Budesonide Suspension

What is this medication?

BUDESONIDE (bue DES oh nide) treats inflammation of the esophagus caused by a buildup of white blood cells (eosinophils). It works by decreasing inflammation. This decreases pain. It also makes it easier to swallow. It belongs to a group of medications called steroids.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Eohilia

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Diabetes
• Having surgery
• High blood pressure
• Infection, such as tuberculosis (TB) or other bacterial, fungal, or viral infections
• Liver disease
• Osteoporosis, weak bones
• Stomach ulcers, other stomach or intestine problems
• Vision problems, such as cataracts or glaucoma
• An unusual or allergic reaction to budesonide, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Shake well before using. Do not take it with food or liquid. Do not eat or drink for 30 minutes after taking it. After 30 minutes, rinse and spit with water. Do not swallow the rinse. Keep taking this medication unless your care team tells you to stop.

Do not take this medication with grapefruit juice.

This medication comes with INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE. Ask your pharmacist for directions on how to use this medication. Read the information carefully. Talk to your pharmacist or care team if you have questions.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 11 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

• Certain antibiotics, such as erythromycin
• Certain antivirals for HIV or hepatitis
• Certain medications for fungal infections, such as ketoconazole or itraconazole
• Cimetidine
• Cyclosporine
• Grapefruit juice

Other medications may affect the way this medication works. Talk with your care team about all of the medications you take. They may suggest changes to your treatment plan to lower the risk of side effects and to make sure your medications work as intended.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

If you take other steroid medications to treat allergies, switching to this medication may cause your allergies to come back. Tell your care team if your allergies worsen while you are taking this medication.

This medication may increase your risk of getting an infection. Call your care team for advice if you get a fever, chills, sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.

Tell your care team right away if severe injury, infection, or other illness occurs while you are taking this medication. Tell them if you plan to have surgery. This medication can make it hard for your body to respond to stress.

This medication may slow your child's growth if it is taken for a long time. Your child's care team will monitor your child's growth.

This medication may increase blood sugar. The risk may be higher in patients who already have diabetes. Ask your care team what you can do to lower your risk of diabetes while taking this medication.

Talk to your care team about your risk of cancer. You may be more at risk for certain types of cancer if you take this medication.

Talk to your care team if you may be pregnant. There are benefits and risks to taking medications during pregnancy. Your care team can help you find the option that works for you.

Talk to your care team before breastfeeding. Changes to your treatment plan may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Cushing syndrome—increased fat around the midsection, upper back, neck, or face, pink or purple stretch marks on the skin, thinning, fragile skin that easily bruises, unexpected hair growth
• Heartburn, pain or trouble swallowing, chest pain that does not go away or gets worse
• Infection—fever, chills, cough, sore throat, wounds that don't heal, pain or trouble when passing urine, general feeling of discomfort or being unwell
• Low adrenal gland function—nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Headache
• Nausea
• Sore throat
• Thrush—white patches in the mouth

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store in a refrigerator or at room temperature up to 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). Do not freeze. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put in the trash, take the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.