Crohn disease (mild to moderate); treatment:
Children ≥6 years and Adolescents weighing >25 kg: Note: Limited data available for patients <8 years and <25 kg.
Delayed- or extended-release capsule (eg, Entocort EC, Ortikos): Oral: 9 mg once daily for up to 8 weeks, then decrease to 6 mg once daily for 2 to 4 weeks (Ref). Some experts describe another dosage decrease to 3 mg once daily for 1 to 2 weeks prior to discontinuation (Ref). Note: A higher initial dose of 12 mg once daily for 4 weeks has also been reported in pediatric patients ≥10 years of age (Ref).
Eosinophilic esophagitis:
Note: Requires specially formulated oral dosage form (Eohilia) or extemporaneous preparation of oral viscous budesonide suspension using the inhalation suspension; use caution when prescribing and dispensing. Although there are other dosage forms of oral budesonide, they are enteric coated and should not be used for this indication; therapeutic efficacy for eosinophilic esophagitis requires topical corticosteroid effect in the esophagus. After administration of a budesonide dose, avoid ingesting any solid or liquid food for at least 30 minutes (Ref).
Children <10 years: Limited data available: Oral: Viscous liquid/suspension (using inhalation suspension): Initial: 1 mg once daily or divided twice daily (Ref).
Children ≥10 years and Adolescents:
Oral suspension (Eohilia): Children ≥11 years and Adolescents: Oral: 2 mg twice daily for 12 weeks.
Viscous liquid/suspension (using inhalation suspension): Limited data available: Children ≥10 years and Adolescents: Oral: 2 mg once daily or divided twice daily (Ref).
Protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) following Fontan: Limited data available: Children ≥4 years and Adolescents: Oral capsule (eg, Entocort EC): Initial: 9 mg once daily or in divided doses every 8 hours; the dose may be weaned based on clinical improvement and normal albumin concentration or to manage adverse drug reactions; weaning the dose over several weeks in increments of 3 mg/day to a maintenance dose of 3 mg once daily or every other day has been described (Ref). Note: Reported experience in children <7 years is very limited (n=1); in one report, an initial dose of 6 mg once daily was recommended for children <4 years (Ref).
Dosage adjustment for concomitant therapy: Significant drug interactions exist, requiring dose/frequency adjustment or avoidance. Consult drug interactions database for more information.
Capsule, delayed-release particles (eg, Entocort EC); capsule, extended release (eg, Ortikos); oral suspension (Eohilia): There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling.
Capsule, delayed-release particles (eg, Entocort EC):
Children ≥8 years and Adolescents:
Mild impairment: No dosage adjustment necessary.
Moderate impairment: Budesonide undergoes hepatic metabolism; may be at risk for increased systemic exposure; monitor closely for signs and symptoms of hypercorticism and adrenal axis suppression. In adults, dose reduction to 3 mg once daily is recommended.
Severe impairment: Avoid use.
Capsule, extended release (eg, Ortikos):
Children ≥8 years and Adolescents:
Mild impairment: No dosage adjustment necessary.
Moderate to severe impairment: Avoid use.
Suspension (Eohilia):
Children ≥11 years and Adolescents:
Mild impairment: No dosage adjustment necessary.
Moderate impairment: No dosage adjustments recommended; however, budesonide undergoes hepatic metabolism; may be at risk for increased systemic exposure; monitor closely for signs and symptoms of hypercorticism and adrenal axis suppression.
Severe impairment: Use not recommended.
(For additional information see "Budesonide (systemic): Drug information")
Dosage guidance:
Dosage form information: Multiple formulations (with different targeted areas for drug delivery) are available and approved indications vary; interchangeability of products has not been evaluated.
Crohn disease, mild to moderate (active): Oral: Capsule (delayed-release particles [Entocort EC], extended release [Ortikos]): 9 mg once daily in the morning for up to 8 weeks; recurring episodes may be treated with a repeat 8-week course of treatment.
Maintenance of remission: Oral: Capsule (delayed-release particles [Entocort EC], extended release [Ortikos]): Following treatment of active disease (control of symptoms with Crohn Disease Activity Index [CDAI] <150), treatment may be continued at a dosage of 6 mg once daily for up to 3 months. If symptom control is maintained for 3 months, tapering of the dosage to complete cessation is recommended. Continued dosing beyond 3 months has not been demonstrated to result in substantial benefit.
Eosinophilic esophagitis:
Note: Requires specially formulated oral dosage form (Eohilia) or extemporaneous preparation of oral viscous budesonide suspension using the inhalation suspension; use caution when prescribing and dispensing. Optimal dosing has not been established; individualize dose.
