Some of the warnings and precautions to be aware of prior to taking budesonide EC include the following:
If you are switching from another steroid to budesonide EC -- which has milder "steroid effects" on the body, compared to most steroids -- your healthcare provider should slowly decrease your dose of the other steroid (instead of stopping it "cold turkey").
Budesonide EC is a steroid and may suppress the immune system. Therefore, you may be at a higher risk for infections. Certain infections (such as chickenpox or the measles) may be more dangerous if you are taking budesonide EC. Let your healthcare provider know right away if you are exposed to chickenpox or the measles (if you have not had these infections and have not been vaccinated against them).
As with all steroids, budesonide EC can cause problems in people who have glaucoma, high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis, ulcers, or liver disease. Check with your healthcare provider before taking budesonide EC if you have any of these conditions.
Before starting budesonide EC, be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you currently have any type of infection. Also, let your healthcare provider know if you have ever had tuberculosis or a herpes infection of the eye, as budesonide EC may weaken the immune system, allowing these infections to get worse.
Never chew, break, or open budesonide EC capsules. They must be swallowed whole.
Budesonide EC is considered a pregnancy Category C medication. This means that it may not be safe for use during pregnancy, although the full risks are not known (see Entocort and Pregnancy).
Budesonide EC passes through breast milk. Therefore, if you are breastfeeding or plan to start breastfeeding, discuss this with your healthcare provider prior to taking the drug (see Entocort and Breastfeeding).
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