How Does Budesonide Work?
Budesonide EC is a corticosteroid. It works by decreasing inflammation (one of the problems in
Crohn's disease). Unlike most other steroids,
budesonide EC is less likely to cause the typical side effects of steroids (which can be quite bothersome and serious).
Budesonide EC is specifically designed to be released in the intestine (not in the stomach). When budesonide EC is absorbed into the body, the liver changes most of it into other compounds that do not have steroid side effects. Budesonide EC mostly works when it comes in contact with the intestines; therefore, it does not need to circulate throughout the body to work.
Budesonide Use in Children
Budesonide EC is not approved for use in children or adolescents (because it has not been adequately studied in these age groups). Talk with your child's healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of using budesonide EC in children.
Off-Label Budesonide Uses
On occasion, your healthcare provider may recommend budesonide EC for treating something other than the uses discussed in this article. This is called an "
off-label" use. At this time, there is some interest in using budesonide EC off-label for treating
ulcerative colitis.
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