Suspension (Eohilia): Oral: 2 mg twice daily for 12 weeks.
Viscous liquid/suspension (using inhalation suspension) (off-label dosing):
Induction therapy: Oral: 2 mg/day in 1 or 2 divided doses (Ref). Continue induction dosage for up to 12 weeks, followed by assessment of response. Once remission is achieved, therapy may be discontinued or gradually reduce dose to an individualized maintenance dose (Ref).
Maintenance therapy (optional): Oral: 0.5 to 1 mg/day in 1 or 2 divided doses (Ref).
Orodispersible tablet [Canadian product]: Oral: 1 mg twice daily for 6 weeks.
Hepatitis, autoimmune (in combination with azathioprine) (off-label use):
Note: Not for use in patients with acute severe autoimmune hepatitis or concomitant cirrhosis.
Oral: Capsule (delayed-release particles [Entocort EC]): 9 mg/day in 3 divided doses; may reduce to 6 mg/day in 2 divided doses following remission (Ref).
IgA nephropathy, primary, nonvariant (adjunctive agent):
Note: May consider for use as an alternative immunosuppressant therapy in selected patients at high risk of chronic kidney disease progression (eg, proteinuria >0.75 to 1 g/day) despite 3 to 6 months of optimized doses of nonimmunosuppressive therapies (eg, renin-angiotensin system inhibitors) (Ref).
Oral: Capsule (delayed release [Tarpeyo]): 16 mg once daily in the morning for 9 months; then reduce dose to 8 mg once daily for 2 weeks, then discontinue.
Microscopic (lymphocytic and collagenous) colitis (off-label use):
Induction: Oral: Capsule (delayed-release particles [Entocort EC]): 9 mg once daily for 6 to 8 weeks (Ref). After clinical remission (<3 stools daily and no watery stools) and following at least 8 weeks of therapy, some experts suggest to gradually taper the dose to 6 mg for 2 weeks, followed by 3 mg for 2 weeks, then discontinue (Ref).
Maintenance/relapse therapy: Note: For patients who have had a clinical relapse after cessation of induction therapy (Ref).
Oral: Capsule (delayed-release particles [Entocort EC]): 6 mg once daily, then taper to the lowest effective dose and continue for 6 to 12 months (Ref); alternatively, 3 mg/day alternating with 6 mg/day over 12 months may be used (Ref).
Ulcerative colitis, refractory, mildly to moderately active:
Note: For use as alternative monotherapy for distal colitis, or as a component of combination therapy for refractory distal, left-sided, or extensive colitis (Ref).
Initial: Oral: Tablet (extended release [Uceris]): 9 mg once daily in the morning for up to 8 weeks.
Repeat course (off-label dosing): Note: If symptom relapse occurs <8 weeks after initial course completed, switch to alternative therapy. If symptom relapse occurs ≥8 weeks after initial course completed, some experts use a repeat course as follows (Ref):
Repeat 8-week course without taper: Oral: Tablet (extended release [Uceris]): 9 mg once daily in the morning for 8 weeks (Ref).
Repeat 8-week course with taper: Oral: Tablet (extended release [Uceris]): 9 mg once daily in the morning for 4 weeks, then 9 mg every other day for 2 weeks, then 9 mg every third day for 2 weeks (Ref).
Dosage adjustment for concomitant therapy: Significant drug interactions exist, requiring dose/frequency adjustment or avoidance. Consult drug interactions database for more information.
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling; use with caution.
Capsule, delayed release (Tarpeyo):
Child-Turcotte-Pugh class A: No dosage adjustment necessary.
Child-Turcotte-Pugh class B: There are no specific dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling; monitor for signs and/or symptoms of hypercortisolism.
Child-Turcotte-Pugh class C: Avoid use.
Capsule, delayed release particles (Entocort EC):
Child-Turcotte-Pugh class A: No dosage adjustment necessary.
Child-Turcotte-Pugh class B: Consider reduced dosage to 3 mg once daily and monitor for hypercortisolism.
Child-Turcotte-Pugh class C: Avoid use.
Capsule, extended release (Ortikos):
Child-Turcotte-Pugh class A: No dosage adjustment necessary.
Child-Turcotte-Pugh class B and C: Avoid use.
Suspension (Eohilia):
Child-Turcotte-Pugh class A and B: No dosage adjustment necessary.
Child-Turcotte-Pugh class C: Avoid use.
Tablet, extended release (Uceris):
Child-Turcotte-Pugh class A: There are no specific dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling; use with caution.
