives, as well as azole antifungal medications (itraconazole, miconazole, fluconazole, and ketoconazole), are also known to interact negatively with Entocort EC. The same applies to some medications used to treat HIV: namely cobicistat, indinavir, saquinavir , nd ritonavir.

Entocort EC may interfere with certain laboratory results. Patients should alert laboratory personnel about the possibility of faulty results.

Adverse Reactions

Most patients are able to use Entocort EC safely and without serious negative side effects.

This medicine weakens immune system function and may lower the body’s ability to fight infections. Patients are more likely to get serious infections, and may also experience worsening of existing infections. Patients should immediately report symptoms of infections, such as fever and chills.

Rare but serious side effects include unusual tiredness, muscle weakness, vision problems, and easy bruising and bleeding. Some patients may notice unusual hair growth. Swelling of the face and slow wound healing are other possible side effects. Patients should also monitor for mood changes like depression, mood swings, and agitation.

Serious allergic reactions to Entocort EC are rare, yet patients should be aware of allergy symptoms such as rash, itching and swelling, severe dizziness, and trouble breathing.

How to Store Entocort EC

Entocort EC should be stored at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep away from children and pets.

Unwanted medication should be disposed of properly and should not be poured into drains or flushed down the toilet. Patients should consult a pharmacist or their local waste disposal company to find out more about safe disposal methods.

Entocort EC Coupon

Although Entocort EC coupons are available with other online pharmacies, customers will find that UDS prices are often much lower.