Entocort® (budesonide) EC Capsules for Mild to Moderate Crohn’s Disease

What Entocort® Is and How It Works

Entocort® is a delayed-release form of budesonide used to treat mild to moderate Crohn’s disease that affects the ileum and/or ascending colon. These enteric-coated capsules release medicine in the small intestine and right colon. Typical products contain budesonide EC 3 mg, and many patients know them as entocort EC capsules. This Entocort® medication belongs to the corticosteroid class and is taken by mouth once daily. If you compare entocort price options, YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy based in Manitoba that ships to the US. Prescriptions are reviewed by licensed pharmacists before dispensing, and our team is available to help by chat during posted hours.

Budesonide acts mostly in the gut with low systemic exposure. It binds glucocorticoid receptors in the intestinal lining, reduces inflammatory cytokines, and calms localized immune activity. This targeted action lowers steroid-related effects compared with many systemic steroids, while still helping control symptoms.

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Dosage and Usage

Follow your prescriber’s directions and the product label. General guidance for budesonide EC 3 mg capsules:

• Induction: 9 mg once daily in the morning for up to 8 weeks.
• Taper: some plans step to 6 mg once daily for 2 weeks after induction.
• Maintenance: selected patients may continue a lower dose for a limited time as directed.
• Swallow capsules whole. If allowed by the product label, open the capsule and sprinkle granules on a spoonful of applesauce. Do not chew the granules.
• Missed dose: take when remembered on the same day. Skip if it is near the next dose. Do not double up.

Storage and travel:

• Store at room temperature (20–25°C), dry, and away from moisture.
• Keep in the original bottle or blister until use.
• When traveling, carry it in your hand luggage with the label attached.
• Avoid heat, humidity, and direct sunlight.

Benefits and Savings

Entocort® EC is designed to release budesonide where Crohn’s inflammation is common. Local delivery helps control abdominal pain, diarrhea, and urgency. Many patients see improved stool frequency and reduced flare symptoms while using an induction course.

Because budesonide has extensive first-pass metabolism, it often produces fewer systemic steroid effects than drugs like prednisone at equivalent anti-inflammatory doses. Once-daily morning dosing supports routine use.

Ordering from YouDrugstore can lower your treatment costs. We often deliver 60–80% savings vs typical US prices, depending on strength and pack size. You can review entocort ec price and budesonide ec capsule price options on our site, and multi-month supplies may reduce the per-month cost.

Side Effects and Safety

All medicines may cause side effects. Many are mild and improve with continued use.

• Common: headache, nausea, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, bloating, fatigue, acne, mild respiratory infections.
• Hormonal/Metabolic: fluid retention, increased blood pressure, increased blood sugar, mood changes, sleep changes.
• Less common but serious: adrenal suppression, Cushingoid features, glaucoma, cataracts, severe infection, allergic reaction (rash, swelling, trouble breathing).

Tell your prescriber about all medicines you take. Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (such as ketoconazole, clarithromycin, itraconazole, cobicistat, and some HIV protease inhibitors) can increase budesonide levels. Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking budesonide EC capsules. Live vaccines may be less effective or not advised during steroid therapy. Use caution in hepatic impairment, osteoporosis, peptic ulcer disease, hypertension, diabetes, glaucoma, and active infections. Report severe or persistent symptoms, or any signs of adrenal suppression.

Onset Time

Many patients notice symptom relief within 2–4 weeks of starting Entocort®. Full benefit may take several weeks, depending on disease severity and location. Keep using the medicine as prescribed for the planned course unless told otherwise by your prescriber. Do not stop suddenly if you have been taking it for more than a few weeks unless guided to taper.

Compare With Alternatives

Corticosteroid choice depends on where inflammation occurs and the need for systemic versus local effects.

Prednisone is a systemic steroid that can be effective for more extensive disease but often carries more whole-body effects. Some patients who require broader immunosuppression may use Prednisone short term before transitioning to a maintenance regimen.

Mesalamine products primarily target mild to moderate ulcerative colitis. For distal colitis, rectal options such as Pentasa® Enema may be considered. They are not equivalent to budesonide EC for ileocecal Crohn’s disease but may be used in related inflammatory bowel conditions when appropriate.

Other budesonide formulations exist. Budesonide MMX tablets are designed for ulcerative colitis, and budesonide rectal foam targets distal colitis. These are different from entocort ec capsules, which are optimized for the ileum and ascending colon.

Combination Therapy

Entocort® can be part of a broader plan for inflammatory bowel disease. Providers may pair a short steroid course with a maintenance agent to keep remission. Options include immunomodulators (azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine, methotrexate), aminosalicylates, or biologics (anti-TNF agents, vedolizumab, ustekinumab). Antibiotics may be used for specific complications per clinical judgment. The approach depends on disease location, severity, and response to prior therapies.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Entocort® is used for adults and may be used for selected adolescents as directed. It is intended for Crohn’s disease involving the ileum and/or ascending colon. People with widespread disease may need systemic therapy. Those with ulcerative colitis typically use different budesonide formulations or 5-ASA products. If you are researching entocort for ulcerative colitis, discuss whether a formulation designed for the colon is more suitable.

Share your full medication list with your prescriber, including over-the-counter products and supplements. Alert your care team if you have liver problems, eye disease, diabetes, osteoporosis risk, recurrent infections, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Avoid grapefruit. Keep vaccines up to date before starting steroids when possible.

Ways to manage costs: choose larger packs when appropriate to lower the per-month price, and set reorder reminders so you do not run out. Review entocort ec cost and the cost of entocort on our site to compare options. For current offers and bulk options, see our entocort coupon page.

You can also browse our condition pages for more context, including Crohns Disease and Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Ordering is available online, and our friendly customer-service chat can help during posted hours.

Authoritative Sources

FDA Prescribing Information for Entocort EC

Health Canada Drug Product Database: Entocort EC (budesonide)

European Medicines Agency: Entocort (EPAR)

YouDrugstore offers brand and generic medicines at Canadian prices with careful pharmacist review before dispensing. Start an order today and choose prompt, express shipping to the US.

This information does not replace your prescriber’s advice. Always follow the directions provided with your prescription and speak with your healthcare professional about your specific situation.