Child-Turcotte-Pugh class B and C: There are no specific dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling (has not been studied); monitor for hypercortisolism; consider discontinuing use.
The following adverse drug reactions and incidences are derived from product labeling unless otherwise specified. Adverse reactions reported in adults unless otherwise indicated.
>10%:
Cardiovascular: Hypertension (children, adolescents, and adults: ≤12%), peripheral edema (17%)
Dermatologic: Acne vulgaris (5% to 15%)
Endocrine & metabolic: Cushingoid appearance (fat accumulation in cheeks and temporal fossae) (3% to 11%)
Gastrointestinal: Nausea (5% to 11%)
Hematological & oncologic: Bruise (5% to 15%)
Nervous system: Headache (children, adolescents, and adults: 5% to 21%)
Neuromuscular & skeletal: Muscle spasm (children, adolescents, and adults: ≤12%)
Respiratory: Respiratory tract infection (children, adolescents, and adults: 11% to 13%; including nasopharyngitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, upper respiratory tract infection)
1% to 10%:
Cardiovascular: Ankle edema (7%), chest pain (<5%), edema (<5%), flushing (<5%), palpitations (children, adolescents, and adults: <5%), syncope (children, adolescents, and adults: <2%), tachycardia (<5%)
Dermatologic: Acneiform eruption (dermatitis acneiform: children, adolescents, and adults: <2%), alopecia (<5%), atrophic striae (2%), dermatitis (6%), diaphoresis (<5%), eczema (<5%), fungal skin infection (children, adolescents, and adults: <2%), paronychia (children, adolescents, and adults: <2%)
Endocrine & metabolic: Adrenal suppression (children, adolescents, and adults: 2%; including adrenocortical insufficiency [≥1%]), decreased cortisol (2% to 4%), dyslipidemia (children, adolescents, and adults: <2%), hirsutism (children, adolescents, and adults: ≤5%), hyperkalemia (children, adolescents, and adults: <2%), hypokalemia (≥1%), intermenstrual bleeding (<5%), menstrual disease (<5%), redistribution of body fat (1%), weight gain (7%)
Gastrointestinal: Abdominal distention (2%), anal disease (<5%), constipation (2%), diarrhea (10%), duodenitis (erosive: children, adolescents, and adults: <2%), dysgeusia (children, adolescents, and adults: <2%), dyspepsia (children, adolescents, and adults: ≤7%), enteritis (<5%), epigastric pain (<5%), erosive esophagitis (children, adolescents, and adults: 2%), esophageal obstruction (food impaction: children, adolescents, and adults: <2%), flatulence (3%), gastroenteritis (children, adolescents, and adults: 3%), gastrointestinal candidiasis (children, adolescents, and adults: ≤8%; including esophageal candidiasis, oral candidiasis, oropharyngeal candidiasis), gastrointestinal fistula (<5%), gastrointestinal motility disorder (children, adolescents, and adults: <2%), glossitis (<5%), hemorrhoids (<5%), increased appetite (<5%), intestinal obstruction (<5%), palatal edema (children, adolescents, and adults: <2%), upper abdominal pain (3% to 4%), xerostomia (children, adolescents, and adults: <2%)
Genitourinary: Dysuria (<5%), hematuria (≥1%), nocturia (<5%), pyuria (≥1%), urinary frequency (<5%), urinary tract infection (2%)
Hematologic & oncologic: Abnormal neutrophils (≥1%), anemia (≥1%), C-reactive protein increased (≥1%), increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (≥1%), leukocytosis (6%), purpuric disease (<5%)
Hepatic: Increased serum transaminases (children, adolescents, and adults: <2%; including increased serum alkaline phosphatase [≥1%])
Hypersensitivity: Facial edema (8%), tongue edema (<5%)
Infection: Abscess (<5%), sepsis (children, adolescents, and adults: <2%), viral infection (6%)
Nervous system: Agitation (<5%), amnesia (<5%), asthenia (<5%), confusion (<5%), depression (children, adolescents, and adults: <2%), dizziness (7%), drowsiness (<5%), fatigue (children, adolescents, and adults: ≤5%), insomnia (<5%), irritability (children, adolescents, and adults: <2%), malaise (<5%), mood changes (7%), nervousness (<5%), paresthesia (<5%), restlessness (children, adolescents, and adults: <2%), sleep disturbance (<5%), tremor (children, adolescents, and adults: <5%), vertigo (<5%)
Neuromuscular & skeletal: Arthralgia (children, adolescents, and adults: ≤6%), arthralgia (5% to 6%), arthritis (≤5%), back pain (7%), hyperkinetic muscle activity (<5%), muscle cramps (<5%), myalgia (<5%)
Ophthalmic: Eye disease (<5%), visual disturbance (<5%)
Otic: Otic infection (<5%)
Respiratory: Bronchitis (children, adolescents, and adults: <5%), dyspnea (<5%), flu-like symptoms (<5%), nasal congestion (children, adolescents, and adults: <2%), pharyngeal disease (<5%), pneumonia (children, adolescents, and adults: <2%), throat irritation (children, adolescents, and adults: 3%; including oropharyngeal pain)
Miscellaneous: Fever (<5%)
Postmarketing (any age):
Dermatologic: Skin rash
Hematologic & oncologic: Rectal hemorrhage
Hypersensitivity: Anaphylaxis
Nervous system: Emotional lability, intracranial hypertension (idiopathic)
Hypersensitivity to budesonide or any component of the formulation
Canadian labeling: Additional contraindications (not in US labeling): Note: Contraindications may vary by product/formulation; also refer to manufacturer's labeling: Tuberculosis (TB) disease (active TB); uncontrolled infections; systemic or local bacterial, fungal, or viral infections; hypersensitivity to soya, lecithin (derived from soya oil, peanut oil), or peanut.
