Entocort
Budesonide
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Entocort
Entocort is an inhalational steroid. It prevents the release of all types of inflammatory mediators in the body. And thereby reduce the attacks of bronchial asthma which is due to inflammation.
Therapeutic Uses of Entocort
Entocort is used in the prevention of asthma attacks. It is not used in the treatment of asthma that is already present, because it can not improve symptoms.
Direction of use of Entocort
Use Entocort as per direction of your doctor and follow the instructions properly to get the best result. If you get any doubt as to how to use, consult your doctor or other health care provider.
- Entocort is available as inhaler or special inhaling device. Entocort comes with a leaflet for the information of patients. Read the instructions carefully and follow them properly.
- Place the mouthpiece of the inhaler in between your lips (there should be no gap between mouth piece and your lips) and breathe in deeply, at the same time press the inhaler with your thumb so that the medicine comes out of the inhaler. Hold your breath for at least 10 seconds or as long as you can without any discomfort. Then breathe out slowly and do not exhale into the inhaler. Breathing in and pressing the inhaler at the same time is important to ensure maximum exposure to medicine for best effect and to reduce wastage of medicine.
- If you are prescribed 2 doses at a time by your doctor, you should give a gap of at least 1 minute between 2 doses.
- Then replace the cover of the inhaler. If the inhaler device is dropped, shaken or you accidentally breathe into the inhaler after loading the inhaler, you should discard it and load another dose for inhaling.
- Do not use inhaler if it is damaged in any way.
- If you are using any other inhalation medicine, than use Entocort last and give a gap of several minutes before using Entocort.
- To prevent infection (commonly fungal infection due to candida) dry mouth and hoarseness of voice, you should rinse mouth thoroughly after every use of Entocort. Do not swallow the rinse solution. It is important to practice good oral hygiene to prevent all of the above problems.
- Entocort works best if used regularly and consistently at right interval. 1 inhalation is usually taken every 12 hourly, ideally one in the morning and another in the evening with a gap of 12 hours.
- Never increase the dose of Entocort, increase frequency or stop it without consulting your doctor. It may have harmful effects.
Dose of Entocort, if Missed
If you miss a dose of Entocort take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next inhalation dose than wait till that time and take as regular dose. Never take more Entocort at a time than recommended.
How to Store Entocort
Entocort should be stored at room temperature (68 to 77 degrees F or 20 to 25 degrees C). But it can be stored for a short period of time at little higher or little lower temperature than recommended, without any problem. Do not store it in the bathroom. Keep it out of reach of children. It should be stored in a dry, cool, dark place away from heat, moisture, and light.
More Information About Entocort
If you have any question about Entocort, consult your doctor or other health care provider. It should be used by the patient for whom it is prescribed and never share it with anyone.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Entocort
Do not take Entocort if you have any of the following conditions listed below and consult your doctor about that:
- If you have allergy to Entocort or any of its ingredients.
- If you are taking mifepristone before taking Entocort.
- If you are pregnant do not take Entocort.
Important points to remember:
- Do not drive or do other unsafe jobs that require constant monitoring or are risky to operate because Entocort can cause dizziness, drowsiness etc. If you take alcohol while you are on Entocort it may give additive effect to the drowsiness and dizziness.
- If you become pregnant during treatment with Entocort, consult your doctor. You should discuss with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using it during pregnancy. Do not breast feed if you are taking because it is secreted in the breast milk.
- Entocort can reduce your immunity power, so you should try to avoid people with infection or cold. If you get any signs of infection like fever, sore throat, chills etc. inform your doctor. You should avoid people with chickenpox, measles, herpes etc. if you have not suffered before with these diseases.
- You should inform your doctor or dentist if you have to undergo surgical procedure, medical care, dental care or emergency care.
- Do not take any live vaccine like measles, mumps etc. if you are taking Entocort as it reduces your immunity. Talk to your doctor if you have to take live vaccine.
- Lab tests like adrenal function tests can be performed during treatment with Entocort and these tests can be used for monitoring the treatment as well as for side effects. Keep all the lab appointments.
- Entocort may affect blood sugar level in diabetic patients. You should check blood sugar levels regularly during treatment with Entocort because you may require adjustment of your diabetes medicine, if you are a diabetes patient.
- If you are prescribed potassium supplementation by your doctor, you should follow dosing carefully. Do not take additional potassium on your own without consulting your doctor.
Possible Adverse Effects
Consult your doctor or other health care provider if any of the common side effects of Entocort become troublesome or last longer than usual, that are listed below:
- Nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, tiredness, back ache, stomach ache, nervousness, insomnia etc. Tremor, changes in menstruation, respiratory tract infection, indigestion, bloating of stomach are also common.
Seek medical attention immediately if you get any of the serious and uncommon side effects of Entocort that are given below:
- severe allergic reactions (rash, itching, difficulty in breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue etc.), acne, mood change, vision changes, severe headache or persistent headache, weight gain; swelling of feet and ankle; chest pain, confusion, behavioral abnormality unusual bruising and/or bleeding etc.