Concerns related to adverse effects:
• Adrenal suppression: May cause hypercortisolism or suppression of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, particularly in younger children or in patients receiving high doses for prolonged periods. HPA axis suppression may lead to adrenal crisis. Withdrawal and discontinuation of a corticosteroid should be done slowly and carefully. Particular care is required when patients are transferred from systemic corticosteroids to inhaled products or corticosteroids with lower systemic effect due to possible adrenal insufficiency or withdrawal from steroids, including an increase in allergic symptoms. Adult patients receiving >20 mg per day of prednisone (or equivalent) may be most susceptible. Fatalities have occurred due to adrenal insufficiency in asthmatic patients during and after transfer from systemic corticosteroids to aerosol steroids; aerosol steroids do not provide the systemic steroid needed to treat patients having trauma, surgery, or infections.
• Anaphylactoid reactions: Rare cases of anaphylactoid reactions have been observed in patients receiving corticosteroids.
• Immunosuppression: Prolonged use of corticosteroids may increase the incidence of secondary infection, mask acute infection (including fungal infections), prolong or exacerbate viral infections, or limit response to killed or inactivated vaccines. Exposure to chickenpox or measles should be avoided; corticosteroids should not be used to treat ocular herpes simplex. Corticosteroids should not be used for cerebral malaria, fungal infections, active viral hepatitis. Close observation is required in patients with tuberculosis (TB) infection (latent TB) and/or TB reactivity; restrict use in TB disease (active TB) (only fulminating or disseminated TB in conjunction with antituberculosis treatment). Amebiasis should be ruled out in any patient with recent travel to tropic climates or unexplained diarrhea prior to initiation of corticosteroids. Use with extreme caution in patients with Strongyloides infections; hyperinfection, dissemination and fatalities have occurred.
• Kaposi sarcoma: Prolonged treatment with corticosteroids has been associated with the development of Kaposi sarcoma (case reports); if noted, discontinuation of therapy should be considered (Goedert 2002).
• Myopathy: Acute myopathy has been reported with high-dose corticosteroids, usually in patients with neuromuscular transmission disorders; may involve ocular and/or respiratory muscles; monitor creatine kinase; recovery may be delayed.
• Psychiatric disturbances: Corticosteroid use may cause psychiatric disturbances, including euphoria, insomnia, mood swings, personality changes, severe depression or psychotic manifestations. Preexisting psychiatric conditions may be exacerbated by corticosteroid use.
Disease-related concerns:
• Cardiovascular disease: Use with caution in patients with heart failure and/or hypertension; use has been associated with fluid retention, electrolyte disturbances, and hypertension. Use with caution following acute myocardial infarction; corticosteroids have been associated with myocardial rupture.
• Diabetes: Use corticosteroids with caution in patients with prediabetes or diabetes mellitus; may alter glucose production/regulation leading to hyperglycemia.
• Erosive esophagitis: New or worsening signs and symptoms of erosive esophagitis should be promptly evaluated.
• Gastrointestinal disease: Use with caution in patients with GI diseases (diverticulitis, fresh intestinal anastomoses, active or latent peptic ulcer, ulcerative colitis, abscess or other pyogenic infection) due to perforation risk.
• Hepatic impairment: Use in patients with hepatic impairment may vary based on formulation and/or indication; monitor for hypercortisolism. Long-term use of corticosteroids in patients with hepatic impairment, including cirrhosis, has been associated with fluid retention.
• Myasthenia gravis: Use may cause transient worsening of myasthenia gravis (MG) (eg, within first 2 weeks of treatment); monitor for worsening MG (AAN [Narayanaswami 2021]).
• Ocular disease: Use with caution in patients with cataracts and/or glaucoma; increased intraocular pressure, open-angle glaucoma, and cataracts have occurred with prolonged use. Consider routine eye exams in chronic users.
• Osteoporosis: Use with caution in patients with osteoporosis; high doses and/or long-term use of corticosteroids have been associated with increased bone loss and osteoporotic fractures.
• Renal impairment: Use with caution in patients with renal impairment; fluid retention may occur.
• Seizure disorders: Use corticosteroids with caution in patients with a history of seizure disorder; seizures have been reported with adrenal crisis.
• Systemic sclerosis: Use with caution in patients with systemic sclerosis; an increase in scleroderma renal crisis incidence has been observed with corticosteroid use. Monitor BP and renal function in patients with systemic sclerosis treated with corticosteroids (EULAR [Kowal-Bielecka 2017]).
• Thyroid disease: Changes in thyroid status may necessitate dosage adjustments; metabolic clearance of corticosteroids increases in hyperthyroid patients and decreases in hypothyroid ones.
Dosage form specific issues:
• Polysorbate 80: Some dosage forms may contain polysorbate 80 (also known as Tweens). Hypersensitivity reactions, usually a delayed reaction, have been reported following exposure to pharmaceutical products containing polysorbate 80 in certain individuals (Isaksson 2002; Lucente 2000; Shelley 1995). Thrombocytopenia, ascites, pulmonary deterioration, and renal and hepatic failure have been reported in premature neonates after receiving parenteral products containing polysorbate 80 (Alade 1986; CDC 1984). See manufacturer's labeling.
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling. [DSC] = Discontinued product
Capsule Delayed Release, Oral:
Tarpeyo: 4 mg
Capsule Delayed Release Particles, Oral:
Entocort EC: 3 mg [DSC]
Generic: 3 mg
Capsule Extended Release 24 Hour, Oral:
Ortikos: 6 mg [DSC], 9 mg [DSC] [contains corn starch]
Suspension, Oral:
Eohilia: 2 mg/10 mL (10 mL) [gluten free; contains edetate (edta) disodium, polysorbate 80, sodium benzoate]
Eohilia: 2 mg/10 mL (10 mL) [gluten free; contains edetate (edta) disodium, polysorbate 80, sodium benzoate; cherry flavor]
Tablet Extended Release 24 Hour, Oral:
Uceris: 9 mg [contains soybean lecithin]
Generic: 9 mg
May be product dependent
Capsule, delayed release (Tarpeyo Oral)
4 mg (per each): $162.42
Capsule, enteric pellets (Budesonide Oral)
3 mg (per each): $1.18 - $24.86
Suspension (Eohilia Oral)
2 mg/10 mL (per mL): $3.75
Tablet, 24-hour (Budesonide ER Oral)
9 mg (per each): $64.47 - $68.13
Tablet, 24-hour (Uceris Oral)
9 mg (per each): $71.71
Disclaimer: A representative AWP (Average Wholesale Price) price or price range is provided as reference price only. A range is provided when more than one manufacturer's AWP price is available and uses the low and high price reported by the manufacturers to determine the range. The pricing data should be used for benchmarking purposes only, and as such should not be used alone to set or adjudicate any prices for reimbursement or purchasing functions or considered to be an exact price for a single product and/or manufacturer. Medi-Span expressly disclaims all warranties of any kind or nature, whether express or implied, and assumes no liability with respect to accuracy of price or price range data published in its solutions. In no event shall Medi-Span be liable for special, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from use of price or price range data. Pricing data is updated monthly.
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Capsule Delayed Release Particles, Oral:
Entocort: 3 mg [contains corn starch]
Generic: 3 mg
Tablet Disintegrating, Oral:
Jorveza: 1 mg
Tablet Extended Release 24 Hour, Oral:
Cortiment: 9 mg [contains soybean lecithin]
Note: A budesonide oral suspension (Eohilia) is commercially available as 2 mg single-use stick packs.
Oral viscous budesonide liquid/suspension: An oral viscous budesonide suspension may be made using nebulization suspension (eg, Pulmicort Respules) and Splenda (sucralose) packets. Mix 10 packets of Splenda (10 g sucralose) for every 1 mg of budesonide until slurry is formed. Respules/vials containing budesonide 0.5 mg/2 mL is reported most often and provides a volume of ~8 to 12 mL. Use of 2.5 mL of Neocate Nutra for every 1 mg of budesonide has also been reported. Oral viscous budesonide suspension should be prepared immediately prior to ingestion (Aceves 2007; Dohil 2010; Rubinstein 2014).
Budesonide capsules (Entocort EC) contain granules in a methylcellulose matrix; the granules are coated with a methacrylic acid polymer to protect from dissolution in the stomach; the coating dissolves at a pH >5.5 (duodenal pH); the methylcellulose matrix controls the release of drug in a time-dependent manner (until the drug reaches the ileum and ascending colon).
Budesonide suspension (Eohilia) is a thixotropic suspension designed to become more fluid with shaking of product, allowing for easy swallowing, then becoming more viscous after swallowing, allowing for coating of the affected area (Lee 2009; manufacturer's labeling).
Tarpeyo (budesonide delayed-release capsules) is only available through a specialty pharmacy and cannot be obtained through a retail pharmacy. To obtain the medication, contact the Calliditas Therapeutics Tarpeyo Touchpoints program at 1-833-444-8277 or at https://www.tarpeyo.com/savings-and-support.
Oral: May be administered without regard to meals.
Capsule, delayed-release particles (eg, Entocort EC): Administer in morning without regard to meals. Swallow whole; do not chew or crush. For patients unable to swallow capsule whole, the capsule may be opened and granules sprinkled onto 1 tablespoonful of applesauce; mix granules with applesauce and consume within 30 minutes of mixing; do not chew or crush granules in applesauce mixture and do not save the mixture for later use; follow with 8 oz of cool water. Note: Applesauce should not be hot and should be soft enough to be able to swallow it without chewing (Ref).
Capsule, extended release (Ortikos): Administer in the morning. Swallow whole; do not crush or chew.
Oral suspension (Eohilia): Administer on an empty stomach and do not administer dose with any liquid or food. Dose provided as a stick pack (2 mg/10 mL). Shake stick pack for at least 10 seconds prior to opening. Squeeze the stick pack from the bottom to the top and directly empty contents into patient's mouth; repeat squeezing the stick pack and emptying contents into patient's mouth 2 to 3 more times until stick pack is empty and patient has swallowed all suspension. After swallowing dose, wait 30 minutes and then rinse mouth with water and spit out contents.
Viscous liquid/suspension: Swallow extemporaneously prepared liquid immediately after preparation; avoid ingesting any solid or liquid food for at least 30 minutes after budesonide administration (Ref).
Oral:
Capsule, delayed release (Tarpeyo): Administer in the morning at least 1 hour before a meal. Swallow whole; do not open, crush, or chew.
Capsule, delayed-release particles (Entocort EC): Administer in the morning without regard to meals. Swallow whole; do not crush or chew. However, if unable to swallow capsule, may be opened and granules sprinkled onto 1 tablespoonful of applesauce (applesauce should be soft enough to swallow without chewing and should not be hot); mix granules with applesauce and consume within 30 minutes of mixing; do not save the mixture for later use. Do not chew or crush granules. Follow with 8 oz of cool water.
Capsule, extended release (Ortikos): Administer in the morning without regard to meals. Swallow whole; do not crush or chew.
Orodispersible tablet [Canadian product]: Immediately use tablet once removed from blister. Administer after meals; avoid administering with food or liquid and allow at least 30 minutes after administration before drinking, eating, or performing oral hygiene. Do not chew or swallow undissolved. Allow to dissolve by placing on the tip of the tongue and gently pressing against the top of the mouth. Once dissolved (2 to 20 minutes) swallow little by little with saliva until disintegration complete. Space use of chewable tablets, oral solutions, or oral sprays at least 30 minutes before or after administering the orodispersible tablet.
Suspension (Eohilia): Do not mix with food or liquid. Shake the dosage stick pack for at least 10 seconds prior to opening, then squeeze contents directly into the mouth ensuring the entire contents of the dosage pack are swallowed. Avoid ingesting food or liquids for 30 minutes after dose. After 30 minutes, rinse mouth with water and spit contents out without swallowing.
Viscous liquid/suspension (extemporaneously prepared): Swallow slowly over 5 to 10 minutes immediately after preparation. Avoid ingesting any solid or liquid food, brushing teeth, or rinsing mouth for 30 minutes after administration (Ref). When administering twice daily, preferably take after breakfast and before bedtime (Ref).
Tablet, extended release (Uceris): Swallow whole; do not crush, chew, or break. Administer in the morning without regard to meals.
Bariatric surgery: Some institutions may have specific protocols that conflict with these recommendations; refer to institutional protocols as appropriate.
Capsule, delayed-release particles (Entocort EC): Capsule may be opened and contents sprinkled onto soft food of choice. Patient should be instructed to swallow the mixture without biting down or chewing.
Tablet, extended release (Uceris): Do not cut, crush, or chew. Switch to Entocort EC; capsule may be opened and contents sprinkled onto soft food of choice. Mixture should be swallowed immediately without chewing.
Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°C to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Protect from light and moisture.
Orodispersible tablet [Canadian product]: Store at 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) in original package. Protect from light and moisture.
Suspension (Eohilia): Store at 2°C to 25°C (36°F to 77°F); excursions up to 30°C (86°F) are acceptable. Do not freeze.
Entocort EC, Ortikos: Treatment of mild to moderate active Crohn disease of the ileum and/or ascending colon (FDA approved in ages ≥8 years weighing >25 kg and adults) and maintenance of clinical remission of mild to moderate Crohn disease of the ileum and/or ascending colon for up to 3 months (FDA approved in adults); has also been used for treatment of protein-losing enteropathy in patients after Fontan procedure.
Eohilia: Short-term (12 weeks) treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis (FDA approved in ages ≥11 years and adults).
Tarpeyo: To reduce proteinuria in patients with primary immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) at risk of rapid progression of disease (generally a urine protein-to-creatinine ratio ≥1.5 g/g) (FDA approved in adults).
Note: FDA approval for this indication is through an accelerated process; continued approval is dependent on verification of clinical benefit in further trials.
Uceris ER: To induce remission in active, mild to moderate ulcerative colitis (FDA approved in adults).
Oral viscous liquid/suspension (prepared with inhalation product) has been used for treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis.
Substrate of CYP3A4 (major); Note: Assignment of Major/Minor substrate status based on clinically relevant drug interaction potential
Note: Interacting drugs may not be individually listed below if they are part of a group interaction (eg, individual drugs within “CYP3A4 Inducers [Strong]” are NOT listed). For a complete list of drug interactions by individual drug name and detailed management recommendations, use the drug interactions program by clicking on the “Launch drug interactions program” link above.
Note: Interacting drugs may not be individually listed below if they are part of a group interaction (eg, individual drugs within “CYP3A4 Inducers [Strong]” are NOT listed). For a complete list of drug interactions by individual drug name and detailed management recommendations, use the drug interactions program
Antacids: May decrease the bioavailability of Corticosteroids (Oral). Management: Consider separating doses by 2 or more hours. Budesonide enteric coated tablets could dissolve prematurely if given with drugs that lower gastric acid, with unknown impact on budesonide therapeutic effects. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Bile Acid Sequestrants: May decrease the absorption of Corticosteroids (Oral). Risk C: Monitor therapy
Clofazimine: May increase the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates (High risk with Inhibitors). Risk C: Monitor therapy
CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate): May increase the serum concentration of Budesonide (Systemic). Management: Avoid the concomitant use of CYP3A4 inhibitors and oral budesonide. If patients receive both budesonide and CYP3A4 inhibitors, they should be closely monitored for signs and symptoms of corticosteroid excess. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Strong): May increase the serum concentration of Budesonide (Systemic). Management: Avoid the concomitant use of CYP3A4 inhibitors and oral budesonide. If patients receive both budesonide and a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, they should be closely monitored for signs and symptoms of corticosteroid excess. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Fexinidazole: May increase the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates (High risk with Inhibitors). Risk X: Avoid combination
Fusidic Acid (Systemic): May increase the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates (High risk with Inhibitors). Management: Consider avoiding this combination if possible. If required, monitor patients closely for increased adverse effects of the CYP3A4 substrate. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Grapefruit Juice: May increase the serum concentration of Budesonide (Systemic). Risk X: Avoid combination
Grapefruit juice may double systemic exposure of orally administered budesonide. Management: Avoid grapefruit juice with oral capsules, tablets, or oral suspension.
Avoid grapefruit juice.
Fertility may be decreased in females with active inflammatory bowel disease. Corticosteroids used for the management of inflammatory bowel disease are not expected to decrease fertility in patients who could become pregnant (AGA [Mahadevan 2019]).
Immunoglobulin A nephropathy is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Immunosuppressants may be used when supportive care is not sufficient in controlling disease in patients planning to become pregnant. Effective contraception is recommended until disease is controlled (KDIGO 2021).
Some studies have shown an association between first trimester systemic corticosteroid use and oral clefts (Park-Wyllie 2000; Pradat 2003). Systemic corticosteroids may also influence fetal growth (decreased birth weight); however, information is conflicting (Lunghi 2010). Hypoadrenalism may occur in newborns following maternal use of corticosteroids in pregnancy (monitor).
Because systemic corticosteroids may increase the risk of gestational diabetes and other adverse pregnancy outcomes, use for maintenance therapy in pregnant patients with inflammatory bowel disease is not recommended. However, corticosteroids may be used to treat disease flares in pregnant patients (AGA [Mahadevan 2019]).
Serum glucose, electrolytes; blood pressure, weight and other growth parameters, presence of infection; signs/symptoms of erosive esophagitis; monitor intraocular pressure with therapy >6 weeks; bone mineral density; assess hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis suppression (eg, ACTH stimulation test, morning plasma cortisol test, urinary free cortisol test).
Budesonide, a glucocorticoid with high topical potency and limited systemic effects, depresses the activity of endogenous chemical mediators of inflammation (eg, kinins, prostaglandins). Oral budesonide formulations indicated for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (eg, Crohn disease, ulcerative colitis) allow for targeted, pH-dependent budesonide release in the GI tract. The delayed-release capsule particles (Entocort EC) contain enteric coated granules that dissolve at a pH ≥5.5, delivering budesonide to the ileum and ascending colon. The multimatrix enteric-coated ER tablet (Uceris) dissolves at a pH ≥7, delivering budesonide to the entire colon (Abdalla 2016; Iborra 2014). Although not fully elucidated, when used for treatment of primary immunoglobulin A nephropathy, budesonide presumably targets mucosal B-cells in the ileum and/or systemically to suppress production of galactose-deficient IgA1 antibodies implicated in causing IgA nephropathy. Inflammation is an important component in the pathogenesis of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE); the precise mechanism of corticosteroid actions (budesonide) on inflammation in EoE is not known; corticosteroids have a wide range of inhibitory activities against multiple cell types and mediators involved in allergic inflammation.
Distribution:
Children ≥9 years and adolescents ≤14 years of age: IV: 2.2 ± 0.4 L/kg.
Adults: 2.2 to 4 L/kg.
Protein binding: 85% to 90%.
Metabolism: Hepatic via CYP3A4 to two metabolites: 16 alpha-hydroxyprednisolone and 6 beta-hydroxybudesonide; both are <1% as active as parent.
Bioavailability: Oral: High first-pass effect; Capsule (delayed-release particles [Entocort EC], extended release [Ortikos]): Children ≥9 years of age and adolescents ≤14 years of age: 3% to 17%; Adults: 9% to 21%. Suspension (Eohilia): 14% under fasting state. Data not reported for other formulations.
Half-life elimination:
Children ≥9 years and adolescents ≤14 years of age: IV: 1.9 hours.
Adults:
IV: 2 to 3.6 hours.
Capsule (delayed-release particles [Entocort EC]): 6.3 ± 1.6 hours (range: 2 to 8 hours).
Capsule (delayed release [Tarpeyo]): 5 to 6.8 hours.
Capsule (extended release [Ortikos]), tablet (extended release [Uceris]): Not reported.
Suspension (Eohilia): 3.3 hours.
Tablet (orodispersible [Canadian product]): Median: 2.13 hours (following 1 mg dose in healthy subjects) and 4.56 hours (following 4 mg dose in patients with eosinophilic esophagitis).
Time to peak:
Capsule (delayed-release particles [Entocort EC]): Children ≥9 years and adolescents ≤14 years of age: Median: 5 hours; Adults: 0.5 to 10 hours.
Capsule (delayed release [Tarpeyo]): Median: 5.1 hours (range: 4.5 to 10 hours).
Capsule (extended release [Ortikos]): 2.5 to 8 hours.
Suspension (Eohilia): Children ≥11 years and adolescents: Median: 1 hour (range: 0.5 to 2 hours); Adults: Median: 2 hours (range: 0.5 to 4 hours).
Tablet (extended release [Uceris]): 13.3 ± 5.9 hours.
Tablet (orodispersible [Canadian product]): Median: 1 hour (range: 0.5 to 2 hours following a 1 mg dose in healthy subjects or a 4 mg dose in patients with eosinophilic esophagitis).
Excretion: Urine (60%) and feces as metabolites.
Hepatic impairment: AUC is multiplied by 1.4 and 3.5 in mild and moderate impairment, respectively, compared to healthy volunteers.
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